Sport and outdoor is changing fast, and ISPO is the place to be to know where the brands and retailers are really heading.
Make the most of your time at ISPO by getting yourself to the Brand & Retail Horizon Stage, home to some of the sharpest sessions and most challenging discussions at the show. This is where brand leaders, retailers and the leaders in the industry come to debate and get real about what's next. Expect AI shaking up the way brands operate, circular supply and retail systems proving sustainability isn't just a buzzword, workplace culture getting an honest airing, climate activism done right, and the secret to padel's global boom. Bring your curiosity. Some of these conversations might just change how you run your business.
What's coming for brands?
Let's start with the big one. AI.
The programme will open with a keynote by brand director and AI-expert, Michel van Velde. He'll dive into what AI means for outdoor brands right now, from smarter content and customer support to bigger commercial and strategic plays. No jargon, no fluff, just the practical stuff you can act on.
Kicking off Day 2, Fredrick Ekstrom of Above the Cloud brings a decade of consumer trend data from the Nordics and Germany, and asks the question that divides every brand strategy meeting: do you chase the trend, or trust your own instincts? Expect strong opinions in the room, all based on actionable insights from real data.
The conversations that matter
Not everything on this stage is about the bottom line. Some of it is about doing better.
Global Game Shapers headlines a panel on what real allyship in the workplace looks like, turning good intentions into practical action that helps build a stronger, more supportive industry for women. Founder Celine Del Genes leads the conversation, joined by voices from New Balance and beyond. Protect Our Winters brings the climate fight to centre stage, exploring how brands can back real causes without losing themselves in the process. Featuring a brand and an athlete activist who have shaped a major EU climate policy coming into effect this November, this session will share how others can do the same
Sustainability programs in action
Outzip, the platform letting outdoor fans rent gear instead of buying and binning it, teams up with Scandinavian travel brand Db Journey and supply chain experts Bleckmann to show exactly how a circular supply chain gets built, warts and all. What worked, what didn't, and what your business can learn from it.
Where the growth is
New markets. New models. New revenue. This is where the smart brands are already looking.
A session by the International Padel Cluster about The Global Rise of Padel, explores how to get in on one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet before everyone else does. The Federation of European Sporting Goods Retail Associations (FEDAS) brings two sessions on turning service into serious revenue and building the systems to back it up, and Fabletics reveals how membership and subscription models are rewriting the rules for brands and retailers alike.
Retailers, this one's for you
If you're on the retail side of the industry, here's what you'll walk away with: real strategies from European retailer peers facing the same margin and footfall pressures as you, practical ways to build a workplace culture that keeps good staff around, honest lessons on what actually works when sustainability moves from paper to practice, and a genuine new revenue lever as membership models turn one-time shoppers into repeat customers.
The voices shaping what's next
Behind every big shift in the industry, someone's talking about it first.
A media panel moderated by outdoor media specialist Chris Goddard brings together a panel with decades of experience in the media industry to unpack how outdoor media has changed, and what that means for your next marketing move. Catch a brand-new talk from Phil Young and Paris Bethel on access and inclusion - tune in to hear loud opinions on The Outdoor Cultural Awakening presented live for the very first time.
Be part of it
ISPO is where the sport and outdoor industry's next chapter is, and there's no better place to hear it first, ask your own questions, and connect with the people shaping it.
Secure your expo ticket at ispo.com today!
Niber Technologies, Southeast Asia's first industrial-scale manufacturer of PFAS-free electrospun nanofiber membranes, today announced a strategic collaboration with BRAIND®, the specialist consultancy for ingredient brand strategy. As part of the partnership, BRAIND Managing Director Tomas Vucurevic—widely recognized as one of the world's leading experts in ingredient branding—has been appointed Chief Brand Advisor to Niber Technologies. The move signals Niber’s intent to expand its platform beyond materials into a structured ingredient brand, scaling its role as the industry moves toward next-generation performance and material efficiency.
The collaboration marks an important milestone in Niber's evolution from an advanced materials manufacturer to a company building a globally recognized ingredient brand for its proprietary electrospun membrane platform. As the performance apparel industry accelerates its transition away from PFAS-based materials, Niber aims to establish its technology that enables lightweight, breathable performance textiles not only as a material solution but as a trusted performance standard recognized across the value chain. The focus is now shifting toward how performance is defined, communicated, and adopted.
