ISPO 2025: A new chapter in the largest business platform for sports

After the cancellation of ISPO Outdoor 2025 in the middle of the year, many wondered: what is the future of the most traditional trade show in the sports industry?

The answer came in full force with the ISPO 2025 Concept Release, revealing a deep reformulation of the event and a commitment to a more integrated, functional, and future-oriented format. More than just a trade show, ISPO now positions itself as an acceleration platform for global sports — connecting brands, technologies, retail, media, and sustainability.

A Holistic ISPO: three interconnected arenas

The main change in the 2025 concept is the restructuring of the event into three major arenas, organized according to the sports value chain:

• Brands & Products: the heart of the event, bringing together established brands, startups, and major innovations in sports equipment and apparel.
• Upstream & Supply: a strategic space for those behind the scenes — developers, designers, material suppliers, sustainability solutions, and R&D.
• Commerce & Experience: focused on connecting product and consumer, with an emphasis on retail, e-commerce, sports events, and marketing.

This model aims to foster meaningful connections throughout the entire value chain, allowing businesses to meet within the same ecosystem, curated with content, experiences, and matchmaking.

Outdoor in Focus: A new home for the community

Despite the pause of ISPO Outdoor in 2025, the outdoor segment will play a prominent role in the 2025 edition. Areas Hall A1 (Outdoor Lifestyle) and Hall A2 (Outdoor Functional + Sustainability) will host technical brands, sustainable initiatives, and content focused on the outdoor experience. There will also be thematic spaces such as:

• Sitegeist: where sports, style, and culture meet.
• Textrends & ISPO Textrends Awards: recognizing textile and material innovations.
• ISPO Awards & ISPO Brandnew: innovation awards and a showcase for startups.

Events within ISPO 2024 – Photo: Thomas Plettenberg / ISPO Website

Matchmaking, Media and Influence: More than just networking

ISPO 2025 will heavily invest in qualified connections. Three strategic initiatives mark this shift:

• Retail Key Account Program: a program dedicated to major international buyers and retailers, starting on Sunday (11/30), taking advantage of the weekend.
• Global Sports Influencer Summit: the first global meeting of sports influencers, integrating media, brands, and experiences.
• Digital and In-Person Matchmaking: an integrated tool to schedule meetings and find partners before, during, and after the event.

Sustainability: from raw material to communication

Sustainability is addressed transversally in the new fair concept. The Sustainability Solutions Hub, located in Hall A2, will feature not only exhibitors and NGOs but also a stage dedicated to discussions on circular economy solutions, carbon management, and waste reduction. The entire event setup will follow guidelines for material reuse and reduced environmental impact.

ISPO Outdoor 2024 – Sustainability was already part of the event’s content in previous editions – Photo: Messe München Gbmh / ISPO Website

Conferences and Strategic Content

Conferences are gaining new strength and will be physically integrated into the exhibition area, with a common entrance through the West Entrance, which will be transformed into an innovation hub. The main confirmed conferences include:

• Sports Tech Nation
• Sport Brand Media
• German Trainer Summit

In addition, new forums are being planned in partnership with industry leaders and international media.

Participation and registration

ISPO 2025 will take place from November 30 to December 2, in Munich. Exhibitors who register by April 2025 will secure early bird benefits, with options ranging from plug-and-play booths to customized projects. Tickets will be divided between Buyers Tickets (free or discounted for buyers) and Business Tickets for other industry professionals.

Why does this matter?

ISPO is not just rethinking its layout. It is rethinking the role of trade shows as platforms for transformation, where businesses become lasting connections, and where innovation, media, culture, and sustainability come together to drive sports on a global scale.

For the outdoor sector, it is an opportunity to reconnect in a more segmented, functional environment tailored to the real needs of brands, retailers, and consumers.

“Sport is big. Let’s make it bigger. Together.” — ISPO 2025

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