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ispo – no small beer!
Another business year on the horizon and with that new calendar comes the list that has retailers rolling their eyes and sighing… trade shows. It used to be so simple, with one or two strong national events and a couple of regional alternatives thrown in for good measure.
But that all changed, along with the needs of brands – and consumers for that matter. Apart from endlessly switching dates, the content of shows had to keep evolving too in order to match the modern market. Core products and their developments need to be seen, but alongside them a whole range of new retail opportunities have had to be introduced. It’s not just about instruction on the next range, introductions or incentives; now, everything is rapid innovation and keeping inspired.
For many, the idea of heading to Germany and visiting ispo for that inspiration had perhaps faded, or never sparked. To begin with, the cost of going to Munich had been something of a stumbling block, with commercial travel packages really the only way to go. Then, an assumption grew that the show had really become a domestic trade forum, the perfect excuse not to make the trip. But, like the retail market, ispo has been constantly re-inventing itself and not only has the show emerged as the global force in showcasing products and trends for everything from performance sport to outdoor and style, but travelling there is definitely not going to bug you. Munich offers hassle-free access by air, rail or car and getting round the city is easy (superb public transport is also free to use with your entrance ticket). Low-cost flights and accommodation are now freely available, largely thanks to the internet… in fact, you can now fly to Munich, stay there and visit ispo for no more than the cost of attending a UK trade show.
With show registration just opening up online, we’ve prised some inside information from some seasoned trade show travellers to help give you the lowdown on a few things you may, may not or should know about going to ispo and visiting Munich
www.ispo.com – The ultimate resource – travel offers and assistance, online registration discounts, full show information
www.lufthansa.co.uk – Book early and their scheduled flights are as good as low budget, but with the frills! And they have a check-in desk at the exhibition centre
Hotels are plentiful and suit all pockets. The area round the main station (Hauptbahnhof) is the ideal spot – the underground (U bahn – line U2) runs straight to the show and you can walk or get around the city centre easily. Try the Regent, The Drei Loewen (three lions!), Kings First Class or Amba. Boardsports ispo is offering a unique deal to retailers in association with Whitelines mag – they have negotiated a special discounted deal at GHotel.
Trains! (download a map and use the S or U bahn for free with your ticket). Forget cabs, or cars, the public transport system is really easy, quick and on time! Look for the end station on the line you need and head for the platform showing this destination, trains/line numbers are all clearly marked – ispo is on line U2 (messestadt-west or ost). You can travel straight to and from the airport by train as well.
Arrived in a hurry for an appointment? Grab the shuttle from the airport (timetables on ispo.com), go straight to the show and you can leave your luggage in the cloakrooms until you can get to check in at your hotel
Keeping in touch – ispo has fully equipped business centres as well as a free internet area within the show. The International lounge in North entrance is a complimentary business area where you can network, work or just take a break from the show buzz
Smoking – ispo is a non smoking show within the halls. From January 1st 2008, Munich restaurants will be non smoking.
Food glorious food – ispo has a whole range of restaurant, café and bar facilities. Munich itself has a wealth of restaurant alternatives – if you are looking for the ultimate uber-cool outing it has to be NEKTAR, Munich’s trendy “bed” restaurant!
Bars – ispo itself has a packed diary of parties (at various locations in Munich) each night and many magazines host events. For real Bavarian tradition go to the “world’s most famous pub” – Hofbrauhaus on Platzl – while hip drinkers head for the Hotel Anna bar.
Snow and surf – it’s literally a short train ride from the city centre to reach some of the picturesque resorts and head to the piste. Many people combine the spring show with a chance to test kit at places like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it’s only about an hour on the train from Munich, with trains leaving every hour. If you like your board on something a little less frozen did you know that you can even surf on Munich’s river Isar (meaning ice river – yes it’s cold!) at Haus der Kunst (at Englischer Garten).
It’s green and great outdoors – Munich is famed for having over 700 beautiful fountains and parks in every district, all accessible by public transport, for free with your entrance ticket. It makes ispo thoroughly carbon footprint friendly – enough to leave other exhibition locations green with envy. Rivers, lakes, bike trails, surfing and even white water rafting are all right on ispo’s doorstep.
Sightseeing can easily be combined with an ispo visit, the city museums, cultural and tourist attractions are all accessed by public transport, whether you take a break from the show or add on some time. The Olympic park (a true Disneyland of sport) is thoroughly worth seeing. Shopping too, can be relevant, with leading sports and outdoor retailers all easy to reach in the city centre.
Football and beer – a visit to Munich will make you feel right at home. The city is home to the famous Hofbrauhas pub and, of course, the Oktoberfest. So raise a glass to ispo – with so much on offer so easily. In fact, it’s pure good business sense to raise that glass in Munich next January. Cheers!
For all things Munich go to: http://www.muenchen.de/
For all things ispo: www.ispo.com
Fast Track
If you really only have a day to spare, then it is still possible to have a rewarding visit the show:
Numerous flights to and from Munich offer an early departure and late return – book early for best rates and times
Lufthansa have a check in desk at the exhibition centre for their passengers, providing extra time without worrying about airport queues
Walk straight out and hop on the cheap shuttle bus on arrival – it’s just a 40 minute trip between the airport and ispo (and back). The service is free for ispocard holders.
The ispo communities are clearly marked which means you can easily identify and focus on the halls covering your prime area of business
Visitor and exhibitor information is provided in depth on www.ispo.com so that you can plan your day – each ispo community is covered separately, including details of special features taking place in that market sector
Pre registration online saves you time and money
