We are excited to continue our Athlete & Influencer Programme spotlights with Donna York, @climate_social_club, an Austria-based outdoor enthusiast and climate storyteller from Atlanta, USA, focused on making the outdoors more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.
Through climate workshops, community events, and her podcast The Unheard Climate Voices, she creates spaces where more people—especially those often left out of outdoor culture—can connect with nature and each other. Her work blends sustainability with storytelling to challenge who the outdoors is “for” and to open it up to new voices and experiences.
We Spoke to Donna about her connection with the outdoors, and what she is excited to see at ISPO this year.
I’m a sustainability expert and climate communicator with a background in building inclusive spaces, especially in the outdoors. My connection to sport isn’t traditional or competitive, it’s rooted in access, community, and storytelling. I’ve used outdoor activities as a way to bring people together and rethink who gets to belong in these spaces and learning about nature. For me, movement and nature go hand in hand, and I’ve spent years helping others feel more confident stepping into both.
Hiking, hands down. It gives me everything I need: challenge, reflection, and a reset. There’s something powerful about being out on a trail, especially when you don’t see many people who look like you. It feels like reclaiming space in a quiet but meaningful way
I’m really excited about the conversations. ISPO brings together people who are shaping the future of sport, and I’m especially interested in where sustainability, innovation, and inclusion intersect. I want to see how brands are moving beyond performative commitments and actually creating access for underrepresented communities.
Serena Williams. Not just for her athleticism, but for her mindset. The discipline, the resilience, the way she’s navigated spaces that weren’t built for her. I’d want to understand how she stays mentally strong and grounded under pressure.
I use my platforms to tell stories that don’t usually get told, especially around climate, identity, and the outdoors. Whether it’s through my podcast or visual storytelling, I try to create content that feels honest and accessible. It’s less about perfection and more about building a real connection, starting conversations, and making people feel seen.
I‘ve been obsessed about Korean culture since I was 15. yeah, Kpop and everything. In my free time I just sing old Korean songs and cook Korean vegan food.
We can’t wait to welcome Donna to the Expo this November! Don’t forget to register for your ticket to attend.
Have a platform and a love for sport? We'd love for you to join the programme!
ISPO 2026 is proud to announce it has partnered with It’s Great Out There Coalition. This alliance strengthens the existing collaboration between both parties and demonstrates ISPO’s commitment to work with like-minded, community-focused sports and outdoor organisations to increase public awareness of the benefits of outdoor activities.
Together, they will work to bolster and further support the cultural foundation of the sports industry with a renewed focus on advocacy and sustainability. Recognising that sustainability is non-negotiable, this partnership forms part of a wider commitment that underscores ISPO’s long-term dedication to environmental responsibility, industry stewardship and collaborative action across the global outdoor community.
It’s Great Out There Coalition (IGOT) is a European not-for-profit collaboration that was launched by the outdoor industry in 2017. Its mission is to break down barriers to outdoor activity and enable more people across Europe to experience the benefits of spending time in nature. With a vision for a sustainably profitable industry that gives back more to society and nature than it takes, the Coalition provides a platform for outdoor companies to show they are “doing business right” by investing in society and the environment.
Many outdoor opportunities start with local, community-led initiatives, often run by small teams or individuals. IGOT actively supports these grassroots initiatives as they create some of the most important entry points into the outdoors. Through its work, the Coalition helps amplify their impact and connect them with the wider outdoor industry.
The partnership with Raccoon Media Group provides a significant opportunity to elevate these grassroots stories, bringing them to a broader audience and strengthening connections across the sector. This collaboration reflects a shared belief that the outdoor industry has a vital role to play in ensuring nature and outdoor activity are accessible to everyone.
As part of this initiative, the It’s Great Out There Coalition will deliver 125 Outdoor Activity Days on behalf of Raccoon Media, helping to introduce more people to outdoor experiences across Europe. These activities will align with key industry moments, including European Week of Sport, reinforcing the importance of physical activity and outdoor participation across the continent.
ISPO 2026 will act as a key moment for the outdoor industry to come together, providing a platform to highlight the importance of increasing access to outdoor activity and showcasing the impact of initiatives supported by IGOT. Through the partnership with Raccoon Media, IGOT will bring its mission to life at ISPO through a series of activations, including talks, discussions and physical activities, designed to engage the industry and inspire greater support for initiatives that help more people experience the outdoors.
Mike Seaman, ISPO’s new CEO commented: “We know the power of the outdoors to transform physical and mental wellbeing. When delivered responsibly, it brings communities together, celebrates the natural world and reinforces the need to protect it. This partnership reflects our commitment to leading from the front across the sports, winter sports and outdoor industries, helping to set the agenda, raise standards and shape the future of the sectors ISPO represents. We’re incredibly proud to have It’s Great Out There Coalition on board and excited about what we can achieve together.”
