ISPO Press Portal

The successful launch of the eSports arena at ISPO Munich in February proved that there is huge interest for digital sports within the industry. This will all be taken to the next level from July 3 to 7, 2019 with the first ever Electronic Sports Competition (ES_COM), the largest eSports and gaming festival in southern Germany, where gaming fans in particular will be in for an absolute treat.

OutDoor by ISPO is the first year-round, integrative and cross-media platform designed for a new outdoor movement. It also includes the OutDoor by ISPO trade fair, the perfect event for bringing together the international outdoor industry. It will be held for the first time ever at the Messe München site from June 30 to July 3, 2019 and will be organized in close cooperation with the European Outdoor Group (EOG) trade association.

From June 30 to July 3, 2019, the international outdoor sector will meet in Munich for the first OutDoor by ISPO trade fair. The focus of the event will be on an international retail audience, who will enjoy numerous benefits: In addition to assistance on travel and in finding accommodation, visitors can look forward to discount ticket prices and a separate retailer program.

The sporting goods industry is booming: According to research firm Trefis, global sales of sporting equipment will climb to more than 174 billion Dollar in 2018. But what motivates consumers to make their final buying decision? ISPO asked 2,783 sports enthusiasts about these factors in a Europe-wide survey. The relevance of digital media is clear. The majority of European amateur athletes prefers to look online for information on new products and sports trends and like to shop there, too. Distinctions such as the ISPO Award and technical labels featuring well-known product technologies such as Gore-Tex and Vibram are important buying criteria. Other factors in the purchase decision are the durability and repair capabilities of products.

Product labelling through so-called labels is an advantage for consumers all over the world in order to inform themselves directly about the characteristics of a product such as quality or origin. Many countries have legal requirements that apply to labels. But few international standards exist for them. This frequently creates major challenges for manufacturers. Together with the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), ISPO provides access to a continuously updated source of information about labels around the world provided by a global database of Compliance & Risks.

With sport in China booming, demand for the right sports kit is growing too. From clothing to equipment: the latest trends in the running, health & fitness, watersports and outdoor segments will be on show at ISPO Shanghai at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from July 5 to 7, 2019. With its Football Activation Area and the matchmaking program, the trade fair is also emphasizing its role as a network platform in China.

After its successful premiere in June 2018, the ISPO Digitize Summit will take place in Munich for the second time on July 3 and 4, 2019. The digital conference for the sports industry will focus on four major areas of activity: Data Analytics & CRM, Digital Talents & Recruiting, Change Management & Digital Culture and Digital Infrastructure. In addition, the potential of eSports for brands and retailers will be a general topic. Discount tickets are available online until May 28, 2019.

The ISPO Award has become a highly respected quality seal for the sporting goods industry. It helps specialist retailers put together their product ranges and customers make their buying decisions.