Highlight speakers Alexander Zverev, Mischa Zverev and Malaika Mihambo and numerous well-known brands such as Globetrotter, Gore Tex, Oakley or Icebug and many more await you at ISPO Munich 2024, so secure your ticket now in the ticket store! ISPO Munich 2024 is just around the corner and promises to be an event full of innovation, inspiration and insights. We are pleased to present the latest highlights that await you at ISPO Munich from 03 - 05 december. Here's a little taste of what you definitely shouldn't miss:
Environmental and climate protection as well as social responsibility are the new standard, a must in the sports industry and, above all, a real game changer that the next generation is loudly demanding. However, many small companies and start-ups are still struggling to implement their own and statutory sustainability goals in a meaningful and effective way. The solution? The Sustainability Hub at ISPO Munich 2024, in partnership with Patagonia, offers exactly what brands, retailers and consumers need when it comes to sustainability: practicable concepts, forward-looking solutions and innovative ideas.
Consumers are into sustainability, yes. But then inflation comes into play - and suddenly it's the price that counts. Sustainability? Often neglected after all. Retailers and brands have long been aware of this change in consumer behavior, which expert Frederik Ekström defines as "green fatigue". The brand strategist from Above The Clouds analyzed this consumer behavior and gets to the heart of the matter with his study. His survey of 2,500 Scandinavian consumers and 32 brand representatives clearly shows that the rules of the game are fundamentally changing - and that it is high time to respond.
Another exciting discovery made by Ekström: while the willingness to pay more for sustainable sportswear has decreased in all age groups, the younger generation is out of line. Despite rising prices, 82 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds are prepared to dig deeper into their pockets for fairly produced goods. This figure gives us hope, because the influence of Gen Z is growing inexorably! By 2030, they will make up 40 percent of the working-age population worldwide and represent the largest consumer group with a purchasing power of a whopping 33 trillion dollars.
"We see that 80 percent of consumers see sustainability as part of their identity," says Ekström. This young generation is setting completely new standards for coolness and environmental awareness. For them, sustainability is not a short-term trend, but a real lifestyle. And the best thing about it? Knowledge about environmental and climate issues is considered extremely attractive: 8 out of 10 Gen Z'ers feel physically attracted to people who live a sustainable lifestyle.
This means for brands: If you miss the Green Train, you run the risk of losing the connection to your target group! But be careful - just sticking green labels on hangtags is not enough. Gen Z recognizes greenwashing immediately and surprise: they are not a fan of it! They don't want hollow phrases, they want to see real change, store second-hand and have their favorite items repaired. They are looking for brands that don't just talk about sustainability, but actually live it. Brands that help them make informed decisions and bring their lifestyle in line with their values.
The advantage? The wishes of Gen Z are fully in line with current EU regulations. The Green Deal is putting the industry under pressure and forcing it to rethink its entire value chain: extended producer responsibility (EPR), the right to repair, due diligence obligations in supply chains, eco-design, deforestation regulations, sustainability reports ... you name it!
Meeting all these requirements is a huge challenge - especially for small and medium-sized companies or start-ups. They have to acquire the necessary know-how, monitor their supply chains, collect data, implement recycling measures and then communicate the whole thing properly. This costs manpower, money and a lot of energy. But there is also huge potential here: the attitudes of Gen Z described above can quickly turn the (ethical) commitment to sustainability into a decisive competitive advantage!
But how do I deal with the overwhelming complexity of the topic as a retailer or brand? How do I convert my processes to recyclable products? How do I design products that last forever and are still recyclable? How do I communicate sustainability issues without overwhelming my customers? And how can artificial intelligence help me to track and transparently map all aspects of the product life cycle, from my supplier's CO2 emissions to the second-hand online store?
