ISPO MUNICH 2012 starts on 29th January – Everything Points To Growth

Increase in exhibitor registrations and net exhibit space

Industry greats decide to participate in ISPO MUNICH

In its position as a leading international sports business platform and the only multi-segment trade show ISPO MUNICH offers an unprecedented overview of the entire selection of sporting goods. At the 2012 event the Outdoor segment, in particular, will cover all its facets in three exhibit halls as well as the East entrance area. In addition to well-known industry greats a variety of key players including Black Yak, Eagle Creek, Ecco and Sigg have registered for the first time for the upcoming ISPO MUNICH. This is an impressive validation of the trade show’s internationally significant
position for the important Outdoor industry. However, other communities are also experiencing new additions, among them Li Ning, X Bionic X-Technology and Nixon.

 

The goal of ISPO is to support sports business professionals in their development and to assist them in successfully tapping new markets.

To do so, the management revised the side event program for ISPO MUNICH 2012, now offering even more service and networking opportunities.

Growth Markets
Large sports events such as the FIFA World Cup 2014 and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro provide the sporting goods industry with extremely interesting business potential on the Brazilian market. The “Forum Brasil – Growth Opportunities for the Sporting Goods Industry” features high-caliber Brazilian government representatives who will spend an entire day introducing their market.

The desire to remain healthy is universal, yet not always tangible. The panel discussion “Health Sells – How to Tap New Target Groups for the Sporting Goods Industry”, features experts from the primary health market and sports representatives discussing the business potential of the “Healthstyle” trend. The focus is on questions such as how sports business professionals can benefit from the Healthstyle trend in the various generations for their business. This discussion event is also related to the 1st ISPO Health Forum, to be held after its conclusion.

ISPO Generations is a new platform covering trend issues for different target groups. The generation-overlapping topic of “Healthstyle” will be one of the topics at ISPO MUNICH 2012. Sports business professionals will find out how they can successfully use this trend to increase profitability.

Primarily targeting the outdoor community, but also of interest for others will be the panel discussion “Comeback of Natural Fibers”, with industry and retail representatives who will evaluate the development and potential use of natural fibers and their potential for the outdoor industry. Another point on the program is the “Growth Market Outdoor Footwear”. Experts will discuss the driving factors and the related opportunities and risks.
 
Marketing
The Internet continues to play an increasingly important role in information procurement and shopping – this also applies to the sports and fitness industry. The panel discussion “Internet as Marketing Platform” will cover the opportunities and potential for the sports business. Following an introductory presentation by the Consortium for Online Research (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Online Forschung - AGOF), participants can look forward to useful advice and tools regarding the potential and dangers of Internet use.

“Sensible Strategies for Stationary Shops in an Online Age” is one of the topics in the “MODERN SHOP STRATEGIES” series at the ISPO Shop Summits 2012. For the last ten years the ISPO Shop Summit has been a vital service platform for snowboard retailers and brands. The focus is on practical information as well as continuing education for shop owners and their staff.

The presentation “On the Market – Ready – Go” explains how to successfully navigate and establish oneself in the marketing jungle. It offers a preview of the markets of the future and shows sports business professionals how to successfully engage their target audience.

A new BMWi study analyses the “Development of Consumer Behavior in Sports”, providing the first conclusive results on the scope of sports-related consumer purchases, sponsoring, marketing and the handling of media rights. The as of yet unpublished results of this study will be presented at ISPO MUNICH 2012.

 

Awards
The new ISPO AWARD will be presented for the first time at ISPO MUNICH 2012. It will be presented instead of the former community-oriented awards, and are slated to function as a sales-driving quality seal for companies and as an orientation tool for ISPO visitors, the media, and consumers. Eight Overall Winners will be introduced during the ISPO AWARD ceremony and will receive the ISPO AWARD 2012.

Once again, the ISPO BRANDNEW Award was presented to young entrepreneurs and their innovative products. This year’s jury consisted primarily of former finalists and winners, and selected eight winners from the 269 entries from 27 countries. In addition to the winners the best 50 young entrepreneurs will present their extraordinary concepts at the ISPO BRANDNEW Village in hall C2.

The Winners Of The ISPO AWARDs 2012

Innovation is a must: this was the primary criterion for entry in the competition for the ISPO AWARD 2012, the “sports industry’s new quality seal”, according to Tobias Gröber, Head of Business Unit Consumer Goods at Messe München GmbH. A jury of professionals consisting of journalists, designers, retailers and athletes from all over the globe selected at January, 12th the most exceptional innovations from the 260 entries.

 

The winners in apparel and fashion are:

Segment Outdoor
Category Apparel: Alpha SV Jacket by Arc’teryx for alpine adventures Functionality, low weight, very sophisticated finish, high durability and freedom of motion: the Alpha SV jacket by Arc’teryx offers all that, featuring the new N80p-X Gore-Tex® Face material. Jury statement: “The Alpha SV jacket impressed us with its very high degree of breathability and water protection. In addition, the jacket’s material is very durable.”Category Style: 3F jacket von Sympatex designed for women Sympatex developed the 3F jacket specifically for outdoor-enthusiastic and fashion-conscious women. The name represents three keywords, Function, Fashion and Femininity. The water- and wind-proof as well as breathable jackets with a trendy cut are made of bluesign® certified materials. Jury statement: “The 3F jacket combines style and function. Its trendy outdoor design distinguishes it from the competition.”

Segment Action
Category Apparel: Vassi jacket for freeriders by Haglöfs
The new Vassi jacket was developed in cooperation with professional athletes. The durable, lightweight jacket was designed specifically for freeriders. It offers protection against the elements and the required range of mobility at the same time. Jury statement: “The overall impression of the Vassi jacket was the determining factor for our selection. The jacket combines many innovative details such as an extremely effective ventilation system.”

Segment Performance
Category Apparel: Running jacket Hooded Effusion by Mountain Hardwear and Montrail
The lightweight Hooded Effusion jacket by Mountain Hardwear and Montrail offers athletes protection against wet and cold conditions. The high degree of breathability and freedom of motion were other important criteria convincing the jury to select the three-layer jacket: “The material of the Hooded Effusion jacket combines pleasant wear comfort with a high degree of functionality and purist design. This combination deserves the ISPO AWARD.”

Segment Eco Responsibility
Category Apparel: PUYA jacket combines sustainability and function
Up to 84 percent of energy are conserved by using recycled materials, and CO2 emissions are reduced by 72 percent: this is the data for the versatile and bluesign®-certified PUYA jacket by the company of the same name. At the same time, the jacket fulfills all requirements for an outdoor and recreation jacket. Jury statement: “PUYA impressively expanded its already elaborate system for environmental development. Among the technical advancements is a fluoride-free manufacturing process for long-term water resistance.”

Category Accessories: Climbing rope Mammut 9.8 Transformer
The climbing rope 9.8 Transformer by Mammut is made of 100 percent of so-called transfer yarns. This means the rope was made of high-quality yarn remnants, which used to be discarded due to their color variations. Jury statement: “The sheath production uses the entire yarn, resulting in a substantial reduction of waste and ropes with a new look.