Financial tremors in Europe failed to squelch enthusiasm for the 70th annual ispo show in Munich, where attendance grew 7%, according to show owner Messe München International (MMI).
MMI said the Munich show set a record for attendance with more than 64,000 international visitors from 177 countries attending between February 7th and 10th.
MMI said 68% of visitors came from abroad – up about 2% from last year. The biggest contingents hailed from Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, the Korean Republic, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. MMI said 2,045 exhibitors from 45 countries registered for ispo, up 5%. MMI did not disclose how many actually showed at the event, but said that net space used increased by close to 2% to 89,000 square meters covering 15 halls sprawling across nearly twice that area at the New Munich Trade Fair.
The numbers clearly show how strong this international sports business network is, said Klaus Dittrich, chairman of Messe München GmbH.
Among the brand executives who praised the show was Armin Fuchs, GM of Amer Sports Germany.
Our booth was very busy, Fuchs said. Visitors were extremely interested in our products and innovations. Our strategy – to offer a comprehensive product selection for every winter sports athlete – impressed and pleased retailers.