The solution: the industry must move closer together, do pioneering work and share knowledge! ISPO Munich and OutDoor have long been more than just trade shows - they are the heart of the industry when it comes to sustainability. These platforms offer the unique opportunity not only to present groundbreaking sustainable materials, products and technologies, but also to experience them at first hand. They are the place where visionaries come together to discuss the latest developments and drive real change - whether it's the impact of the EU Green Deal on businesses, strategies for a transparent circular economy and carbon reduction, material innovations or the purchasing behavior of the new eco-consumer.
From December 3 to 5, ISPO Munich 2024 will once again be the ultimate hotspot for everyone who wants to know how to perfectly combine success and sustainability under the slogan "Love Every Contact". Whether you're a manufacturer, retailer, designer or just a curious sports enthusiast - you'll find everything you need to take your green know-how to the next level. And in four exciting categories: Find Solutions, Gain Insights, Make Experiences and Get Guidance. Fancy a sneak peek?
In the topic-specific hubs, current industry challenges meet innovative solutions and offer countless networking and business opportunities:
Immerse yourself in the world of innovations for a sustainable future, presented by new and established brands. Here, leading brands such as Atomic, Globetrotter, Gore Tex, LYCRA, Aware, Carbon Fact, CompPair, Hyosung, Interzero, myclimate, Prolong, Re:Down, retraced, Südwolle, Fibre52, Kuraray and many more present their groundbreaking ideas and products.
Precise, well-founded and to the point: The ISPO Textrends are characterized by future-oriented materials that have been pre-selected by experts. They offer you a clear orientation in the jungle of the most sustainable material innovations and show which trends will shape the industry in the coming years.
Be inspired by the numerous presentations, keynotes and panels on the Green Stage, which will inspire you with in-depth insights and best practices from leading experts. Special highlight: bgreen leaders X ISPO Munich. The B2B sustainability network of Circulaze and Messe München brings start-ups and investors together and opens the doors to exclusive insights behind the scenes of the circular economy.
But the Green Stage is by no means the end of the story. In order to take a closer look at the topic of sustainability in other specialist areas and offer even deeper insights, there is an extensive accompanying conference program.
What do they have to offer? Stay tuned!
Even if the sports industry takes the topic seriously: The journey to sustainability is not easy - and there is still a long way to go. So get ready for three days full of inspiration, innovation - and maybe even a bit of revolution. Because one thing is clear: nothing less than our future is at stake!
The same applies in sport as in business: contact is crucial. Be it the grip, the hand on the rock, the touch of the ball. Or the phone call, the handshake, the LinkedIn account. Nothing works without the right contact: contacts push us, bring fresh ideas and create valuable networks. They are at the heart of our sporting and professional lives.
So it's no wonder that ISPO Munich 2024 is bringing together the industry's game changers under the slogan "LOVE EVERY CONTACT" to connect, do business and celebrate for three days. And there is something for absolutely everyone: Whether retailer, exhibitor, sponsor: With these 9 ways you can become part of ISPO Munich 2024. Don't forget: Every contact pushes you forward!
After a successful premiere last year, the curated special area Zeitgeist by ISPO is entering its second round. Its focus: international trendsetters, new pioneers and young, up-and-coming brands from the growing market segment of contemporary outdoor and sports fashion. Top brands such as Snowpeak, Varsity Headwear, Quartz Co. and We Norwegians are taking part for the second time. Veja and Bellroy follow them and reveal why they want to be at the forefront of the Zeitgeist by ISPO 2024 Edition.
The 'zeitgeist' captures what people are currently thinking and feeling and how they want to shape their lifestyle. While the OutDoor market was characterized by traditional outdoor enthusiasts in the past, this target group has evolved, differentiated and rejuvenated in recent years. New influences such as urbanity, fashion, streetwear and sustainability are merging with the classic original and giving rise to new, creative players. ISPO Munich wants to offer a platform for this development with the curated special area Zeitgeist by ISPO and address the changing needs of consumers and companies alike. With a uniform look, prefabricated and equipped stand areas in various sizes and a real community feeling, a trade show presence has never been so easy.
