ISPO moves to Amsterdam: New partner, new concept!

ISPO moves to Amsterdam: New partner, new concept!

The world of sporting goods and the outdoor industry is facing significant change. In a groundbreaking decision, Messe München has announced a strategic partnership with the British Raccoon Media Group. The aim of this cooperation is a new start for ISPO, the largest trade fair in the industry, which will take place at a new location from 2026: the RAI in Amsterdam. This decision, which was announced on October 28, 2025 in the Deutschlandfunk program, is intended to enable global reach and improve accessibility to the trade fair, which will take place a few weeks earlier, from November 3rd to 5th.

But why this step? The number of visitors and exhibitors at ISPO has fallen sharply in recent years. Changing purchasing habits and the increasing importance of manufacturers' direct business have caused the traditional trade fair sector to falter. Companies like Adidas, Nike and Puma were no longer represented at ISPO before the corona pandemic. Those responsible have therefore recognized that it is high time for a fundamental realignment.

A new concept for ISPO

With the Raccoon Media Group at the helm of operational management, ISPO finally needs a breath of fresh air to strengthen its international presence. As reported on the Event Industry News platform, an investment program of 3 million euros will be introduced, divided into three areas:

• 1 Million Euro in Advocacy für den Schutz natürlicher Umgebungen.
• 1 Million Euro in ein globales Hosted Buyer-Programm zur Stärkung internationaler Geschäftsmöglichkeiten.
• 1 Million Euro in ein hochwertiges Content-Programm für tiefere Einblicke und Bildungsangebote in der Sport- und Outdoor-Branche.

These measures aim to create a coherent platform for the sports and outdoor community that meets current needs and challenges. Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group, emphasizes the need to reimagine the trade show to better respond to the industry's desires and expectations.

Important events in a new format

As part of the realignment, the ISPO Leaders’ Summit, an exclusive C-suite conference for global industry leaders, will also be introduced. Confirmed speakers include well-known personalities such as Jimmy Chin and Hap Klopp, who will provide valuable insight into the future of the industry. “The upcoming event in 2025, which will take place under the leadership of Messe München, will be seen as a significant milestone in the history of ISPO,” says the release.

In order to do justice to the changed situation, visitors can for the first time make a pre-booking for the next edition on site. These new approaches not only mark a transformation of the trade fair, but also an opportunity for the entire industry to reposition itself and meet the challenges of the time.

The ISPO in Munich has long had the potential to be a meeting place for the entire sports and outdoor community. With this partnership and the new concepts, it could finally have the tools it needs to continue to be successful in international business in the future.

For anyone interested, now is the ideal time to keep up to date with the latest developments. Check out the details of the partnership between Messe München and Raccoon Media Group and stay tuned to the coverage Deutschlandfunk](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/sportartikel-und-outdoormesse-zieh-von-muenchen-nach-amsterdam-um-100.html) about the coming changes in ISPO.