International fitness industry meets at
largest FIBO of all times 


More exhibitors, more surface area and even more service: right on time for its 25th anniversary, the Leading International Trade Show for Fitness, Wellness and Health is presenting itself in absolute top form. From Europe, the USA, Asia and even Australia – companies from all over the world showcase their new products at FIBO in Essen from 22 to 25 April. And once again the trade show is cracking a former record: for the first time, FIBO organiser Reed Exhibitions Deutschland expects more than 530 exhibitors from 38 countries. A tremendous achievement, according to Hans Muench, Director for Europe of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA): “Due to the economic crisis, the fitness industry’s European trade fairs are currently going through quite a difficult period, including, in some cases, severe losses in exhibitor and trade visitor numbers. In contrast, FIBO is not only standing its ground, it is even growing despite difficult conditions. So it is an obvious step for successful trade shows and events like FIBO and IHRSA to cooperate in order to serve the industry even more successfully.”

The very latest training equipment, intelligent health promotion concepts, up-to-date expert lectures and action-packed events: FIBO does not only offer the most comprehensive overview of the market but also direct contacts to companies and innovations. Small wonder, therefore, that a growing proportion of the 50,000 expected visitors come to Essen from abroad. “In 12 trade fair halls, FIBO shows simply everything to be found in the fitness universe. From bodybuilding right through to health issues, you just find everything here”, says Dominik Keller of Airport Fitness Zürich.
FIBO shows innovations
A visit to FIBO is particularly worthwhile if you want to find out what’s new in the market. FIBO Director Olaf Tomscheit: “Many of the large manufacturers have already announced they will present new products. We are expecting to see some 100 absolute novelties in the market.” This is the very field that Theo Hendriks, CEO Sport & Leisure Group, Netherlands, finds attractive: ”FIBO is definitely worth a visit for the entire industry, it is the leading trade show in Europe. This is where the latest developments are presented, always also accompanied by stimulating discussions." Anybody interested in innovations should make a point of visiting the INNOVATION FORUM in Hall 7. Here the FIBO INNOVATION AWARD will again be presented on Friday, 23 April, at 3 p.m. in cooperation with TÜV and FIT FOR FUN. During the entire trade show, the nominated products will be on display at the INNOVATION FORUM.

Conventions, shows and international fitness trends
Visitors from abroad also appreciate the FIBOactive zone: "Apart from all suppliers to the industry being present here, the events and shows guarantee lots of entertainment", says Malgorzata Perl of Perla Wellness from Poland. Of course, 2010 will once again offer plenty of that: visitors may look forward to the high-powered Latin workout ZUMBA on the stage in Hall 6. The Move too Hot break dancers, martial arts star Chloe Bruce from England and the Wushu (Kung Fu) team from Berlin will also be part of the action. Besides, the latest fitness moves will be presented on the ZUMBA stage. One of this year’s trends is Pole Fitness, whole body training around the pole! In Hall 5 the Convention of the German Fitness and Aerobics Association DFAV will present itself with an even more international character during the entire duration of the trade show – this is the place to learn about trends in group fitness from fitness stars like Jessica Exposito (Spain), Jean Brice Panza (France) or Guillermo G. Vega (Argentina). Also running for the entire duration will be the Les Mills Convention in Hall 8 after the great success of its 2009 premiere. The world’s largest group fitness provider will certainly have participants from all over the world work up a good sweat again.

FIBOmed
The health sector is steadily increasing its presence at FIBO. Initially, the new FIBOmed communication concept had been developed to serve the national health market only. “In the meantime, however, it has become quite clear that the presentation of health-relevant services on show at FIBO is also highly interesting for international visitors and that we may therefore also expect physiotherapists and physicians from abroad“, says FIBO-Chef Olaf Tomscheit. The FIBOmed homepage www.fibo-med.de will soon also be available in English. Health relevant products at FIBO are specifically marked in the new folding hall plan to enable visitors to find them easily.

More service for international visitors
FIBO is continuously improving its service in order to make the visit to the trade show even more pleasant and effective. In 2009, the handy folding hall plan was developed for instance, which simplifies finding one’s way around the halls. This year sees the introduction of an electronic visitor registration system which does not only save time but also money. Tickets can now be bought online at a low price on www.fibo.de and printed out at home. Another innovation is the shipping service in Hall 4a: Here visitors can have their purchases sent directly from the trade show to their home address. For visitors from abroad especially, there is now a possibility to simplify their stay at FIBO by using the services of the FIBO Travel Center to have hotels or rooms for meetings booked. Furthermore, there will be a new shuttle service from Düsseldorf Airport to the Exhibition Centre, leaving every 30 minutes. More information: hotel@fibo.de or with one click here at the FIBO Travel Center   


Here you can download the press release and the photo:

Press Information as PDF

Press Information as DOC

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Further information is available from the FIBO Press Department:

Dr. Mike Seidensticker, Tel. +49 211 90 191-128 – Mike.Seidensticker@reedexpo.de  
Nadine Lente, Tel. +49 211 90 191-191 – Nadine.Lente@reedexpo.de