And what do brands that are now presenting themselves for the first time at the Zeitgeist by ISPO area have to say? We asked three of them:
The Australian label Bellroy from Bells Beach and Fitzroy, which was founded at a kitchen table in 2010 and is now headquartered in Melbourne, already sells its collection of travel bags and accessories in over 25 countries. As a certified B Corp, Bellroy is just as concerned about sustainability as it is about the customer's need for style and functionality. However, Bellroy does not want to offer bags for specific environments and locations. "We founded Bellroy with the goal of developing products for everyday use that our customers can use in all their environments, from the gym to the office, from the city to the great outdoors, from the airport to the road trip. We design solutions for everyday needs and are not an 'occasional' brand for special endeavors," explains Julia Gaw from Bellroy.
Positioned at the intersection of style and function, the brand manufactures products that combine aesthetics, functionality and sustainability and appeal to fashion, travel and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Sports retailers are also increasingly looking for collections that can be used universally and with which they can expand their reach beyond the traditional sports context. For Bellroy, the Zeitgeist by ISPO area with its focus on innovation and trendsetting is therefore the ideal place where the brand can "join forces with like-minded innovators who understand and appreciate our design and world view," says Julia Gaw. Communicating this world view works best in a curated space with brands that think similarly and from person to person. For Bellroy, trade shows are therefore "hugely important as they give us the opportunity to connect face-to-face with industry leaders, customers and partners, fostering growth and collaboration. They are crucial for showcasing products, increasing visibility, training and learning. Ultimately, they are key to cultivating relationships and strengthening influence in the industry."
For years, the sneaker market has been a prime example of how the sports and fashion segments influence each other and constantly absorb new impulses. The French brand Veja is one of the sustainability pioneers in the sneaker market and has been creating products that combine social projects, economic justice and ecological materials since 2005. Veja does not develop products to target a specific market, niche, segment or consumer typology. "We try to create products where the design serves as a means for innovation in use, aimed at the end consumer," explains Sophie Bouquet from Veja.
"Sports brands are successful today when they combine sustainability, design and social commitment. Our product development is based on practical and user-oriented issues and not on trends or market requirements. We use all our know-how from the lifestyle sector to transfer it to sport." Veja has not been active in the performance sector for long. Trade shows are essential to emphasize this still young orientation to retailers. Sophie Bouquet: "Trade shows are still very important for us because they give us the opportunity to present Veja from a sports perspective." They offer the best opportunity to discuss a wide variety of topics in direct communication. At Zeitgeist by ISPO, Veja wants to meet stores and key accounts "who are curious about our approach to performance". Veja has also noticed this: The interest of sports/outdoor retailers in more fashionable collections is increasing. Sophie Bouquet: "Since the start of the Gropcore trend, the boundary between fashion and outdoor has become increasingly permeable.
The outdoor apparel brand Snow Peak, founded 1958 in Japan by a climber dissatisfied with existing climbing gear, has since become a still-expanding company with a distinct outdoor culture. After already being part of ISPO in 2020, Snow Peak returns to the Zeitgeist by ISPO Area this year. After the pandemic and with the introduction of virtual meetings and budget cuts, trade shows have been challenging for the company. "However, we have seen in other shows across Europe that the footfall is increasing again", the brand explains their return. Snow Peak also loves the appeal of Zeitgeist by ISPO: "Zeitgeist is changing the way people think about the outdoors." As an emerging brand in Europe, nurturing wholesale relationships is key for their growth.
Snow Peak also exhibits at other trade shows, but Zeitgeist by ISPO is special for the brand. The lack of need for an individual stand at the Zeitgeist area is something the company is looking forward to. "For us exhibiting at the show it is important to have access to as much available at Zeitgeist as possible. Being close with other brands that also push into the EU market will bring synergies to Snow Peak." They also mentioned the logistics of Zeitgeist by ISPO as a plus, helping them getting the most out of the show.
Would you like to be part of Zeitgeist by ISPO 2024?
