ISPO Shanghai 2019 Inspires Exhibitors and Visitors

The visitors took selfies with the stars, they crowded together at exciting sports demonstrations and the exhibitors were pleased about numerous valuable business contacts: at the 5th. ISPO Shanghai a sense of optimism was felt. 15,579 trade visitors informed themselves about the latest trends and products of about 550 brands, which corresponds to an increase in visitor numbers of eight percent.

"There is great potential for outdoor sports in China. The industry is growing extremely fast and brings a lot of opportunities. And ISPO Shanghai is a great platform for this," praised Melvin Jones, International Sales Director at Deuter.

In the halls of the SNIEC exhibition centre in Shanghai, the anniversary brought to life the trends that are driving the sports and outdoor industry in this huge empire to ever new records. At the International Football Forum, former Bundesliga stars such as Dietmar Beiersdorfer and Wynton Rufer discussed the ambitious goals in China in establishing football as a core sport.

Six Bundesliga clubs, with record champion Bayern Munich being one of them, already have a presence in China. Five of them presented their concepts in terms of talent promotion and fan retention at ISPO Shanghai. Borussia Dortmund announced a China tour for its professional team in 2020.

The mascots of the Bundesliga teams in Hall 1 were a popular photo motif. However, the enthusiasm of the visitors was even greater at the performances of the Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi, Asia's Footballer of the Year 2001.

Everybody wanted to take a selfie with the star, who during his personal tour of ISPO Shanghai was especially interested in motorhomes and tents: "I am a big outdoor fan." More and more Chinese feel the same, as the strong visitor response at ISPO Shanghai demonstrated.

The increasing popularity of spending time outdoors is, on the one hand, backed by state funding. On the other hand, it has to do with the role model effect of local outdoor heroes such as Xia Boyu. The mountaineer, amputated on both legs, climbed the world's highest mountain Mount Everest in 2018 at the age of 69. For this he was awarded the Laureus Award.

Numerous visitors listened to his presentation at ISPO Shanghai. "The award and the reactions of the people make me very proud. I want to show other people what is possible in life," said Xia Boyu in an exclusive interview with ISPO.com. In addition, the mountaineer sees himself as an advertising medium for Chinese outdoor sports and the sports industry of his home country in the world.

Around 550 brands from China and the rest of the world presented their latest products in the following segments at ISPO Shanghai Running, Health & Fitness, Water Sports and Outdoor. "ISPO Shanghai is a good platform for European brands to connect with China," said Marco Redini, General Manager of UYN.

Like several others, his brand was present in Shanghai for the first time. The importance of the fair for European brands was also demonstrated by the visit of a top-class delegation of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) around Secretary General Arne Strate.

Tobias Gröber, Head of the Consumer Goods Fairs Division at Messe München and responsible for the ISPO Group, summed up: "The mood in the full halls was very good. The great interest underlines the importance of ISPO Shanghai as the leading platform for the international sports business in China."

The Chinese outdoor association COA offered support to international brands on their way to the Chinese market. In a special matchmaking area at ISPO Shanghai, exhibitors were able to establish contacts to major brands such as Ebay or Alibaba. A total of 470 meetings were held.

Positive feedback also came from the Chinese brands. Jia Liling, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Sanfo Outdoor Sporting Goods Co., Ltd., praised ISPO Shanghai as a "breakthrough: In addition to product presentations and trade exchanges, many new sports categories were introduced."

The visitors and key opinion leaders (KOL) were particularly enthusiastic about the 130 show demonstrations during the three days of the fair. A special highlight was the mini football arena in Hall N2. There the company Kick ID showed its digital player tracking. In addition, the athletes performed in the Parkour Arena. The expert audience was also impressed by the mermaid swimming in the pool, which is extremely popular in China.

The next ISPO Shanghai will take place from 2 to 4 July 2020 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).