After 55 years, this was the last ever ISPO in Munich. Next year, it moves to Amsterdam (but more on that later).
Here are my top takeaways:
Smaller Brands, Thinking Big
With the absence of some global giants, ISPO provided a wonderful opportunity for smaller brands to step into the spotlight – Asian challenger brands hungry for European market share like Korean label Vitro, and Chinese-owned Aparso. Both showcased innovative products and bold ambitions, clearly demonstrating their time has come.
The Kings of Supply
With exhibition costs dropping, smaller suppliers found it easier to make their mark. Sustainability and circularity were hot topics, with entire areas devoted to material innovation. The message? Sportswear’s future will be shaped as much by what’s inside the product as by the logo on the outside.
YKK introduced a 3D Composite Puller, which won the Best Product in the Accessories category at the ISPO Textrends Awards. It eliminates traditional moulding requirements, offering brands new possibilities for design and functionality whilst reducing waste and minimum order constraints.
Padelmania
Innovation in the world of sport is relentless. ISPO 2025’s “Padel & Pickleball Village,” with its four full-size courts, was perfect testament to that. In the last decade, Padel has evolved from a niche sport into a global phenomenon, played in over 130 countries with an estimated 30 million players worldwide. Source: Pala-hack.com. (If you don’t believe me, just try booking a padel court in the UK, these days!)
Sport Gets Playful
ISPO 2025 blurred the lines between sport and play, with a surge of “active pastime” games designed for offices, homes, and social spaces. Think office-friendly rubber ‘axe’ throwing, trampoline ball, and digital “beat the goalie” setups. OK, these aren’t Olympic sports, but they’re competitive, fun, and perfect for a generation that values activity and connection – ‘competitive socialising,’ as it’s often called. Astutely, the sports industry is expanding its definition of what it means to be active, opening new markets and opportunities for brands willing to think differently.
An Attacking Mindset
If you’re English and a fan of football, you probably have mixed opinions about Oliver Bierhoff – he played for the Germany side that knocked us out of the Euro 1996 semi-final. And then scored the ‘Golden Goal’ in the final that won the tournament for them. But I really enjoyed his conference speech. Leveraging his background in football, Bierhoff discussed management, team building, and strategic vision within the sports world. As well as the dynamic interplay between sport and commerce.
The Power of the Personal
Beyond the products and trends, ISPO remains a hub for renewing old and forging new relationships. When it comes to that, the real-world beats Zoom and Teams every time. For me, the real highlight wasn’t a new shoe or gadget, but the chance to reconnect with industry peers. And meet new people, taking the temperature of the market by listening to their insights. Despite living in this all-encompassing digital age, I believe these personal moments are what keep the industry vibrant, collaborative, and ready for its next great leap forward.
So that’s it. Goodbye, Munich. Hello, Amsterdam.
ISPO 2026 will be the start of a different era – combining a new ‘C-suite level’ conference with a traditional trade fair, backed by a €3 million investment in content.
I’ll be there. I hope to see you, too. It’s always enjoyable to talk to other people in the industry – although, this time, it will be over a pint of Amstel rather than a Warsteiner.