Speech by Klaus Dittrich, Chairman & CEO of Messe München GmbH

Speech by Klaus Dittrich, Chairman & CEO of Messe München GmbH at the ISPO BEIJING 2012 Press Conference

February 21 (Tuesday), 15:30,

Meeting Room M-206

China National Convention Center

Beijing, China

Welcome to the China National Convention Center for the ISPO BEIJING 2012 press conference, the eighth edition of the Asia Outdoor Sports & Fashion Exhibition. Today, I would like to share with you some key figures for this year’s event, the exhibition theme, and some exciting highlights.

Tomorrow, the eighth ISPO BEIJING will officially open at the China National Convention Center. This year’s event has achieved outstanding figures across the board, once again confirming ISPO BEIJING’s position as the leading sports industry platform in the Asia-Pacific region — and we are very proud of that.

In 2012, ISPO BEIJING has made remarkable progress in two major aspects: Due to the global brand restructuring of ISPO, we have renamed the former ispo China to the current ISPO BEIJING. In addition to the name update, the duration of ISPO BEIJING has also been extended by one day. From February 22 to 25, we will hold the exhibition continuously for four days for the first time, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in sports products from Asia and around the world. The extension of the show duration is an adjustment made by Messe München GmbH in response to industry demands, ensuring our exhibitors and visitors have ample time for interaction without feeling rushed due to a tight schedule. This year, the number of exhibitors has significantly increased to 353, up 28% compared to last year; domestic exhibitors grew by 20%, reaching 290 companies; and the total number of brands exhibited reached 516 — including 204 domestic brands and 312 international brands. Another sign of the exhibition’s upgrade is that many Chinese manufacturers, which previously focused on producing products for international brands, have now established their own brands and entered the market. In addition, a large number of foreign brands are using ISPO BEIJING as a platform to promote themselves in the developing Asian market. New exhibitors this year include Bogner, DC, Deuter, Eagle Creek, Five Ten, Meindl, Protest, Salomon, Vaude, and X-Bionic. We are also delighted to welcome back exhibitors such as Burton, Lowa, Northland, and Sympatex.

This year, the net exhibition area of ISPO BEIJING has increased by 37%, reaching 13,600 m².

With exhibitor numbers hitting a new high, we are also very optimistic about visitor turnout: pre-registered attendees have already increased by 13% compared to last year.

ISPO BEIJING's consistent double-digit growth undoubtedly confirms its position as the leading platform in the Asia-Pacific region. But why is our trade show so successful? The reasons are, of course, multifaceted. First, the show consistently maintains its quality to international high standards. The company’s over 40 years of global experience in organizing leading trade events in the sports industry brings a high level of trust to both our events and our team. Second, like ISPO MUNICH, ISPO BEIJING comprehensively reflects the current status and trends of all aspects of the industry. Lastly, the show also provides ample opportunities for industry professionals to network through a multitude of concurrent events. Of course, our success is also inseparable from the strong support of our partners, including Italy’s PVS srl, the European Outdoor Group, and now the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry. Through our collaboration with Alpitec China — the International Exhibition of Mountain Equipment and Winter Sports Technology, organized by Italy’s PVS srl, ISPO BEIJING incorporates the winter sports equipment and machinery sector, fully showcasing the complete picture of the winter sports industry. Since last year, we have been working with the European Outdoor Group, Europe’s most important outdoor industry association, to help more European outdoor brands develop and expand their business in the Asian market. The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry has become our new partner this year. They will help us promote ISPO BEIJING and China’s sporting goods industry globally.

China is the world’s fastest-growing consumer goods market. As a barometer of the Asian sporting goods industry, ISPO BEIJING brings attendees the latest industry trends. This year’s new highlight is extreme sports products. Sports such as skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding have become an important part of new youth pop culture. Although snowboarding is still considered a subculture, its supporters are growing rapidly. The establishment and recognition of related sports associations have further fueled their momentum. ISPO BEIJING 2012 features a dedicated extreme sports zone, offering a large professional skateboarding area, along with skateboarding competitions and pro rider performances. This concept has attracted numerous brands including 686 Snowboards, Amplifi, Burton, K2 Snowboards, Protest, Rome, Roxy, Smith Optics, and Sub Industries, all of which are exhibiting at ISPO BEIJING 2012.

Another fast-growing sector, alongside extreme sports, is sports fashion. During ISPO BEIJING, designers, developers, and buyers will gain a comprehensive understanding of sports fashion trends, and we will organize a newly positioned sports fashion trend zone. Renowned brands such as Bogner, DC, and Phenix will exhibit in this area to tap into the strong potential of the Chinese market and promote their brands across the Asia-Pacific region.

The latest functional fabric and accessory technologies and the new season’s 2013/2014 color trends for sporting goods will be unveiled at the China Sports Fashion Trends Forum.

ISPO BEIJING 2012 will continue to focus on discussing industry trends by hosting various related forums. This year’s Asia Pacific Ski Conference (APSC) theme is “Snow Sports Industry Experience — Management and Operation of China’s Ski Industry.” Mr. Young Ho, Seo (Xu Yonghu), President of Korea’s Eastern Partners Investment Co., Ltd., will discuss the opportunities and challenges brought by the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea.Additionally, this year we will also hold the China Outdoor Retailer Forum and the China Outdoor Industry Forum, providing in-depth analysis of the Chinese outdoor market and insights into trends in the European and North American markets.

As a global service partner to the sports industry, ISPO consistently provides expert-level support to help industry professionals grow, increase profits, and establish a solid foothold in the Asia-Pacific market. Our overseas brand agency matchmaking services and department store tour programs are standout examples. Through these activities, we create opportunities for mutual understanding between domestic and international sports industry professionals, laying the foundation for collaboration. Hilleberg, Salewa, and Hagl...

In addition to providing information, the exhibition is placing increasing emphasis on networking. ISPO BEIJING has organized a variety of social events to help industry professionals maintain and expand their networks. First up is the Department Store Tour Welcome Dinner, a gathering for senior mall management who will spend an enjoyable evening with numerous international brands and media representatives to explore the vast potential of the Chinese market. The Exhibitor Dinner allows both domestic and international exhibitors to discuss the characteristics of various markets in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, the Outdoor & Ski Happy Hour and the Extreme Sports Party are the perfect places for everyone to unwind and enjoy good times to the fullest with music. Finally, there's also the ISPO VIP Dinner prepared for key international brand decision-makers, waiting for you.

Apart from traditional elements such as product innovation and communication, another important aspect of the exhibition is the series of exciting competitions and activities. This year, ISPO BEIJING will host two skateboarding competitions to complement the prominence of the extreme sports exhibition area. In addition to the ISPO BEIJING Skateboard Open, Osiris has also invited top international skateboarders to participate in the Osiris & Fallen Skateboard Competition. The world’s most important mountain film festival—Banff Mountain Film Festival—will also hold a special screening during the exhibition. Lastly, the China Outdoor Annual Golden Rhino Awards Ceremony, which recognizes and summarizes the contributions made by outdoor enthusiasts to China’s outdoor industry over the past year, will be held on February 23.

Wish you a successful experience at ISPO BEIJING 2012!