At its annual meeting in Cologne, the German Sporting Goods Industry Association (BSI) launched a new business development unit and put sustainability, digitalization and political engagement at the center of its agenda.
The German Sporting Goods Industry Association (BSI) reported a successful annual meeting and members’ assembly, held in Cologne in partnership with the SAZsport Congress. For the first time, the event took place at the German Sport & Olympic Museum, drawing members and partners from across the sector.
Key themes included politics, sustainability and digitalization. The BSI announced the creation of a new business development unit to strengthen industry initiatives. A highlight was a keynote from Prof. Ralf Roth of the German Sport University Cologne, who underlined the need to adapt sport and tourism to climate change under the motto “Klimafit. Wandlungsstark. Zukunftsbereit.” (Climate fit. Strong for change. Future-ready). He stressed the importance of amplifying sport’s positive impact while reducing environmental strain and social inequality.
The program also included a #beActive workout on the museum’s rooftop, with JAKO providing kit, as well as working sessions of the BSI’s specialist groups with input from external guests such as the European Outdoor Group, the German Swimming Federation, ISPO Munich and Interzero.
The event concluded with the Night of Sports, featuring Olympic champion Laura Ludwig, who shared personal insights into her career: “You can’t always win, but even when you lose, you win – in experience.”
BSI Managing Director Stefan Rosenkranz summed up: “With numerous impulses, intensive discussions and inspiring encounters, the 2025 annual meeting was a complete success. The BSI takes a lot of energy into the coming months to shape the future of the sporting goods industry together.”
