ISPO organisers Raccoon Media Group and Messe München today announce that INTERSPORT, a global leader in sporting goods retail, is the FIRST major retail partner to confirm attendance at the reimagined expo in 2026.
As the doors close in Munich, the world’s most influential trade event for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries enters a new chapter with relocation to Amsterdam on earlier November dates. The signing of INTERSPORT, which has a long standing relationship with ISPO, is a mark of confidence in the future of the event by the industry.
Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group said; “Partnering with INTERSPORT as our first confirmed retail partner for ISPO 2026 is a major milestone for the event and for the entire sports industry. INTERSPORT’s global influence, deep consumer connection, and commitment to innovation make them the perfect collaborator as we build a future-focused ISPO. This partnership allows us to bring brands and retailers closer together – and sets a powerful foundation for what ISPO 2026 will represent.”
The collaboration will bring the global retailer and brands together seamlessly. With 5,464 specialist stores across 42 countries, the improved accessibility and earlier dates of ISPO 2026 make attendance more practical and valuable for INTERSPORT. ISPO 2026 will host a dedicated INTERSPORT Members Lounge at the Rai Amsterdam, bringing INTERSPORT’s buyers from all over the world to the event as part of the £1M expansion and intensification of the global hosted buyer programme.
Seaman continued: “ROI is everything, our exhibitors want meaningful business outcomes. This is driving our strategic emphasis on lead-gen, buyer meetings and metrics that demonstrate value. Our Hosted Buyer Programme is central to this and INTERSPORT clearly recognise the potential ROI to be gleaned by hosting multiple meetings in one location.”
“Confidence is clearly high in our new strategic direction and investment commitment. To have INTERSPORT confirm their attendance at such an early stage reinforces that ISPO remains THE premier global trade fair to attend.”
The synergies between ISPO and INTERSPORT are more deep-rooted than business ROI and longevity. As multi-category and multi-brand specialists, INTERSPORT and ISPO are both committed to connecting the world to the benefits of sport, health, and well-being, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the joy of sport.
ISPO 2026 promises to be more than a trade show. Exhibitors and attendees will experience an immersive, inspiring and commercially vibrant gathering. The three days of will feature carefully curated content, learning and activations that transcend traditional display booths, ISPO 2026 parties and organised networking will bring INTERSPORT buyers and brands together beyond business hours fostering greater relationships going forward.
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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: ispopress@raccoonmediagroup.com
Translated versions of the release are available here in French, German, Spanish and Dutch
About Raccoon Media Group
Raccoon Media Group is a dynamic, high-growth media business dedicated to serving passion-led communities across both B2C and B2B markets worldwide. Through its impactful events and media properties, Raccoon delivers year-round content, education and growth and networking opportunities to specialist, self-identifying audiences. Founded in 2018 the company has rapidly expanded its portfolio across health, wellbeing and specialist passion-led markets. Entrepreneurial and disruptive, Raccoon challenges the status quo, invests in exceptional people and creates sustainable events that foster industry growth and meaningful connections. Connect with us at www.raccoonmediagroup.com or for all media enquiries, contact Ashley Cox ashley.cox@raccoonmediagroup.com.
Messe München
As one of the world’s leading trade fair organisers, Messe München showcases the world of tomorrow at around 90 trade fairs worldwide. These include twelve leading global trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT, and electronica. The portfolio covers trade fairs for investment and consumer goods as well as for new technologies. Together with its 1,300 employees in the group and its subsidiaries, it organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the USA. With an international network of subsidiaries and foreign representatives, Messe München is active worldwide. More than 150 events each year attract around 50,000 exhibitors and approximately three million visitors domestically and abroad. This makes Messe München a key economic driver, generating purchasing power effects worth billions.