This November, the sports industry will arrive in Amsterdam. The conversations rarely wait for the trade show doors to open, they start the day before, at the ISPO Leaders Summit.
On 3 November 2026, senior executives, founders, policymakers and thinkers from across outdoor, winter sports and the wider sporting goods sector will gather for a full day of reflection, debate and forward‑looking discussion. The Summit is a space where people speak openly about the challenges and shifts that aren’t always visible on a show floor.
While the Summit is reserved for C-suite leaders, all other visitors are invited to join the ISPO Expo programme, which runs on 4 & 5 November.
This year’s Summit spans three tracks (Outdoor Sports, Sporting Products and Winter Sports), with sessions exploring participation, sustainability, innovation, climate, consumer behaviour and the broader forces reshaping the industry.
Here’s a brief look at some of the leaders joining the 2026 ISPO Leaders Summit.
Andy Rubin (Deputy Chair, Pentland Group)
A leading voice in global sporting goods, bringing deep experience in brand building, governance and industry collaboration.
Tom Foley (CEO, Intersport International Corporation)
Steering one of the world’s largest retail networks through global shifts in consumer behaviour and omnichannel strategy.
Hap Klopp (Founder, The North Face)
Entrepreneur, advisor and educator whose legacy continues to influence modern outdoor industry thinking.
Jimmy Chin (Filmmaker, Climber & DEI Advocate, The North Face)
Academy Award-winning filmmaker and climber offering a unique perspective on storytelling, performance and representation.
John Lacy (CEO, Burton Snowboards)
Guiding one of the most influential brands in snow sports through cultural and industry transformation.
Laura McAllister (Vice President, UEFA)
A respected voice in governance and policy across European sport.
Lindsey Vonn (World Cup & Olympic Champion)
One of the most successful athletes in winter sports history, now focused on advocacy and youth engagement.
Margit Gosau (CEO, Sport 2000)
Leading one of Europe’s largest retail groups through continued digital and consumer‑driven change.
Ger Wright (VP Sales EMEA, New Balance)
Bringing a market‑wide perspective on sales, leadership and brand evolution across EMEA.
Pia Heidenmark Cook (Senior ESG Advisor, Achilles & Decathlon)
A leading sustainability advisor with decades of experience guiding business transformation.
Céline Del Genes (Global Chief Customer Officer, Decathlon & Global Game Shapers)
Shaping Decathlon’s evolution into a global sports brand through customer‑centric transformation and creative direction.
Tamara Friessnegg (Founder, Global Game Shapers)
Connecting emerging and established leaders across sport to accelerate collaboration.
Augustus Doricko (Founder and CEO, Rainmaker)
Founder of the climate‑tech company developing next‑generation tools for precipitation enhancement, with implications for winter sports resilience.
Avi Samtani (Managing Director/Europe GM, Amazon Sports)
Driving Amazon’s sports strategy in Europe and exploring new models for connecting live sports, digital audiences and retail.
Nacho Garcia‑Valdecasas (Amazon Sports)
Shaping Amazon’s growing role within the global sports ecosystem.
Benjamin Aidan (Partnership Director, Protect Our Winters Europe)
Longtime outdoor industry leader now helping brands and communities accelerate climate action.
Emma Mason (CEO, WFSGI)
Leading international collaboration and policy alignment across the sporting goods sector.
Fredrik Ekström (Brand & Marketing Strategist, Above The Clouds)
Known for translating cultural insight into brand strategy, with a strong focus on sustainability and the future outdoor consumer.
Nick Sargent (President, SIA)
Driving climate action, transparency and long-term growth within the winter sports industry.
To find out more, visit www.ispo.com and to register your interest in attending, complete this form here.
The global sports and outdoor industry have always evolved quickly, but the pace of change today is unprecedented. Advances in technology, growing sustainability pressures, shifting retail models and the expansion of direct-to-consumer strategies have transformed how brands design products, reach customers and manage supply chains.
In an era where much of business takes place online, trade shows continue to hold a distinctive role. They offer something digital communication struggles to replicate: the ability to meet face-to-face, see products demonstrated in real conditions and build relationships across the industry. For many companies, particularly in sectors such as sporting goods and outdoor equipment, that physical interaction remains central to how deals are made and ideas exchanged.