Margo de Lange from IGOT said: “The outdoor industry has a long history of effective collaboration to tackle the biggest challenges and issues. It’s thanks to those principles of cooperation that the It’s Great Out There Coalition was founded, and we’ve continued the approach in all of our work. We welcome opportunities to team up with formidable organisations such as ISPO that provide a global platform and an opportunity to bring together all who share our goal of getting Europe active in the outdoors, in a responsible and inclusive way, celebrating the natural beauty around us and fostering the need to protect it.”
For further information visit www.ispo.com and www.itsgreatoutthere.com
The National Outdoor Expo will return in 2027 with a redesigned format shaped around four defining elements: the activities people take part in, the equipment they rely on, the skills they develop and the environments they experience.
This approach places disciplines, retail, practical learning and live participation at the centre of the show, creating a more structured and relevant way to explore the outdoors.
The show will continue to be organised across eight core disciplines: hiking and walking, trail running, cycling, climbing, camping, adventure travel, water sports and bushcraft but 2027 will see a distinct area within the event, bringing together brands, retailers, content and live environments relevant to that activity.
A show organised by activity
For 2027, the event moves to a structure where visitors navigate the show by what they do outdoors. Each discipline will combine product, expertise and experience in one place. The intention is to create a more coherent environment, where visitors can spend time within their area of interest and engage with it in greater depth.
Retail placed at the centre of the experience
A key part of the new format is the integration of retail and brands within each discipline. Dedicated retail zones will sit inside each area of the show, bringing together leading outdoor retailers and brands alongside relevant content and activations. This approach allows visitors to explore equipment and apparel in context, with the opportunity to compare products, ask questions and understand how they perform in real use. The aim is to create a more useful commercial environment for both exhibitors and visitors, where product discovery is directly connected to activity.
From inspiration to application
The 2027 programme places greater emphasis on practical learning and participation. Alongside headline speakers, each discipline will include workshops, coached sessions and skill-based demonstrations led by athletes, guides and practitioners. These sessions are designed to reflect real outdoor environments, giving visitors the opportunity to build knowledge they can take beyond the show. Content will sit closer to the action. Rather than focusing solely on talks, the programme will include live activity, performance environments and opportunities to observe and take part in the disciplines themselves.
Live environments across the showfloor
Each area will feature activity-led environments designed to be used. Climbing will include performance and competition elements. Trail running will focus on endurance, technique and equipment testing. Camping and bushcraft will centre on practical skills and field use. Across the show, the balance shifts towards doing, learning and observing real participation, rather than purely listening to experience.
A more defined role within the outdoor sector
The 2027 format positions the National Outdoor Expo as a single place where the UK outdoor community comes together across multiple disciplines, while giving each one the space and depth it requires. The event remains open and accessible, but is structured with greater clarity for those already active within the outdoor space, as well as those looking to progress.
The new format will be introduced at the 2027 edition, with further announcements on retailers, partners and programme to follow in the coming months.
ISPO 2026 will place sustainability firmly at the centre of business strategy, highlighting its growing role as a key commercial driver across the global sports and outdoor market.
As regulatory pressures tighten and consumer expectations evolve, ISPO 2026 will focus on how brands and retailers can translate sustainability commitments into measurable business outcomes spanning cost efficiency, supply chain resilience, and long-term brand value.
With sustainability now directly linked to competitiveness, ISPO 2026 will showcase scalable, market-ready solutions across:
- Circular business models enabling resale, rental, and product lifecycle extension
- Decarbonisation strategies aligned with emerging regulatory frameworks and net-zero targets
- Material innovation focused on durability, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact
- Supply chain transparency supporting compliance and consumer trust
The event will provide trade professionals with practical insights on integrating sustainability into core operations that move beyond initial concepts and advise on full-scale implementation.
The Sustainability Hub will serve as a central platform for sourcing innovations and forming strategic partnerships. Designed with trade professionals in mind, the Hub will connect brands, suppliers, and technology providers offering:
By bringing these solutions together in one space, ISPO 2026 will enables faster decision-making and more efficient sourcing for buyers and product teams.
ISPO 2026 will deliver a robust programme of expert-led sessions focused on the commercial realities of sustainability, including:
This content is designed to equip decision-makers with actionable strategies that can be directly applied across product development, sourcing, and retail.
Recognising that no single organisation can solve sustainability challenges alone, ISPO 2026 will facilitate cross-industry collaboration between brands, manufacturers, startups, and policymakers.
This integrated approach supports the development of shared standards, accelerates innovation adoption, and reduces fragmentation across the value chain - critical factors for achieving industry-wide impact.
To find out more, visit www.ispo.com and register to attend here.
ISPO 2026 (3–5 November, Amsterdam RAI) is back with a clear ambition: to reconnect the global sports, outdoor and performance industry and create a platform that feels relevant, energised, and genuinely valuable.
Led by Raccoon Media Group in partnership with Messe München, and co-located with the International Running Expo, ISPO is entering a new chapter, one built on fresh thinking, sharper focus, and an experienced team who understand how the industry is evolving.
