ISPO Press Portal

The digital transformation within the sports industry will be one of the hot topics at ISPO Munich 2019 (February 3 to 6) and for the second time ever will be given its very own dedicated area at the world’s leading trade fair for the sports business in the form of the ISPO Digitize Arena. Since it was launched in 2018, ISPO Digitize is the trend and innovation platform through which digital experts inform sports retailers and manufacturers about digital products, services and market opportunities. For the first time ever, ISPO Digitize will also enable visitors to experience the world of eSports. The ISPO Academy will also address the topic of digitalization as part of its program.

ISPO Beijing 2019 will open its doors from January 16–19. About 400 exhibitors representing 700 brands are expected for the 15th anniversary of the fair at its new location, the China International Exhibition Center (CIEC). They will present their latest products and technologies in the areas of winter sports, outdoors and health & fitness to the specialist audience. One of this year’s highlights is the partnership with Germany’s top professional soccer league, the Bundesliga. A number of leading clubs in the league will also attend the fair, which will be complemented by a variety of talks, podium discussions and forums.

ISPO Beijing will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2019. It has been an important event for the Asian sports market since 2005. Ever since it was launched, the trade fair has reflected the continuous changes in the market, highlighted trends and established itself as the industry’s leading platform.

By adding eSports as a new element to the ISPO network, ISPO continues to drive the global evolution of sports. For representatives of the sports business, including sporting goods retailers, brands, manufacturers and associations, the ISPO network is now the perfect place to find out about trends, developments and the potential of eSports and to learn more all year round on ISPO.com. ISPO Digitize will also focus on the topic during ISPO Munich 2019 (February 3–6). Exhibitors and visitors will have the opportunity in Hall C6 to experience eSports in person and learn about more about it in workshops.

The retail program “Altogether to Munich” supports sports retailers from Austria, Italy, Poland, Scandinavia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom in their planning for ISPO Munich itself and on site. From registration and hotel bookings to arranging appointments and trade fair tours in their own language, the all-round carefree package covers everything the sports retailers need to get a market overview at the world’s leading trade fair for the sports business. The program is an extension of “Club ISPO France”, which has been connecting retailers from France with partners and exhibitors for five years now. ISPO Munich is taking place from February 3–6, 2019.

The expert jury for the ISPO Brandnew award has selected the 2019 winners from more than 400 submissions. The most innovative products with true market relevance are distinguished each year in the world’s largest competition for start-ups in the sports industry. This year, the concept from ORIGINAL+ for the mass custom manufacturing of alpine skis came out as the overall winner. The other award winners offered remarkable products with personalized functions, new safety features and unconventional ideas. Visitors can see the ISPO Brandnew award winners and finalists from February 3 through 6, 2019, in the ISPO Brandnew Village at ISPO Munich.

The leading trade fair for the sporting goods industry in the Asia-Pacific region – ISPO Beijing – will celebrate its 15th anniversary from January 16 to 19, 2019. ISPO Beijing will then take place in a new location — the China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) in Beijing. Visitors will discover product innovations and trends from the Winter Sports, Outdoor and Health & Fitness segments in three halls. Many presentations and events will also take place during the four days of the trade fair. A ski resort tour, which will give visitors the opportunity to get to know the Chinese winter sports region, will round off the trade fair.

ISPO Munich is the most important event in the calendar for the international sports business. In January 2018, over 2,800 exhibitors showcased their products at the leading international trade fair spread across 16 halls, however the 2019 event will boast an extra two halls. The multi-segment trade fair will feature all industry highlights for the upcoming year and provide manufacturers, brands and sports retailers with plenty of space for meetings and networking. Set across 18 halls for the first time ever, the main focus in 2019 will be on “Health, Physical Activity and Sport.” However, other topics under the spotlight at ISPO Munich will include “Digitalization” and “Women in the Sports Business.” ISPO Munich will be held from February 3 to 6, 2019.