The global sporting goods and outdoor industry is preparing for a new chapter of ISPO as the international trade event moves to Amsterdam for its 2026 edition.
ISPO 2026 is scheduled to take place from November 3 to 5, 2026, at RAI Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The event will bring together brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, innovators and other professionals from across the sports, outdoor and winter-sports sectors.
A New Chapter for ISPO
The 2026 edition represents a significant change for ISPO. After decades of being closely associated with Munich, the event is moving to Amsterdam as part of a redesigned concept intended to strengthen its international business and networking role.
The new three-day format separates the event into two main components. The opening day, November 3, will focus on the ISPO Leaders Summit, a high-level gathering aimed at senior executives, policymakers and influential figures from the sports ecosystem. The exhibition will then take place on November 4 and 5.
According to ISPO, the new concept is built around major industry issues including participation, sustainability and fair trade, while maintaining its focus on business, innovation and connections across the sports industry.
Sports Brands and Innovation in the Spotlight
A central attraction of ISPO is its role as a meeting point for companies developing new products and technologies for athletes and consumers.
The 2026 exhibition is expected to feature products and ideas covering sporting goods, outdoor equipment, winter sports, apparel and related technologies. The event also provides companies with an opportunity to meet retailers, distributors, investors and other industry decision-makers.
ISPO has also continued to emphasize opportunities for younger companies. Its BrandNew platform is designed to give start-ups and scale-ups an opportunity to present new products and concepts to potential buyers, investors and established industry players.
Sustainability and Changing Consumer Demand
Sustainability is expected to remain an important subject across the sports and outdoor business.
The industry is increasingly looking at how products are designed, manufactured and sold, while consumers are also demanding greater functionality and versatility. Recent ISPO industry coverage has highlighted growing interest in multifunctional products, lightweight materials, UV protection and equipment designed for changing outdoor conditions.
These developments make trade events such as ISPO an important place for companies to demonstrate how they are responding to changing consumer expectations.
A Meeting Place for the Global Sports Business
Beyond product launches, ISPO’s importance comes from the business relationships created around the event.
The organizers say the 2026 edition is expected to bring together more than 25,000 industry professionals, connecting different parts of the sports and outdoor value chain.
The Amsterdam location is also intended to strengthen the event’s international reach. The organizers have described the move as part of a broader effort to create a more globally focused meeting point for the sporting goods and outdoor industries.
What to Expect at ISPO 2026
Visitors and industry professionals can expect a combination of business meetings, product showcases, industry discussions and networking opportunities.
The first day will concentrate on executive-level discussions, while the following two days will put the exhibition floor at the center of the event. The format is designed to combine commercial opportunities with discussions about the future direction of the sports industry.
With sports brands facing rapidly changing technology, consumer behavior and sustainability expectations, ISPO 2026 is positioned as an opportunity for the industry to exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities.
ISPO 2026 Dates and Location
Event: ISPO 2026
Dates: November 3–5, 2026
Location: RAI Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Leaders Summit: November 3, 2026
Expo: November 4–5, 2026
Focus: Sporting goods, outdoor sports, winter sports, innovation, retail and industry trends
ISPO’s move to Amsterdam marks a major milestone in the event’s history. Founded in Munich in 1970, the trade fair has developed into an international platform connecting companies and professionals across the sports business.
As the industry gathers in Amsterdam this November, attention will be on the products, technologies, business strategies and ideas that could influence the next phase of the global sports market.