“We’ve always believed that the value of our technology goes beyond the membrane itself and into how it performs in real products. Building an ingredient brand is a deliberate step for us—a direct signal of the seriousness and ambition, and of how we see Niber evolving as a company”, says Jaemin Park, Co-founder, Niber Technologies.
The performance textiles industry is entering a period of fundamental change. Increasing regulatory pressure on PFAS is reshaping material choices, while brand and consumer expectations around comfort, breathability, and everyday usability continue to rise. While alternatives are emerging, the challenge is no longer only technical, it is also how these innovative technologies are communicated, understood and trusted in the market.
Niber is addressing this challenge through a structured ingredient branding strategy that translates technical innovation into a clear and credible value proposition for every stakeholder across the supply chain. Working with BRAIND, the company is developing an ingredient brand platform designed to deliver value on three levels:
Tomas Vucurevic brings decades of experience across performance textiles, advanced materials, and ingredient brand development. In the role as Chief Brand Advisor he will support Niber across ingredient brand strategy, positioning, naming, brand architecture, messaging, brand partner collaboration, and global brand activation. “Graduating from a membrane-only business to a fully structured ingredient brand is the natural evolution of what we are building at Niber. Partnering with BRAIND and Tomas gives us the strategic architecture to extract full value from our electrospinning platform, ensuring that Niber becomes the name that brands specify, retailers trust, and consumers recognize as the leader for PFAS-free ultra-breathable performance”, says Richard Beck, President, Niber Technologies.
The collaboration positions Niber to build the defining ingredient brand for PFAS-free electrospun performance membranes. It’s vision: a brand that gives the entire performance apparel value chain what it has been missing—a credible, specifiable, consumer-recognizable mark for PFAS-free ultra-breathable technology.
Tomas Vucurevic, Managing Director, BRAIND and Chief Brand Advisor, Niber Technologies, adds: “Building an ingredient brand is fundamentally about making complex technology legible. What makes this particularly exciting for me is the opportunity to do this with a next-generation, Asia-based company that brings a true end-to-end perspective, in an industry that has long been shaped by established Western ingredient brands. There is a unique energy and clarity of intent in the Niber team, and my role is to help translate that into an attractive brand system the market can connect with.”
We are excited to continue our Athlete & Influencer Programme spotlights with Özlem Yücelener, @ozi, a Munich-based open water swimmer and international marketing professional who travels the world for the sake of swimming in beautiful courses. She has also been a columnist for several digital and print media platforms, writing about sport, travel, and lifestyle, while organizing Swim & Yoga retreats that bring together movement, community, and travel experiences.
She has achieved Top 10 finishes at two World Masters Swimming Championships, placing 9th in both Japan (2023) and Singapore (2025). She is also the bronze medalist of the iconic Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race (2023), silver medalist of the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race (2024), silver medalist of the Hellespont Swim (2025), and silver medalist of the 7K Megisti – Kaş Swim (2023), her longest open water swimming distance to date, where she swam from Greece to Türkiye.
We spoke to Özlem about her sporting background and what to expect at ISPO 2026.
My name is Özlem, and I am a white-collar athlete, working as a marketing professional with a passion for sports. Sports has always been a central part of my life since my coaching times to kids during the summer and winter camps. An active life built around sports and travel shaped my life style a lot; particularly swimming, through which I have been traveling the world for the sake of swimming in beautiful courses. Over the years, I have complemented swimming with skiing, running, sailing and outdoor activities. I participated in several international and local swimming championships as a medallist competitive swimmer and in five IRONMAN races as a relay team swimmer. In order to be able to do all of this with ease, of course incorporating strength into my daily routine has been essential too. For me, sports which taught me self-discipline, resilience, and consistency is not only about performance but also about well-being, progressing, creating great memories and stories to tell, while connecting with others.
My favourite sport is by far open water swimming. I love the feeling of freedom during either swimming, skiing, running or cycling but especially in the water and the unique combination of endurance, technique, and mental focus it requires. It challenges both the body and mind while also providing a sense of calm and balance that I haven't found in any other sport.
