Hot topic: digitization in the sports business
Sports products are already digital today. A good example of this is heatable clothing with intelligent sensors. However, golf clubs that record more than one million pieces of movement information in real time, analyze and evaluate body functions, and feedback to the athlete also show the direction in which things are developing. And yet, the transformation in the sports business has just begun. Trade and industry are experimenting with new technologies: they want to impress customers with virtual reality or innovative ways of appealing to consumers such as interactive dressing rooms. The challenges for this development are huge, but the opportunities to reach consumers through different means and to present them with unprecedented brand experiences are also great. Against this background companies are facing the challenge to change culturally and identifying new fields of action.
Digitization is an opportunity for specialist trade
“Digitize by ISPO Academy” will be showing the direction in which the digital journey is heading at ISPO Munich: in January, the area in Hall A4, which will be staged as a laboratory of the future, will become the meeting place for experts, visitors, customers and business partners who want to gain an overview of the topics surrounding the digital transformation. Interested parties can learn about innovations in a space covering more than 1,000 square meters, where they will be able to gain their first digital experiences of the sports business in interactive forums. New impetus will also be provided by panel discussions and presentations, as well as the Digital Readiness Check: here, participants can test how fit their business is for the future. It will be already available on ISPO.com from the middle of December on. A pleasant atmosphere will also be provided: a networking lounge provide an opportunity for conversation and networking.
ISPO supports the industry in their digital transformation
ISPO addressed the industry’s digital revolution early on and plans to support sports business professionals on their way to the digital transformation also in the future as a reliable partner. “With its portfolio, including ISPO Munich and digital services such as ISPO Open Innovation or ISPO.com, ISPO is creating a unique offering for specialist retailers and brands. This enables them to stay in touch with partners and customers throughout the year, discuss trends with them and learn more,” explains Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München. “Our new concept is the next logical step. After all, digital products not only need to be presented, but also brought to life. Positioning yourself in this demanding environment means optimally combining smart communication, e-commerce and a digital brand experience.”
Annual top event
The concept only really gets going after ISPO Munich: it will be further developed and expanded into a conference with an accompanying exhibition. Then panel discussions, workshops, seminars and exhibitors will focus specifically on the digital transformation in all areas of the sports industry — from management and big data through to production, marketing and retail. A date for the annual digital summit, due to start next summer, will be announced.
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