ISPO BEIJING 2013 provides dynamic energy and spirit Asian market requires

World sports business attention is without a doubt focused on China as the Asian market continues to develop an increasing and unrivalled appetite for new and authentic recreational products. From the mountains to urban spaces, sport is the agenda, not just linked to traditional Olympic legacy, but also a strong consumer appetite for new activities, involving the entire family. Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München, comments on the event’s success: "ISPO BEIJING 2013 has confirmed that this emerging market has a consumer that desires quality products reflecting the modern Asian lifestyle. We are proud to be contributing to this dynamic future by providing such a successful business and trend platform."

Advertisement

The show once again breaks its own records: more than 27,800 industry professionals (+14%) came to the China National Convention Center in Beijing to view the exhibited products by 415 exhibitors (+18%), 567 brands (+ 10%) on 40.000 m² (+ 14%) of exhibit space. This represents a two-digit growth of the trade show in all relevant areas, and further expands its position as the leading sports business platform in the Asia-Pacific territories.

International attention was significant, with groups representing Italy, Austria, France and Scandinavia in attendance once more. UKTI supported a group pavilion for the second year which doubled in size with a London Lounge to showcase material from over 20 brands interested in the China market.

Strongly representing the junior product sector was Burton, who following a global restructure at the end of 2012 have now opened a dedicated Beijing office and confirmed their official Chinese trading status during the show. Action Sports continue to thrive in the Asian trading arena and capture consumer imagination. The new location of this sector in the CNCC halls presented an atmospheric and comprehensive overview, with key brands and distributors represented and well positioned for dynamic visitor engagement alongside the sports fashion area.

Outdoor continues to be in itself the very base layer of consumer interest to meet the new lifestyle desire in China. Major brands such as Fjällräven, BlackYak and Mammut featured alongside MobiGarden and many of the key Asian distributors who used ISPO BEIJING to develop brand and customer relationships. The international main player, Adidas, marked its first official appearance in the Chinese market of Adidas Outdoor at ISPO BEIJING 2013, revealing their decision to explore a new horizon.

ISPO Beijing enabled global brands to both work in partnership with and find like minded distributors to great effect. The show has created the ideal business forum for highlighting trends to retailers and resort specialists alike, as well as enabling consumer education. Well attended conferences, for example the 2013 China Sports Fashion, 2013 China Outdoor Industry Forum or the Asian Pacific Snow Conference, covered topics ranging from product research and development through to resort management and the cross platform opportunities of destination appeal. Brands such as Burton, K2, Nitro and Rossignol were able to intensify this focus through participation at the second ISPO BEIJING On Snow Demo at Secret Garden Resort.

On the other side of the business spectrum, a rest emphasis was placed on sharing knowledge, not only with the retail and resort markets, but with the industry itself. At the Founders Lunch, heads of iconic brands exchanged ideas and information gained through their brandbuilding. One highly popular mentoring session came from Jansport whose creator and continual driving force Skip Yowell inspired outdoor specialists with a colourful presentation of the company history and its development over more than 30 years.

"ISPO BEIJING is an essential compass determining the direction of the Asian sports market. The trade show illuminates trends such as outdoor sports, covers fashion, production methods and winter sports infrastructures. Due to our services visitors are able to test product innovations to their hearts’ content. This wide spectrum and a promising market are the cause for ISPO BEIJING’s rapid growth,” Klaus Dittrich explains at the conclusion of ISPO BEIJING 2013.

Statements

Israel Maynard, Burton China, Managing Director
This show has been a real success story for Burton. The timing was also perfect as we gained our Chinese license this week. Having opened our Office in China and committed to growing both the sport and the brand, ISPO Beijing made absolute sense to be part of.

Shen Jun, Shanghai Tristate Enterprise Co., Ltd.(HASKI), General Manager
ISPO BEIJING enables us to meet customer from China and outside China. A lot of people visited our booth and we met department store managers, retailers, media and outdoor sports enthusiasts. ISPO BEIJING is a perfect platform that brings us visitors from all categories.

Hu Nan, Li-ning Adventure, General Manager
ISPO BEIJING helps a lot with our business expansion. Many visitors came to our booth, and they were very interested too. The show organizers provided really good services especially the tour of the visitors from department stores, which made our exhibition here even more efficient.

Yan Dongdong, Beijing Snowfavor Co., Ltd. (Rossignol), Product Manager
This year, ISPO BEIJING is even better in its organization and services. There is an extremely large number of visitors, so we are very satisfied. We met a lot of potential customers as the trade show is very professional. ISPO BEIJING is helpful to our business development so we participate every year.

Dave Drulard, Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. International Sales Manager
ISPO BEIJING is a very good platform for us to spend time with our key retailers in China, as well a good opportunity for exposure in front of the media. So it’s a very productive show for us. We met customers from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, so it’s becoming more than just a show for the Chinese market as we are also able to meet contacts from outside of China as well.

Lin Zhensheng, MAMMUT Absolute Alpine, Sales and Marketing Director
Visitors this year are impressive in terms of both quantity and quality. ISPO BEIJING plays a significant role promoting outdoor sports industry development in China, so we choose the show to start our business in China.

Li Chunchen, Beijing Rich Loafer International Trade Co. Ltd. (Marmot), Brand Director
The sales of our products are even better after we won the ISPO AWARD. This year the ISPO BEIJING visitors are very active, and interested in our products. The organizer is doing a better and better job, and shows us different highlights every year.

ISPO BEIJING 2014 is held from February 19th to 22nd, 2013 at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing. For more information on ISPO BEIJING please refer to www.ispo.com/beijing. Photos for download are available in the image archive.

Maud von Hoff
Projekt-PR Referentin
Tel. +49 89 949-21473
maud.hoff@messe-muenchen.de