ISPO

What ISPO does

ISPO is the world's leading B2B trade fair and digital ecosystem for the global sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries, founded in 1970 and currently operated by Raccoon Media Group in joint venture with Messe München through the UK-domiciled entity ISPO SPORTS BUSINESS EVENTS LTD. From 2026, the flagship exhibition relocates from Munich to RAI Amsterdam (3-5 November), with an expected 25,000+ industry professionals and 850+ exhibitors, anchored by dedicated Members Lounges for INTERSPORT and Sport 2000 Group International.

The platform is structured as a flagship event surrounded by a set of year-round modules: the ISPO Leaders Summit (C-suite forum on Participation, Sustainability and Fair Trade), the ISPO Awards programme (Excellence Awards, BrandNew, Textrends Awards, and the legacy ISPO Cup), the ISPO Textrends Marketplace (digital textile sourcing), the ISPO Collaborators Club (30,000+ community testers), the ISPO Retail Club, the Hosted Buyer Programme, and the Athlete & Influencer Programme. A €3 million investment programme (€1M each into advocacy, hosted buyers and content) underpins the re-platforming, supplemented by a €1M ISPO Impact Fund for nature conservation, equitable sport access and fair supply chains. Technology partners span JOOR (digital wholesale), See Tickets, LiveBuzz, Delivra, Pipedrive, Explori, Docusign, SurveyMonkey, Xero and Microsoft.

ISPO monetises through four primary streams: exhibitor and sponsor booth/package fees (the largest, quote-based), trade fair and Summit ticket sales (€29 early-bird Expo, €495 Summit), awards programme entry fees (ISPO Award, Textrends Awards, BrandNew, Excellence Awards), and digital marketplace / partnership revenue (Textrends Marketplace, JOOR integration). Customers span sporting goods and outdoor brands (Patagonia, Mammut, Helly Hansen, The North Face, Anta, Rab, Marmot, Bosideng, Fabletics), specialist retailers (INTERSPORT, Sport 2000, JD Plc, Ellis Brigham, Mountain Warehouse, Amazon Sports), athletes and influencers, industry associations (EOG, FESI, OIA), conservation bodies (EOCA), and digital platforms (JOOR).

Name

ISPO

Legal name

ISPO SPORTS BUSINESS EVENTS LTD

Website

https://ispo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ISPO is the world's leading B2B trade fair and digital ecosystem for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries, serving brands, specialist retailers, athletes and policymakers through its flagship exhibition, Leaders Summit, awards programmes, Textrends Marketplace and 30,000+ member Collaborators Club.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports & Outdoor Industry Trade Fairs and Events

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Spectator Sports (7112)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

International Sport Federations (IFs) (MPAKAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Esports Tournament Sponsorships & Partnerships (MPAGANAM), Influencer/Creator Marketplaces & Brand Deal Platforms (MPACABAI), Influencer Discovery, Vetting & Due Diligence Services (BPAFAHAE)

Keywords

• Sports trade fair
• Outdoor industry events
• Winter sports expo
• B2B matchmaking platform
• Textile sourcing marketplace

Headquarters

HQ city

Munich

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Trade Fair Ticket Sales: Revenue from visitor and delegate ticket sales for the ISPO Leaders Summit and Expo, with published price points of €495 for Summit tickets and €29 for Expo tickets (early-bird).
2. Exhibitor & Sponsor Fees: Revenue from booth sales and sponsorship packages for the annual ISPO trade fair, supported by a downloadable sponsorship brochure and confirmed attendance from 850+ exhibitors.
3. Digital Marketplace & Partnerships: Revenue associated with the ISPO Textrends Marketplace and digital platform integrations with partners such as JOOR (digital wholesale), supporting year-round brand–retailer connections.
4. Awards Programme Fees: Revenue generated from brands entering the ISPO Award, ISPO Textrends Awards, BrandNew, and Excellence Awards programmes, which provide industry recognition and visibility.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ISPO operates the world's leading international trade fair for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries, anchoring a B2B event and community ecosystem that connects 850+ exhibiting brands with 25,000+ retail buyers, athletes, and industry leaders annually. From 2026 the flagship moves to RAI Amsterdam (3-5 November), complemented by year-round offerings including the ISPO Leaders Summit C-suite forum, ISPO Awards programme, ISPO Textrends Marketplace digital sourcing platform, ISPO Collaborators Club (30,000+ product testers), Hosted Buyer Programme, Athlete & Influencer Programme, and the €1M ISPO Impact Fund.

