SPORTS Trader (AUTUMN 2018)

I SPO Munich, the world’s largest sports trade show, ends today. The snowy setting boosted interest in winter sports products and filled the corridors during the four-day event. In addition to the latest winter sports equipment, the 2,801 companies at the fair showcased innovations and trends in the areas of outdoor and health & fitness. The focal point was the increasing digitalization of the sporting goods industry, a topic that was explored in the new format ISPO Digitize. Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München, said: “With ISPO Digitize, we have pointed the way to the future for the sporting goods industry and sports retailing. The next step will be to apply this posi- tive momentum and to get more people excited about sports.” The Digitize Area in Hall A4 provided a glimpse of the digital future. Representatives of sports retailing Digitalization drives growth in the sporting goods industry • Snowy winter generates high demand • First ISPO Munich Sports Week thrilled consumer • More than 84,000 visitors from 120 countries—international character of fair increases by Press Center TRADE SHOW REVIEW www.IMB2B.com 154