The 12th International Paddle Sports Exhibition, PADDLEexpo, was successfully held from September 28–30 in Nuremberg, Germany. According to statistics, a total of 1,405 professional visitors from 48 countries attended, marking an increase from last year’s 1,369. A total of 136 exhibitors showcased 271 brands (in 2013: 121 exhibitors and 263 brands).
As the world’s largest trade exhibition dedicated to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boats, and their related apparel and accessories, PADDLEexpo has long been a key partner of ISPO MUNICH. Upon learning that ISPO would be holding a summer show in Shanghai, China, the PADDLEexpo organizing committee expressed great anticipation for the collaboration, aiming to jointly expand the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets through the partnership with ISPO SHANGHAI. Horst Fürsattel, Exhibition Director of PADDLEexpo, spoke positively about the collaboration: “In recent years, water sports have gained increasing attention and developed rapidly in China. We are honored to extend our existing partnership with ISPO by participating in their summer show in Shanghai next year. Through this collaboration, we can provide an excellent and efficient showcase platform for our existing water sports exhibitors, helping them explore and grow their business in the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets.” Wang Yilei, Director of the Consumer Goods Project Group at Messe München (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., added: “Having cultivated the market in China for over a decade, ISPO has witnessed the growing acceptance of outdoor and skiing sports among the general public. With the continued economic development and rising living standards in China, we will continue to promote the growth of more emerging sports in China, making them an indispensable part of everyday life for the public.”
It is reported that Messe München International and PADDLEexpo Exhibition Director Horst Fürsattel have officially signed a cooperation agreement. As a result, water sports manufacturers from Europe and the United States will participate as a group in the inaugural ISPO SHANGHAI from July 2–4, 2015, joining forces with Chinese water sports professionals to promote the growth and development of the sport in China.