Product overview

ISPO is a unified, platform-plus-modules B2B event and community ecosystem serving the global sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries, anchored by the ISPO Exhibition flagship trade fair (moving to RAI Amsterdam, 3–5 November 2026). Built around this anchor are: the ISPO Leaders Summit C-suite forum; the ISPO Awards programme (encompassing Excellence Awards, BrandNew and Textrends, plus the ISPO Cup legacy honour); the ISPO Textrends Marketplace digital sourcing platform; the ISPO Collaborators Club and ISPO Retail Club year-round communities; the Hosted Buyer Programme; the Athlete & Influencer Programme; and the ISPO Impact Fund charitable grant programme. Related brands include the International Running Expo (IRX) and ISPO China. The platform is organised by Raccoon Media Group in partnership with Messe München and is supported by a €3M investment programme spanning advocacy, hosted buyers and content.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ISPO Award: Awards programme recognising sports, outdoor and winter sports products for innovation, function, sustainability and durability, with jury meetings and an annual award ceremony.
• ISPO Textrends
• ISPO BrandNew
• ISPO Leaders Summit

Products and services

• ISPO Exhibition (Flagship Trade Fair) ISPO's flagship annual international trade fair for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries. From 2026, the event relocates to RAI Amsterdam (3-5 November), with 850+ exhibitors and 25,000+ industry professionals expected. Organised by Raccoon Media Group in partnership with Messe München. Visitor tickets from €29 early-bird; Summit tickets from €495 early-bird.
• ISPO Leaders Summit Exclusive C-suite forum uniting senior executives, policymakers and changemakers from across the sports, outdoor and winter sports ecosystem. Summit day (3 November 2026 in Amsterdam) is shaped around three pillars: Participation, Sustainability and Fair Trade. Part of ISPO's €1M content investment programme. Super early-bird delegate tickets priced at €495.
• ISPO Awards (Excellence Awards) Industry awards programme recognising outstanding sports, outdoor and winter products for innovation, function, sustainability and durability. Winners are selected through multi-round jury meetings and celebrated at the ISPO Awards ceremony. Annual winners include brands such as Patagonia, Mammut, Helly Hansen, The North Face, Anta, Fischer, Peak Design and Kolon Sport.
• ISPO BrandNew Award track within the ISPO Awards for emerging brands and newcomers in the sports and outdoor industry, providing visibility and validation for startups entering the sporting goods market.
• ISPO Textrends Awards Award programme recognising the most innovative textile fabrics, trims and accessories for sports and outdoor applications. Bosideng has received multiple Top 10 and Global Selection Textrends Awards for bio-based nylon and high-elastic fabrics.
• ISPO Textrends Marketplace Continuous online sourcing platform that allows textile exhibitors and visitors to digitise fabric products, track leads, and connect year-round. Positions ISPO as a combined physical + digital textile sourcing community for the sports and outdoor industry.
• ISPO Collaborators Club Community programme where sports brands test latest products with passionate athletes and gather direct feedback for product development. Has 30,000+ members; used by brands such as Merrell (SpeedARC Matis hiking shoe) and Bosideng (Composite Structure Camping Down Jacket).
• ISPO Retail Club Year-round free retailer community providing exclusive market insights, industry data, access to top retailers, curated matchmaking and business connections. Pillar of the Retail Initiative 2025; provides exclusive access to the Future Playbook Sports Retail white paper developed with BBE Handelsberatung.
• ISPO Hosted Buyer Programme Targeted initiative connecting senior retail decision-makers, distributors and brand innovation leaders with global exhibitors. Part of ISPO's €1M global hosted programme investment. Hosted participants receive reimbursed travel, exclusive networking, and dedicated facilities in exchange for pre-arranged meetings with exhibitors.
• ISPO Impact Fund €1 million independent charitable fund supporting grassroots initiatives in three areas: Nature Conservation & Environmental Stewardship, Equitable Access & Participation, and Fair/Ethical/Responsible Supply Chains. Managed by three founding trustees with an independent advisory panel. Grant applications open Spring 2026; awards announced November 2026 at ISPO Amsterdam.
• Athlete & Influencer Programme Programme bringing athletes and influencers into ISPO's network. Fabletics became official partner of the Athlete & Influencer Programme for ISPO 2026. The programme features spotlights on athletes such as Jan Virt, Donna York, Stuart Dick and Laura Philipp.
