Winter ispo show to upgrade fitness segment, launch innovation awards

Ispo, the international sporting goods trade show based in Munich, Germany, has in recent years had a winter show filled with events, innovation and energy, with aisles that are packed with retailers and others absorbing the opportunities to see product and get some training.

That is, except the fitness segment, two halls back from the main aisle and traditionally a quiet and forlorn affair dominated by walled-in, fortress-style booths by Aicon (a.k.a Icon) and Kettler. Last year, the show seemed a tick better, but still lacked. Click here to see our Feb. 21, 2005, story, “Fitness ispo still lacks spark, product innovations of most show segments.”

This year, with the appointment of a new manager, Jose Moreno-Tapia, the trade show management group has decided it’s time to try to upgrade that part of the show with more promotion; better attendance; the launch of the first ispo FIT Awards for innovation in wellness, fitness and rehabilitation; and the unveiling of a project called WarmUp to promote young entrepreneurs.

FIT awards
The categories as announced will be: rehabilitation, hardwear, wellness, footwear, nutrition and apparel. The company did not offer definitions of what would be included in each one. Entries will be judged on function, quality, technical features, innovation, user-friendliness and design.

Applications (due in early November) and information are available be contacting Moreno-Tapia at jose@ispo.com or Katrin Aichner at aichner@ispo.com. In all categories except for equipment, one sample must accompany an application.

WarmUp project
Similar to a Greenhouse project in the outdoor area that encourage brands that are new or new to Europe by providing small booth spaces, the WarmUp project will give attendees PR and support to explore distribution outside of a home country.

To find out more, click here.

Details are available by contacting Jose@ispo.com or aichner@ispo.com.