According to the shows organisers Messe Munchen International this years ISPO Munich (29 January–1 February) close to 80,000 visiting industry professionals from more than 100 countries came to preview the latest trends presented by 2,344 exhibitors from 51 countries. This figure was up from 49 countries and 2,267 exhibitors in the prior year. In addition to Germany, the largest delegations of visitors hailed from Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France and Great Britain.

Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe Munchen International, was particularly pleased with the increasing number of visitors from promising markets: “The strongest increase for the trade show originated in particular from the Russian Federation, the USA, Turkey, Canada and China. This clearly shows how important ISPO Munich for emerging markets.”

The event once again validated its high international character: 65 percent of visitors and 83 percent of exhibitors came from foreign countries. Despite the late start of winter and the continuing difficult economic situation in some European countries the atmosphere in the exhibit halls was very positive.

According to Henning Erlandsen, Marketing Europe Nixon: “15 years ago we came to the trade show for the first time with a backpack full of our first samples. In the following year we won the ISPO Brand New Award and launched our brand in Europe. Today, back at the trade show and presenting our expanded product line, ISPO Munich has become the key event to tell the history of our brand, show our products and talk business.”

While the industry was still skeptical at the beginning of the trade show, the mood changed to that of a generally positive outlook during the four days of the event. In a poll performed on site 70 percent of visitors rated ISPO Munich 2012 as excellent to very good, 28 percent as good. In addition, 51 percent of those polled believe that ISPO Munich will continue to gain importance as an internationally leading sports business platform. An additional 46 percent stated that the trade show continues to maintain its high value.

“These results further strengthen the position of ISPO Munich as the world’s most important and largest trade show for the sporting goods industry. This increases our resolve to continue developing the innovations we have initiated so far for ISPO, such as the ISPO Awards,” said Klaus Dittrich.

This year’s focus topic “Sports and Health”, the subject of many discussions and presentations, was well received. ISPO Munich was able to provide the industry with important inspiration.

Via Press Release.