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Beijing hosts ispo China 08 February 24th - 26th with new segments, new dimensions and a new exhibition centre
2008 - and all those with an eye for sport also have an eye on China, with just eight months until Beijing hosts the forthcoming XX1X Olympiad - and as many weeks until the next ispo China opens its doors. As the tempo speeds up in the preparation and completion of the astonishing "Birds Nest" national stadium, one of no less than 33 venues that have been created so far, the interest in China for everything sport-related has equally grown apace. Consequently it is only natural that there has been exceptionally rapid development of ispo as a sports business forum.
The forthcoming event was forced to move to a new exhibition location to accommodate the increasing exhibitor and visitor numbers. This spring, ispo will be taking place at the superb China International Exhibition Centre (CIEC) where some 20,000 square meters will be filled with global brands presenting their products and services.
Not only is the show bigger and in a superb new location, but it has many new aspects and activities to appeal to exhibitors and visitors alike.
A primary new feature will be the subject of equipment and infrastructure for winter sports resorts. By expanding the sporting goods portfolio with this segment, the show now targets the entire Asian winter sports industry. This includes ski resort managers, who, to date, have been benefiting from ispo China as an information platform. This step has turned China's leading sporting goods trade show into a 360-degree supplier for the world's most promising winter sports market.
The growth of ispo china 08 compared to 07 is not only reflected in the need for more space - or the expanded event program. There is also extremely positive growth in international participation. In November 2007, for example, an agreement was signed with Nielsen Business Media, parent company of the US trade shows Action Sports Retailer (ASR), Health+Fitness Business (HFB) and Outdoor Retailer (OR). This agreement stipulates that Nielsen will be responsible for marketing and promoting ispo China, including the forthcoming event, in North America, assisting companies with their entry into the Asian-Pacific markets, in particular the fast growing Chinese sports and outdoor sectors.
This spring, global interest is under the spotlight in an international area that includes exhibitors from across Europe - including UK brands - that have recognized the commercial buzz emanating from China and want to be part of it. With an increasingly powerful consumer spend and interest in sporting goods (encouraged by the 2008 Olympic development programme) this is a market that will thoroughly reward those who evolve with it.
Harrows Darts have attended the show for three years and Robert Pringle, Sales and Marketing Director, has seen first-hand the the commercial power that exhibiting in China can give a brand and strongly endorses the quality and importance of ispo's Beijing show."The far east has been an important growth area for us in the last few years, with many new markets emerging and developing. China itself has massive potential and we are beginning to see healthy sales to this country. As a "brands" show ispo is an ideal platform for us to meet existing and potential distributors, who may not necessarily travel to ispo Munich."
For Harrows, the growth of softip ('electronic') darts is an exciting development specific to the ispo China market in preference to the traditional steel tip version of the game. However, China is also being influenced by the growing worldwide interest in darts, "Fuelled by a huge increase in TV coverage, the profile of professional players has increased massively on a global scale and as a result we will also be launching a range of high technology Mardle professional 90% tungsten darts at ispo china."
PIL Membranes see exhibiting at ISPO China as a vital part of their ongoing commitment to promote the Porelle brand in the sports and leisure market. PIL supply a range of membrane technologies for use in garments, accessories (including gloves, hats and socks) and footwear. that require maximum waterproof properties, breathability and durability. Having successfully supplied worldwide into military, industrial, medical and leisure markets the company has used its knowledge of these high specification markets to develop the P600 range of high performance cost effective Porelle membranes specifically for sports and leisure. "Following a successful first year launch of the P600 membrane range in 2007, we are looking to further strengthen and develop our partnerships in the Asia region for this important market."
Events and Highlights
- 3rd Asia Pacific Sports Conference (APSC) | February 24th - 25th, 2008, CIEC
- 4th China Outdoor Retailing Conference (CORC) | February 23rd, CIEC
China Outdoor Commercial Association COCA Annual Meeting
Promostyle Trend Barometer
WGSN Global Trend Seminar | www.wgsn.com
ispo China Asia Bouldering Competition 2008 | February 24th - 25th CEIC Hall 3
The Quiksilver Night Rail Session | February 23rd| South Mellow Park, Beijing
Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards | February 25th
Golden eyes on the Fake: Basics on how to recognize imitations, an essential forum for recognizing the concerns on this market issue.
China's sporting focus has ensured that it has finished in the top four in medal counts in each of the Summer Olympic Games since 1992 and as Beijing prepares for the XXIX Olympiad a dynamic market, with ispo providing the trading forum, awaits. The Fuwas (the good luck mascots for the Beijing Olympics) spell out the fact that Beijing welcomes you. And at the end of February... so does ispo.
FACT FILE
Tickets can be obtained by registering online. Pre register by Feb 22 for free admission. A three-day pass to purchase is RMB 60 and RMB 20 for a single day.
Online travel arrangements can be made through the official agency www.orient-explorer.com who can help with all aspects of your visit to Beijing.