• International Running Expo (IRX) Companion running-focused trade event linked to ISPO, targeting the running industry and consumer running market. Operated under the IRX brand alongside ISPO.
• ISPO China China-region edition of ISPO operating under a separate URL (ispo.com.cn), serving the Chinese sports and outdoor market with localised event operations and editorial.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 850 exhibitors confirmed for ISPO 2026
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Sport 2000 Group InternationalflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 June 2026Umbrella organisation of SPORT 2000, headquartered in Mainhausen, Germany. In the 2025 financial year the group generated sales of €5.3 billion with 3,000 stores across 17 countries. Sport 2000 will host a dedicated Members Lounge at RAI Amsterdam as part of the €1M expansion into a global hosted programme.
• RabcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 June 2026British mountain apparel and equipment brand (founded 1981 by Rab Carrington in Sheffield) returning to exhibit at ISPO 2026 in Amsterdam. Will showcase product innovations, engage with retailers and distributors, and reinforce its commitment to face-to-face business and responsible practices.
• It's Great Out There CoalitioncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Coalition promoting outdoor participation and sport. ISPO 2026 announced a partnership with the It's Great Out There Coalition to amplify participation in sport and outdoor activities.
• European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 December 2025ISPO has joined EOCA as both a member and Sustaining Member, providing ongoing funding and strategic support to EOCA's conservation mission to protect biodiversity, restore wild places, and enable outdoor participation that respects nature.
• Outdoor Industries Association (OIA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 December 2025Andrew Denton, CEO at the Outdoor Industries Association, serves as a founding trustee of the ISPO Impact Fund, helping shape governance, fairness and transparency for the €1M grant programme.
• European Outdoor Group (EOG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 December 2025Mark Held, founding Secretary General of the European Outdoor Group, serves as a founding trustee of the ISPO Impact Fund. EOG is also listed as an ISPO partner on the website, supporting industry collaboration across the European outdoor sector.
• JOORcoreTechnology or Integration · 4 December 2025Digital wholesale platform (founded 2010, 14,000+ brands, 675,000+ buyers, 150+ countries, ~$20B annual transactions). JOOR was on-site at ISPO Munich 2025 (BOOTH B1 405-1) supporting sport and outdoor brands with digital tools that extend reach beyond the physical booth; complements the ISPO Textrends Marketplace.
• INTERSPORTflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 December 2025Global sporting goods retailer (5,464 specialist stores across 42 countries) confirmed as the first major retail partner for ISPO 2026, with a dedicated INTERSPORT Members Lounge at RAI Amsterdam. Positioned as a multi-category and multi-brand specialist aligned with ISPO's mission to connect the world to sport, health and well-being.
• Messe MünchenflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 December 2025Joint venture partner for ISPO from 2026 onward, combining Raccoon Media Group's community-driven, entrepreneurial approach with Messe München's global scale, infrastructure, and event competence. Messe München runs around 90 trade fairs worldwide with 1,300 employees and operations in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the USA.
• BBE HandelsberatungcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 September 2025German retail consultancy with which ISPO co-developed the 'Future Playbook Sports Retail' white paper, providing strategic guidance for the sports retail industry across market analysis, challenges, trends, best practices, and digital opportunities.
• BosidengcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 January 2023Chinese down jacket specialist (founded 1976) that has collaborated with the ISPO Collaborators Club for product testing of its Composite Structure Camping Down Jacket (ISPO Award 2022 winner). Bosideng is also featured in ISPO editorial coverage of its bio-based materials, RDS-certified down sourcing, and GIMS inventory management platform.
• Raccoon Media GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Raccoon Media Group is the operator and co-organiser of ISPO from 2026 onward. Founded in 2018, it is a dynamic, high-growth media business serving passion-led communities across B2C and B2B markets worldwide, also running the UK's National Running Show and the National Outdoor Expo.
• European Outdoor GroupminorOthersListed as an ISPO partner organisation on the ISPO website, supporting industry collaboration across the European outdoor sector.
