ISPO Munich is undeniably impressive: More than 2,300 exhibitors from 54 countries in 11 halls, and more than 50,000 visitors expected. But these numbers don’t cover the best things about the trade show; the things that make ISPO Munich. It’s the versatile program and the many opportunities to meet players from the industry that make the event from Nov. 28–30 at the Munich Exhibition Centre so special. We share what we’re most looking forward to at ISPO Munich 2023.
The Future Lab - today’s innovations creating the solutions of tomorrow
If you’re wondering what makes ISPO Munich so special, your first port of call should be to check out an overview of the impressive line-up of exhibitors.
Next, you need to know the layout of ISPO, and what’s new for 2023. As usual, to help you get the most from your visit, the halls are organized by segments. The picture below gives you a full overview. For us, the stand-out feature is hall B1, the Future Lab.
The hall is divided into six topic hubs that tackle different challenges of the industry, including the Talent Hub, Innovation Lab and Gamechanger Sports Hub.
The Future Lab is also where you’ll find the main stage, which this year is host to an impressive, wide-ranging roster of speakers.
A mix of speakers you won’t find anywhere else
Of course, at ISPO Munich there is an unbeatable number of industry specialists ready to share their knowledge about retail, supply chain, sustainability and other industry topics. But this year’s “festival feel” ISPO Munich also boasts personalities from the sports world currently making an impact in society.
For instance, American Footballer Colin Kaepernick will talk about the impact of sports and how athletes are changing the world. Want to know more about the speaker line-up? Find our seven most anticipated speakers here.
Just come by and enjoy the inspiring talks on the Mainstage or learn about the latest developments in the industry from numerous experts.
If you want for example know more about upcoming EU sustainability policies, you are more than welcome to join our SGI Europe talk with FESI, which will focus on the related information requirements: “License to operate: Navigating EU sustainability policies through the lens of information requirements”. (Wednesday, November 30, 2023; 12:15 pm).
ISPO Munich: helping you stay ahead
In between speakers, you’ll have the chance to check out some other exciting sections of the Future Lab. The Brandnew Area showcases start-ups and up-and-coming brands. In a competitive format, start-ups will be pitching their ideas at the founder’s fight night. There will also be speed-dating, to give new companies the chance to find founders, new partners and get media exposure.
Well-established brands and their major innovations can be discovered at the ISPO Award exhibition right next to the main stage. The ISPO Award Gatherings (Tuesday ISPO Award Gathering I, 16:00–17:30; Wednesday ISPO Award Gathering II, 10:30–12:00 / ISPO Award Gathering III, 15:30–17:00) will even be streamed online in case you can’t make it to the trade show.
In the interactive exhibition rooms of the Digitize Hub, the focus is on the latest trends in retail technology. The Innovation Lab presents visionary solutions with the potential to change the sports sector in the long term.
A lot of visitors are probably also keen on finding out about the new ISPO x Zeitgeist collaboration. This is a platform for urban, streetwear and sports fashion with new/renewed brands such as Sandqvist, Snowpeak, AndWander, Stilride, Stereoskis and Elho.
Textrends anniversary and support for the next generation
There are plenty of new features at ISPO Munich 2023, but longtime favorites are also back for another year. ISPO Textrends is already well established and is celebrating its tenth edition together with textile and fashion expert Louisa Smith.
With the Young Talents Program and the ISPO Collaborators Club also back this year, ISPO is again supporting the next generation through a special program for trainees from the retail sector. The Talent Hub is a designated area with a lounge and food corner for networking and idea exchange for the next generation.
Want to get even more inspiration? Check out the full program
Sustainability focus shares new solutions for the challenges of our time
ISPO Munich is also a great choice if you want to dive deeper into the topic of sustainability in the sporting goods industry. We recommend heading over to Hall A1 and the Sustainability Hub. There you can explore successful solutions for ESG challenges from within the industry and hear success stories during the ever-popular Sustainability Hub guided tours.
ISPO has even added two new concepts to highlight this year’s main theme of Circularity. Firstly, an interactive Material Lab that deals with bio-based materials, and secondly, a “Circular Experience.” In this curated space you will learn about the potential of mycelium – the basic structure of various fungi – as a raw material.
If you are looking for partners within the travel industry, Hall A1 is also the right choice for you. At the Sports Travel Hub, speakers from Strava, UTMB, UN Travel Association, the Nadal Academy and more will share their knowledge in keynotes and roundtables and provide exciting insights into the trends and opportunities in this fast-growing sector.
Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday? These are the themes
Not sure which day to attend ISPO Munich? Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday?
Being there for all three days is, of course, the best choice. But if you need to pick from one or two days, we have one final piece of information that might help you choose.
- Tuesday is the Opening and Press Day, with a lot of famous speakers and the Vaude Sustainability Party at the end of the day.
- On Wednesday there are a lot of panels emphasizing retail as well as the ceremonies for the ISPO Awards.
- Thursday provides female empowerment with the ISPO Women’s Day and networking events in the Career Lounge. And Thomas Tuchel will close the conference with an exciting presentation on mental fitness.