So, who’s behind it?
Tracy Bebbington - Joint Managing Director
With over 25 years in the events industry, Tracy brings deep experience in building and scaling global trade shows. Her role is about making sure ISPO is strategically strong, operationally sound, and delivers on what it promises.
Soraya Gadelrab - Joint Managing Director
Soraya leads the strategic vision and product development of ISPO. Her career has been shaped by transforming large-scale exhibitions into platforms that go beyond the show floor, creating long-term value, collaboration, and industry momentum.
Alex Bennett – Commercial Director
Alex is responsible for shaping the commercial direction of ISPO, with a focus on growing revenue and building lasting partnerships across the global sports and outdoor industry. With a strong background in fitness, sport and outdoor sectors, he takes a practical, results-focused approach to connecting brands with the right opportunities, helping ensure ISPO delivers real value for exhibitors, sponsors and partners.
Susanna Bailey - Marketing Director
Susanna leads ISPO’s global marketing strategy, focused on attracting a high-quality audience and delivering real ROI for exhibitors and partners. With 20+ years in B2B event marketing, her strength lies in building engaged, relevant communities at scale.
Kate Jamieson - Content & Business Development Director
Kate shapes the voice and substance of ISPO, from the show floor stages to the Leaders’ Summit programme. With a background in publishing, marketing and live events, her passion is creating content that resonates, sparks conversation, and stays with audiences long after the event ends.
Sarah Arnold - Hosted Buyer Programme Lead
Sarah leads the newly structured Hosted Buyer Programme. With 25 years in the meetings and events sector, she focuses on creating meaningful, high-value connections between buyers and exhibitors.
Nick Fielding - Operations Director
Nick ensures ISPO runs smoothly for everyone involved. From venue management to large-scale exhibitions, his experience includes launching events from scratch, including shows that now attract over 135,000 visitors annually.
Ipek Saltik - Partnerships Manager
Ipek manages ISPO’s global representatives' network, playing a key role in reaching international markets. Having worked across sales leadership and exhibition management, she knows how to add value at every stage of an event’s lifecycle.
Sam Homersham - Sales Manager
Sam works directly with exhibitors and partners to help them get the most out of ISPO. His focus is relationship-driven, connecting brands with opportunities, supporting growth, and making the whole process collaborative (and enjoyable).
Ellen Hodgson - Marketing Manager
Ellen drives ISPO’s campaign engine, blending bold creative thinking with data-led decisions. Her mission? Build buzz, grow audiences, and make ISPO the event the industry can’t scroll past.
Kieran Head - Operations Manager
Kieran's role includes managing the ISPO Floorplan, being the middleman between ISPO & its suppliers, whilst being on hand to support Nick with the end-to-end delivery of the event.
Ellie Mansfield - Content Producer for Tech Solutions Hub
Ellie curates speaker programmes focused on innovation, performance, and technology. With a Sport & Exercise Science background, she brings academic insight into practical, forward-looking content for the Tech Solutions Hub.
Laura Ostapowicz - Content Producer for Textiles & Fashion Hub and ISPO Podcast Studio
Laura helps shape conversations across ISPO’s stages, working closely with speakers, designers and brand leaders. Her background in styling, marketing and production brings a fresh, creative lens to the programme.
Florie Craddock – Content Producer for Brand & Retail Horizons Stage & BrandNew Awards
Florie's role as Content Producer on ISPO is to oversee the programming of the show floor content, with 6 content areas including a new Podcast Studio feature. With a passion for the intersection between winter sports and business, she curates the content for the Brand & Retail Horizons Stage, alongside being the Project Manager for the BrandNew Awards.
Martha Collings - Marketing Executive
Martha supports ISPO’s marketing campaigns and manages social media. Joining Raccoon straight from university, she helps bring ISPO’s personality to life across digital channels.
Sarah Thornton - ISPO International Sales Support Administrator
We asked the team why ISPO 2026 matters and why it deserves a place in your calendar.
1. A Reset for the Industry
This isn’t just another edition. New location, new team, new investment. ISPO is being rebuilt with intention. It’s a rare opportunity to be part of something evolving from the ground up and help shape what comes next.
2. An Innovation-First Platform
ISPO is where ideas turn physical. From innovative gear to future-facing solutions, it’s a hands-on view of where sport, winter sport, outdoor, and performance are heading and how innovation is being applied right now.
3. High-Value Connections That Matter
With the introduction of a structured Hosted Buyer Programme, ISPO is focused on quality over quantity. Expect meaningful conversations, relevant decision-makers, and opportunities designed to deliver real outcomes.
4. The Industry Moment
ISPO is where the global sports business comes together. It’s serious business but it’s also about shared passion, energy, and face-to-face connection. If you want to be part of the conversation shaping the future of the industry, this is where it happens.
To find out more, visit www.ispo.com and register to attend here.