• FESI (Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry)minorOthersListed as an ISPO partner organisation on the ISPO website, representing the European sporting goods industry.
• Eco AgeminorOthersListed as an ISPO partner on the ISPO website, supporting sustainability-focused collaborations.
• Insider SportminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website; provides news about the commercial aspects of sport to amplify ISPO content reach.
• Boardsport SourceminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website, covering boardsports and adjacent markets.
• Fashion UnitedminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website, supporting fashion-sport crossover coverage.
• MenquiryminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• Diffusion SportminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• DM&T SportminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• COAminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• GearlimitsminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• HardloopminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• InfotrademinorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• ArcosportsmediaminorOthersListed as an ISPO media partner on the ISPO website.
• BSI (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik)minorOthersListed as an ISPO partner on the ISPO website, supporting event security and digital infrastructure standards.
• BSIminorOthersListed as an ISPO partner on the ISPO website.
• NorskminorOthersListed as an ISPO partner on the ISPO website.
• Messe MünchenflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organiser of ISPO 2026 alongside Raccoon Media Group. Brings global infrastructure, subsidiary network across 10+ countries, and over 150 events annually with ~50,000 exhibitors and ~3 million visitors.
• Maelstrom Event SolutionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed in ISPO's Privacy Policy as a third-party data processor used to deliver ISPO events, including exhibitor and partner data sharing on a secure platform.
• Fenix (light brand)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorISPO Award 2024 winner for the SW05R RED lighting product, recognising innovation in the portable lighting category.
• It's Great Out There CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISPO 2026 announced partnership with It's Great Out There Coalition to promote outdoor participation and physical activity across Europe.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SPOBIS: Leading German sports business conference and summit covering football, sponsorship and sports business. Comparable to ISPO Leaders Summit as a C-suite sports business content platform.
• Performance Days: Munich-based twice-yearly functional fabrics trade fair serving the same sports and outdoor apparel OEMs and mills as ISPO Textrends. Closest direct competitor for textile sourcing exhibitors and buyers.
• Outdoor Retailer: Premier US outdoor industry trade show (Snow Show and Summer Market), serving many of the same outdoor brands (Patagonia, The North Face, Mammut, Rab) and retailers as ISPO. Direct competitor for outdoor exhibitor share-of-wallet.
• MAGIC (Fashion Events): Las Vegas-based apparel and footwear trade show serving active lifestyle, athleisure and sports-adjacent brands. Comparable as a major B2B trade fair platform targeting sports/outdoor buyers and brands.
• FIBO: Global fitness, health and wellness trade fair held in Cologne, serving fitness equipment, wearables and active-wear brands. Comparable to ISPO's fitness-adjacent segments and awards programmes.
• Surf Expo: US-based action sports and surf trade show serving boardsports, swim and beach lifestyle brands. Overlaps with ISPO's boardsports and outdoor exhibitor base, particularly ahead of seasonal buying cycles.
• The Running Event: US running specialty retail trade show and conference serving running brands and retailers (broader ISPO running-content programmes compete for similar attention).
• IHRSA: International health, racquet and sportsclub association running global fitness industry trade events and content programmes. Adjacent sports industry trade body with comparable membership and event model.

Broad incumbents

• Messe Frankfurt (Texpertise Network): Major global trade fair organiser (Heimtextil, Ambiente, Techtextil) with apparel-textile events that overlap with ISPO Textrends. Operates at much larger scale with adjacent textile sourcing shows.
• Informa Markets: Largest global trade exhibition organiser, running hundreds of events including sports and lifestyle shows. Represents the incumbent scale competitor to ISPO's flagship expo format.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ispo
• Facebookfacebook.com/ispomunich
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ispo-munich

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ISPO