Then contact Constanze Fuchs directly:
What do sports and business have in common? Success hinges on connections. Contacts enable experience, reveal solutions, offer insights and provide orientation. The perfect venue for this: ISPO Munich 2024. As the global leading trade fair of the sports industry and the world's largest sports business event, it opens its doors from 03-05 DECEMBER. Experiences, solutions, insights, guidance: that's what awaits you at the sports happening of the year.
The new slogan "LOVE EVERY CONTACT" underlines the importance of the leading international trade fair as a platform for exchange and networking, as the hottest trends, innovations and premieres in the areas of sport, health and fashion are presented here, discussed in the community and brought out into the world.
As the heart of the global ecosystem in the sports business, ISPO Munich 2023 attracted more than 2,400 international exhibitors and around 60,000 visitors from almost 120 countries to the Bavarian capital. This makes it one of the most far-reaching and influential events in the international sports industry: a happening that brings together not only brands and retailers, but also start-ups and investors, suppliers, solution providers, consultancies, agencies, media and athletes from all over the world.
"Thanks to the wide range of offers for guests and exhibitors, ISPO Munich is once again the most efficient way to get a comprehensive overview of innovations and trends, be inspired and network with the global community in just three days," explains Exhibition Director Lena Haushofer. Well-known companies such as Bergans, Blackroll, Oakley, Fjällraven, Hanwag, Icebug, Ternua, Kailas, K. Swiss, La Sportiva, Maloja, Colmar, Montura, Polartec, Recco, Sketchers and Gore have already registered as exhibitors for this year.
The combination of sport, outdoor and fashion is the focus of this year's ISPO Munich. The highlights: ISPO 520M by Highsnobiety and Zeitgeist by ISPO 2024 Edition.
ISPO 520M by Highsnobiety is THE platform to shape the future of outdoor, fashion and culture together. As the outdoor industry continues to evolve, 520M is ready to lead the way and shape the future of outdoor fashion and culture for generations to come. In parallel, the Zeitgeist by ISPO presentation concept offers brands a stage to showcase their innovative designs and concepts and define the pulse of modern sports fashion. Zeitgeist by ISPO - this is where innovation meets inspiration and the future of fashion unfolds.
The Pickleball and Padel Village is the place for sports. Climbing and racket sports equipment can be tested there. Athletes and professional players demonstrate their sport at the highest level and provide non-stop action. The top brands present their products on the climbing wall or on the racket courts, while a lounge area offers space for networking.
ISPO Munich presents the latest trends in the health sector in cooperation with the Leipzig trade show at therapie MÜNCHEN in the ICM and an adjacent exhibition area. The trade fair and congress for therapy and medical rehabilitation is aimed at physiotherapists, occupational therapists, sports therapists and masseurs.
The heart of this year's ISPO Munich is once again the Future Lab, the perfect arena for innovations and insights, digital transformation and networking. This is where challenges meet solutions in three curated themed areas:
Sustainability continues to be one of the industry's innovation drivers. The Sustainability Hub showcases innovative products, state-of-the-art materials and revolutionary initiatives that are reshaping our understanding of sustainability. The Sustainability Hub focuses on the ESG principles, which evaluate how companies manage their sustainability measures. They provide the framework to understand the innovations of individual companies at product level, in the supply chain or in transparency and to derive their own measures from them.
"All hubs inspire with their own high-quality conference program and invite you to exchange ideas with the community in networking areas," says Lena Haushofer. The Future Lab will once again be home to the Main Stage with a speaker line-up of well-known personalities from the world of sport and sports business. Last year's highlight speakers included Thomas Tuchel, Yusra Mardini, Gorden Herbert and Colin Kaepernick.
In addition, ISPO Munich 2024 has significantly expanded its range of conferences:
ISPO Munich is the most efficient way to get an overview of business and product innovations in three days. The ISPO Award platforms recognize outstanding achievements in the sports industry and its suppliers. They offer a glimpse into the future: outstanding products, new start-ups and pioneering material innovations!
All three award formats will be presented at ISPO Munich with their own exhibition formats. The winners will each be celebrated with their own award ceremony on the Main Stage in the Future Lab.