The message of ISPO Beijing, which took place Feb. 10-12, 2023, was clear: Trade shows are back – and the sports industry is booming, also and especially in China. 368 leading brands and 223 exhibitors attracted 37,623 trade visitors and sports enthusiasts to Beijing. According to organizers, the show celebrated its biggest success with a 50 percent increase in visitors compared to last year, when the global pandemic and supply chain issues threatened the existence of many retailers, brands and events. Xu Jia, CEO of Messe Muenchen Shanghai Co, Ltd, was pleased with the successful relaunch: “Three years ago, ISPO Beijing 2020 was the first show to be postponed due to Covid-19; three years later, it is the first show to return.”
As the first actual major event in the new year for the sports lifestyle industry in the Asia-Pacific region, ISPO Beijing showcased market trends, innovative products and technologies, supply chain solutions, and functional textiles and materials across a wide range of industry sectors, including snowsports, outdoor sports, camping lifestyle, climbing, running, cycling, land surfing, and yoga. To reach the broadest possible audience, the show was streamed live for the first time on Tmall, Little Red Book and Tiktok. This is a clear sign that the sports and lifestyle industries are evolving and finding new ways to survive in this fast-paced market in the long term.
As a thematic focus this year, ISPO Beijing set four big questions: What can sustainability look like in the mountain sports industry? How can the outdoor sports trade survive in the trend of large market structures? And what about sports fashion trends and sports rehabilitation? The show provided not only answers but also new perspectives to help retailers and brands respond to recent changes, demonstrate an innovative spirit and develop new values.
The next ISPO Beijing will be held in January 2024 at the National Convention Center in Beijing. ISPO Shanghai 2023 will open its doors this year from June 30 to July 2, 2023, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.
