#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2020-10-29

ISPO Munich 2021: Due to coronavirus, trade show will take place virtually

In the coming year, ISPO Munich will take place February 1-5, completely online. In close cooperation with the branch and with consideration for the current development of the coronavirus, Messe München has decided to conduct the event completely digitally. By doing so, the world’s leading sports business platform will be beneficial for all participants, regardless of international travel restrictions.

The event format will build upon the positive results of the virtual ISPO Re.Start Days in June 2020. It will offer opportunities for brand and product presentation, for discussion and networking as well as maintenance of international business relationships.

Digital format developed based on feedback from exhibitors and customers.

Key topics: Digitization, health, sustainability

End-consumers part of event for the first time

With the current developments of the coronavirus pandemic, the execution of ISPO Munich as a hybrid event – a combination of digital and on-premises events – cannot be reliably ensured. For Klaus Dittrich, the Chairman and CEO of Messe München, the move to a completely digital event is a logical step: “Both the customers as well as we as host have high expectations for the internationality and quality of ISPO Munich. Under the current conditions, we cannot fulfill these expectations. With ISPO Munich Online, we are enabling all customers around the world to participate in the event. At the same time, we can create formats that integrate new target groups. I am sure that in February we will experience an event, which will offer digital industry discussions of the highest caliber.”

ISPO Munich Online to focus on digitization, health and sustainability

At the center of the five-day digital event stands the key topics of creativity and digitization, health and sustainability. The ISPO Munich Online conference program will offer numerous opportunities for discussion and interaction. In particular, the importance of sports and outdoor activities, and their connection to health, has been on the rise since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. In turn, this has increased the need for a platform where the core brands, key players and top athletes can connect and garner inspiration.

ISPO Munich Online – what participants can expect

ISPO Munich Online will offer the well-established benefits as well as additional ones: Finding new products, brands and business contacts. Networking with exhibitors, visitors, media and influencers. Participation in forums and discussions via live streaming and chat rooms. Jeanette Friedrich, Global ISPO Group Director, is optimistic about the digital format: “In the past ten years, ISPO has built vast digital competency and reach. We will now use this to offer an online event to the benefit of all participants. We are pleased that our plans for the digital event have been so positively received in the branch.”

End-consumers in attendance

For the first time, end-consumers will have an opportunity to experience something that was formerly reserved for industry members: the chance to participate digitally and conduct a direct dialogue with the industry. In brand rooms for product presentations, workshops and master classes, brands and companies will have the opportunity to present themselves and engage with sport and outdoor fans throughout the world. ISPO Open Innovation has already shown this integration works: The approximately 80,000 end-consumers from around 70 countries bring their know-how to the crowdsourcing and market research campaigns – delivering valuable insights and inspiration for new products and ideas to companies all year.

ISPO Munich 2021 will take place exclusively online from 1 to 5 February. © 2020 ISPO

ISPO Re.Start Days 2020 as successful template for ISPO Munich Online

During ISPO Re.Start Days in summer 2020, ISPO has already shown that digital formats offer an added value and are important for the industry, as Klaus Dittrich emphasized: “The experiences from the ISPO Re.Start Days will help us very much in improving upon the online format for ISPO Munich in February and to target the needs of each participant. Our goal is – even in these uncertain times – to offer the best platform for growth and new inspiration.”

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Messe Frankfurt commits further to East Africa: three textiles trade fairs during Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week from 2027

Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened today, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licencing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Texhibition Istanbul signals stability and global connectivity

From 4 to 6 March 2026, Texhibition Istanbul once again brought together the international textile industry at the Istanbul Expo Center. Organized by İTKİB Fuarcılık A.Ş. in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (İTHİB), the fair confirmed its role as one of the most important international sourcing platforms for fabrics and textile innovation. With 500+ exhibitors across 5 halls on 42,850 sqm, the trade fair attracted 19,325 visitors. Among them, 5.565 international visitors represented Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America, and other regions, underlining the show’s expanding global reach.

Val:ue Milan unveiled – a curated boutique business hub for high-end apparel textiles

Messe Frankfurt continues to expand its international textile network with the announcement of Val:ue Milan. Moving beyond the traditional trade fair model, Val:ue Milan debuts as a prestigious, boutique-style business hub exclusively dedicated to elected fabrics and accessories for apparel. Taking place from February 3 to 5, 2027, at The Mall in Porta Nuova, the event breaks away from conventional formats through a strictly curated environment designed for strategic networking. By bridging the gap between high-end international manufacturers and top-tier segment buyers, Val:ue Milan further strengthens the Group’s global portfolio with a unique, high-impact concept built around a refined and carefully selected offering.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

The LYCRA Company strengthens sustainability leadership, appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.