Industry events themselves have also evolved. Modern trade shows are no longer simply exhibition halls filled with stands. Increasingly they combine networking, education and community-building, with curated meetings between buyers and brands, conference programmes and live product demonstrations. As industries become more complex and globally connected, these gatherings act as focal points where different parts of the ecosystem - manufacturers, retailers, athletes, media and technology providers - can meet in one place.
One of the most established events in this space is ISPO, which brings together professionals from across the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports markets. The event is set to enter a new phase in 2026 when it relocates to Amsterdam RAI, reflecting wider changes in how the industry gathers and collaborates.
Organisers say the next edition will place greater emphasis on hosted buyer programmes, conference content and curated networking, alongside the traditional exhibition floor. The aim is to bring retailers, distributors, manufacturers and innovators together in a more structured way, helping businesses identify partners and opportunities in a rapidly shifting marketplace.
Beyond commerce, trade shows are also increasingly positioning themselves as platforms for broader industry discussion. Topics such as sustainability, participation in sport and responsible supply chains are expected to feature prominently at ISPO 2026, alongside appearances from athletes and industry leaders.
The timing of the show will also shift slightly to avoid the peak US holiday season, and it will run alongside the growing International Running Expo, reflecting the global growth of running as both a sport and lifestyle activity.
For many in the sector, the continued relevance of events like ISPO highlights a simple reality: while the industry is becoming more digital, innovation and collaboration still benefit from people gathering in the same place. Trade shows remain one of the few environments where the full spectrum of an industry can meet, debate ideas and shape what comes next.
To find out more, visit www.ispo.com, please register your interest and a member of the ISPO team will be in touch shortly.
Raccoon Media Group, organisers of ISPO 2026 the world’s most influential trade event for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries have announced that buyers can register their interest in the hosted buyer programme for this year’s show. With more than 280 exhibitors already confirmed, ISPO 2026 will be held at RAI Amsterdam on 3–5 November 2026.
Part of a €3 million investment programme designed to strengthen both the commercial and cultural foundations of the event, the hosted buyer programme is a €1 million strategic investment to strengthen ISPO’s global impact and commercial outcomes. The ISPO Hosted Buyer Programme2026 is designed to attract globally significant retailers, distributors and decision-makers.
The programme is ideally suited to retailers, e-commerce, distributors/wholesalers, buying groups and brands actively involved in procurement decisions. Programme participation typically includes pre-event qualification, structured engagement opportunities and exposure to high-value industry connections.
Selected participants will enjoy a premium event experience, networking with peers, finding out what’s hot and what’s not in the market, and being hosted at the ISPO Expo and invited to take part in brand activations and fringe evening events as part of their stay.
By offering a structured, efficient and cost-effective process curated to individual requirements, the programme removes barriers and empowers hosted buyers to connect directly with key brands and suppliers in one place.
Early strength of industry support for the ISPO 2026 Hosted Buyer Network is indicated by confirmed participation from two major retail partners INTERSPORT and Ellis Brigham.
An exclusive, invitation-only C-Suite ISPO Leaders’ Summitwill take place on the 3rd November at The Auditorium, RAI Amsterdam. Summit attendees already confirmed include: Jimmy Chin (Filmmaker and Mountaineer), Hap Klopp (Founder, The North Face), Professor Laura McAllister (Vice President of UEFA), Andy Rubin (Deputy Chair, Pentland Group), John Lacy (CEO, Burton) and Pia Heidenmark Cook (Former Group Chief Sustainability Officer Ingka/IKEA).
ISPO 2026 Hosted Buyer Director Sarah Arnold comments: “ISPO 2026 promises to be an immersive, inspiring and commercially vibrant gathering uniting the sporting and outdoor goods industry. We can’t wait to deliver a dedicated hosted programme that drives strong ROI for both exhibitors and attendees, and creates valuable opportunities to connect, network and do business.“
Suitable businesses can now register their interest in being part of the ISPO 2026 Hosted Buyer Programme. View the exciting programme of events and register for more information.