I am most looking forward to meeting inspiring athletes, innovators, and industry professionals from around the world. ISPO brings together people who are passionate about sport, health, and outdoor lifestyles, and I am excited to discover new trends, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections within the global sports community.
If I could train with any athletes, I would choose Michael Phelps and Mikaela Shiffrin. As a swimmer, I have always admired Michael Phelps for his extraordinary discipline, mental resilience, and commitment to excellence. Mikaela Shiffrin inspires me with her consistency, humility, and ability to perform under pressure while continually pushing the limits of her sport. Both athletes demonstrate that true success comes not only from talent, but from dedication, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to growth. Training with them would be an incredible opportunity to learn about both the physical and mental aspects of elite performance while observing their routines and daily lives.
I use mostly my Instagram to share my journey as a globetrotter athlete. I enjoy telling a story behind a travel or a race and communicate it with details. When I share especially swimming stories As someone who did not come from a swimming background since childhood, I try to show that consistency is the key to success. If I could achieve my goals through persistence and hard work, others can too. I also use my Instagram as a visual diary not only to share highs but also the lows because in the end I believe this is the essence of life. And my community says they get inspired to stay active and build a positive mindset from my way of communicating my moments.
Hard to believe but due to my fear, I am still improving and working hard on jumping into the water from a starting block J and I am a big fan of gelato, it is like my superpower that I find so much joy in it so I can eat any time anywhere.
Have a platform and a love for sport? We'd love for you to join the programme!
At London Climate Action Week, EOCA brought together leading voices from conservation, government, the outdoor industry and adventure sport to call for bolder action to protect the UK's National Parks.
Hosted at the Arc'teryx Piccadilly store in partnership with Pertex, The Future of National Parks convened policymakers, industry leaders, athletes and storytellers to explore why some of Britain's most iconic landscapes are under increasing pressure, and what it will take to secure their future. The event also marked EOCA's first participation in London Climate Action Week, coinciding with the organisation's twentieth anniversary.
Opening the discussion, EOCA Executive Director Dan Yates highlighted the scale of the challenge facing the UK's National Parks. Despite their protected status and international appeal, biodiversity loss, unsustainable development and increasing pressures from recreation and tourism are placing these landscapes, their wildlife and local communities under growing strain.
© Henry Hu - The Future of National Parks at the Arc'teryx Piccadilly store
Dr Rose O'Neill, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks, argued that governance reform sits at the heart of the solution. She called for National Park Committees that better reflect modern Britain — more diverse, younger, equipped with broader skills and willing to recapture the bold ambition that inspired the creation of National Parks.
Andy Laycock, Brand Director at Pertex, highlighted the role the outdoor industry can play beyond funding restoration projects — not only investing in nature recovery, but also helping tell the stories of these landscapes and the people who call them home.
"UK National Parks are such unique and important landscapes for nature, recreation and for our collective well-being. The EOCA event was a great way to share ideas on how National Parks can adapt to the increasing pressures they face, whilst continuing to preserve and restore these vital landscapes for future generations." — Andy Laycock, Brand Director, Pertex
Mark Cridge, Executive Director of National Park City Foundation, emphasised that access to nature should not be limited to remote landscapes, arguing that bringing more nature into towns and cities benefits everyone, regardless of where they live.
© Henry Hu - Lena Drapella, adventure photographer, closing the evening
From Yosemite to Chamonix, the evening made the case that the UK's National Parks deserve recognition alongside the world's most celebrated destinations for adventure and outdoor recreation, and that the outdoor industry has an important role to play in telling that story.
Haroon Mota discovered his passion for endurance sport in the UK's National Parks, going on to complete all six World Marathon Majors and summit peaks around the world while raising millions for charity. As Founder and CEO of Active Inclusion Network and Muslim Hikers, the world's largest outdoor community for Muslims, he is helping new audiences discover the benefits of spending time in nature.
