Image credit:
Messe München
ISPO Retail Club 2025
Image credit:
Messe München
08/06/2025

10 voices on how trade shows promote innovation and networking

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Trade shows are more than just sales areas, they are innovation and networking hubs where tomorrow's business models are born. Holger Knorr from Fidlock puts it in a nutshell: "It's about touching, trying out and understanding." Emma Zwiebler, CEO of WFSGI, also emphasizes how trade shows like ISPO help to address global challenges such as physical inactivity. Beth Thoren from Patagonia emphasizes the importance of authenticity and responsibility. Networking is also a key success factor for the industry. These voices show that trade shows are far more than just sales platforms, they are the place where innovations and sustainable business models are created that change the sports and retail sector.

In an era where direct interaction and personal experiences are becoming increasingly important, trade shows remain an indispensable tool.

Can trade show conversations be replaced digitally? 60% of international respondents in an AUMA study say, "No." They believe that personal contacts at trade fairs cannot be replaced digitally. Trade shows not only offer the opportunity to experience innovative products live but also provide space to network, exchange experiences, and shape the future of the industry together. Especially ISPO 2025 has established itself as a leading platform for the sports, outdoor, and health sectors.

Beth Thoren

Patagonia, Environmental Action & Initiatives Director EMEA

Beth Thoren

"ISPO is a place where like-minded companies come together. Companies that share our mission."

Marina Moguš

SVP/GM Central Europe, adidas

Marina Mogûs auf der ISPO Munich
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Messe München GmbH

"I love how they bring the whole industry together. We have so much knowledge, and suddenly the discussions are so much broader than before. [...] Now we're really bringing the whole industry together from different perspectives. Lots of expertise, lots of sharing and networking, and I love the atmosphere I feel here today."

Lena Haushofer

Exhibition Director, ISPO

Lena Haushofer auf der ISPO Munich
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Messe München GmbH

"ISPO is a connector. What makes ISPO the perfect platform for those projects? It's the ideal platform to connect the global brands and really on a global level, not just a regional level, but global brands, global stakeholders, and also global changemakers."

Lars Hermes

Founder of Waldkicker

Lars Hermes auf der ISPO 2024
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Messe München GmbH

"It's all about network. And we are very happy to have those partners."

Holger Knorr

Director Sales Retail Products at Fidlock

Portrait Holger Knorr, Director Sales Retail Products at Fidlock
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Holger Knorr

"At a trade show like ISPO, we can observe in real time how people react to our products.[...] It's about touching, trying out and understanding."

Emma Zwiebler

WFSGI, CEO

Emma P. (Mason) Zwiebler auf der ISPO Munich
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Messe München GmbH

"We need governments to come to the table and we believe ISPO provides a great platform to bring together all the key stakeholders that are critical to the physical inactivity problem."

Grace McNamara

CEO, The Collective

Grace McNamara auf der ISPO Munich
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Messe München GmbH

"The topics of conversation at ISPO this year were phenomenal. They were very diverse and covered different age groups, genders, products and challenges."

Andre Agassi

Former tennis player

Andre Agassi im Talk auf der ISPO 2024
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Messe München

"ISPO here in Munich has been a great show. It's fascinating to see the sports world come together behind the scenes, be it from a technological or innovative perspective. [...] It's an amazing place to express your vision for different passions, and yes, it's been a great experience."

Florian Auger

Director of Design, OUTERCRAFT

"And I'm really grateful that ISPO has given me the opportunity to invite people from other industries here to share their insights and give fresh perspectives. There are so many opportunities for people to meet and exchange ideas, and I'm sure wonderful projects will come out of it."

Hunter Lovins

President and Founder, Natural Capitalism Solutions

Hunter Lovins

"ISPO is a community. People come here to see each other. [...] You can't replicate that on the Internet. The face-to-face contact and conversations are at the heart of what makes business truly rewarding. And when you come with a purpose, to learn, to engage, to have conversations, you go home with something you can't get anywhere else."