Applications for the ISPO 2026 Athlete & Influencer Programme are officially open, and we’re excited to welcome athletes, creators and influencers from across the sporting world to apply.
This programme is designed for individuals with an established platform in the sports, outdoor or active lifestyle space who want to connect with the global sporting industry under one roof. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with brands, decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of sport.
ISPO is the world’s most influential trade event for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries, representing the entire value chain from materials and manufacturing, brands and products to trade and customer experience.
Successful applicants to the Athlete & Influencer Programme will receive access to an exclusive package of benefits, including:
This programme is your chance to amplify your voice, grow your network and play an active role in the conversations shaping the future of sport.
We're officially opening the Call for Content for ISPO 2026, and we’re inviting industry leaders, innovators, creators, and changemakers to submit session proposals for our content stages. If you have a compelling story, a powerful insight, or a vision for the future of sports, retail, fashion, tech, materials, or culture - we want to you to be a part of this new era of ISPO.
We’re looking for thought‑provoking content that dives into today’s most pressing market challenges and cultural shifts. Whether you’re exploring new business models, material innovation, creative leadership, tech transformation or emerging consumer behaviour, this is your chance to put your ideas centre stage at the world’s most influential sports and outdoor trade show.
You can submit proposals across five distinct stages, each designed to speak directly to a key pillar of the industry:
1. Brand & Retail Horizons Stage
Built for brands and retailers ready to scale smarter and faster while future-proofing their business in an evolving market. Discover how sustainable practices drive business growth and learn to navigate industry shifts to your advantage. Through practical case studies set against international market conditions, sessions will tackle current industry challenges and show how tactical commercial, marketing and logistical strategies can determine whether a business fails or flies.
2. Fashion & Textiles Hub
This stage explores key areas of fashion and textile design, including current and emerging trends, innovative brand strategies, and insightful case studies. The content delves into women-centric design within sports and other areas of fast-developing innovation, examining how culture and diversity are shaping the future of the industry. The stage highlights cross-cultural and cross-industry perspectives, showing how global collaborations and diverse cultural insights shape design strategies and inspire new collections. Sessions will address sustainability challenges and the balance between profitability and long-term value, exploring how design leadership can create collections that are both responsible and successful.
3. Ingredients & Components Impact Forum
For over 60 years, materials, components, and ingredient brands have powered innovation, performance, and profitability across the global sports and outdoor industry. Bringing together leading experts to share proven strategies, real-world success stories, and practical insights. Attendees will discover how cutting-edge materials and sustainable technologies help brands and retailers connect with new audiences and unlock new market opportunities in an increasingly competitive landscape. This programme is curated and moderated by the world’s leading Ingredient Branding expert, Tomas Vucurevic, delivering a sharp strategic perspective and a focus on the business impact of material innovation.
4. Tech Solutions Hub
A dedicated zone for business owners, retailers and brand leaders looking to better understand and adopt the technology shaping modern commerce. Leading platforms such as e-commerce, marketplace, marketing and design tools will host sessions focused on real business challenges and practical solutions. From building and scaling an online business to improving branding, the Hub connects attendees with the experts behind the technology.
5. ISPO Podcast Studio
New for 2026, the ISPO Podcast Studio brings live industry conversations to the exhibition floor via a fully functional, soundproofed glass studio. Leading podcasters will host 30–45-minute live recordings with industry specialists, while visitors listen through wireless headphones for an immersive, high-engagement experience that enhances the show without disrupting the wider exhibition environment.
Where emerging sport and outdoor brands get their moment in the spotlight. A selection of start-ups will pitch their latest products and innovations, offering a first look at what's new, what's next, and what's about to disrupt the industry. Attend to get ahead of the curve, discover emerging brands as they hit the market, and engage directly with the ideas and products shaping the future of outdoor sports.
ISPO’s content programme is future‑focused, globally minded, and backed by a €1 million content investment, ensuring world-class production, high-impact themes, and top-tier speakers.
Across two days, multiple stages will run simultaneously on the show floor, bringing the industry’s brightest minds together for discussions, debates, and deep expertise.
Apply here to submit your proposal - The ISPO Content Team will review all submissions and respond to you in due course.
To learn more about the stages visit this page here.