"The future of our National Parks isn't just about protecting landscapes, it's about helping more people feel connected to them. People protect what they feel connected to, and people feel connected to places where they feel they belong. If we're serious about the future of our National Parks, we need to ensure they're places where everyone feels welcome, represented and inspired to return." — Haroon Mota, Founder & CEO, Active Inclusion Network and Muslim Hikers
Adventure photographer Lena Drapella closed the evening by reflecting on the landscapes themselves. Having made Eryri National Park her home, and used its mountains and trails as the training ground for expeditions across the globe, she made a compelling case for the UK's National Parks as world-class adventure destinations, and for why they are worth protecting for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for such an inspiring evening, and to our partners at Pertex and Arc'teryx for helping make it possible. Special thanks to Goodrays for the cold drinks during the UK heatwave.
For twenty years, EOCA has supported grassroots conservation projects globally. As we look ahead to the next twenty, EOCA will continue bringing people together, supporting practical conservation and protecting the landscapes that inspire all of us to get outside.
With a newly appointed government in Wales, and a new Prime Minister due in Downing Street, EOCA hopes that now is the time that fresh perspectives, and fresh ideas can be brought to our National Parks. We are excited to be working with our partners to bring this conversation to London Climate Action Week at such a
critical time.
In 2026, the ISPO Excellence Awards step onto the world stage with renewed ambition, positioning themselves alongside the most prestigious global accolades. Completely revamped, the programme not only celebrates excellence in the sporting goods and outdoor industry, but also the ideas and innovations shaping its future.
The awards spotlight the very best across sport, outdoor and winter sports - spanning products, services, experiences, and ideas. From cutting-edge innovation to bold storytelling, next-generation retail concepts, and standout marketing campaigns, the expanded 2026 programme sets a new benchmark for what it means to lead in the industry.
The ISPO Excellence Awards are more than a competition, they are a global celebration of innovation, creativity, and impact.
Bringing together brands, creators, and retailers from across the world, the awards spotlight those redefining the future of sport and outdoor. Recognition here goes beyond winning, it signals both cultural influence and commercial excellence on a global scale.
Winners will be honoured at a flagship awards ceremony at ISPO 2026 in Amsterdam, where the global sport and outdoor community will gather to celebrate those pushing boundaries.
The ISPO Excellence Awards have been completely revamped, with a renewed focus on integrity, transparency, and truly celebrating achievement across the industry.
Key updates include:
Entering the ISPO Excellence Awards is more than an opportunity, it’s a strategic move for brands looking to elevate their visibility and credibility.
Genuinely independent judging
With over 120 conflict-free judges, including athletes, buyers, influencers, and industry experts, entries are assessed with true impartiality.
Global exposure
ISPO platforms reach audiences in 120+ countries, ensuring products and ideas are seen by key decision-makers across retail and media.
Recognition that travels
Every winner, from Commended to Grand Prix, receives a digital ISPO badge, ideal for packaging, retail, and marketing communications.
Immediate visibility
Entries are showcased from day one, offering exposure even before winners are announced, with additional editorial and social amplification for top performers.
Entries across all product categories are evaluated against five core criteria, ensuring a fair, consistent, and rigorous assessment process:
Innovation
Has the product introduced something new? Novelty alone is not enough, the innovation must deliver a clear, demonstrable benefit to the user. This can range from incremental improvements to a complete rethink of how a product works.
Design
Does the design solve a real problem? Judges consider both aesthetics and user experience, how the product looks, feels, and functions in the hands of the user.
Functionality
Does the product perform as promised? Assessment is based on the product’s intended use and price point, ensuring fair comparison within its category and segment.
Eco-responsibility
How sustainable is the product in practice? This includes materials sourcing, manufacturing processes, repairability, and end-of-life considerations, judged on evidence, not marketing claims.
Quality
Does the product stand up to its intended use? Judges evaluate construction, materials, and finish to determine durability and overall build quality.
The ISPO Excellence Awards recognise achievement at multiple levels for each category:
Each tier represents a mark of excellence, helping brands showcase their achievements across global markets.
The 2026 programme features a broad and inclusive category structure reflecting the full industry landscape, including both product and newly introduced service/B2B categories.
Key product categories include:
These categories ensure innovation is recognised across every corner of the active lifestyle ecosystem, from elite performance to everyday wellbeing, as well as across services and business solutions.
Entries for the ISPO Excellence Awards 2026 open on 30th June.
Brands and innovators are invited to step forward, showcase their work, and gain world-class recognition. The programme is open to all, with preferential rates available for ISPO exhibitors.