Fitness and health growing even closer together
"Fitness training as a new popular sport”, “Fitness beats football”, “Weight training as a means of preventing complaints of old age and widespread diseases”: 2010 was not only the year when FIBO celebrated a perfect anniversary with new record participation, it also brought the entire fitness industry into focus in society, the media and politics. No matter which journal you opened: topics of fitness, exercise and prevention appeared everywhere during the FIBO month. One of the reasons for this was the presentation of a study by Wuppertal sports scientist Professor Dr. Theodor Stemper in connection with the Leading International Trade Show for Fitness, Wellness and Health. Stemper put a precise number to the economic benefits of equipment-based weight and cardio training: according to his study, health insurance carriers could save up to 16 billion euro per year.
The fact that fitness and health are growing ever closer together and that these industries apparently are less affected by economic crises was of course also reflected at the 25th FIBO: With a total of 51,730 visitors (+5% year on year) and 560 exhibitors (+8%), trade show organiser Reed Exhibitions Deutschland registered record participation. The industry barometer which is compiled every year in connection with FIBO by an independent trade fair and market research company in a representative poll, gave an indication immediately after FIBO 2010 already of where things were going: with four months to go now until the trade show, Event Director Olaf Tomscheit is happy to report: “Already FIBO 2011 is almost fully booked.”
Some 60 percent of the more than 700 companies interviewed expected a further noticeable increase in the demand for fitness and health products after FIBO 2010. Only 15 percent expected demand to stagnate or decrease. A further 25 percent expected developments in the industry to remain stable.
“This trend will continue for FIBO 2011”, says Tomscheit. The industry has not been idle during the time since the beginning of the financial crisis. The DIFG successfully advocated better rating procedures for fitness studios. In future, DSSV and Deloitte will jointly collect industry data, providing the basis for more transparency and trust. “Most significant for the market, however, is the fact that willingness to invest on the part of the studios is noticeably improving for 2011. We have every reason, therefore, to look forward to FIBO 2011.”
The FIBOmed concept already launched in 2008 will be further developed in 2011. The FIBO Team formed an expert support group which counts among its members not only a sports physician, an organiser of doctors’ congresses and a physiotherapist but also a consultant orthopaedist. The aim is to further develop FIBO’s presentation to and recognition by the health market. One element in this context is the new design of a separate FIBOmed homepage which allows a targeted search for specific information on exhibitors and products in this field.
More international
FIBO 2011 will present itself even more internationally. The ambassador concept introduced during FIBO 2010 will be further pursued in 2011: internationally prominent figures from the fitness field will be FIBO ambassadors promoting the trade show throughout Europe. They are FIBO’s face abroad: Spain’s fitness star Jessica Exposito, Poland’s celebrity coach Witold Szmanda, and his colleague from Hollywood, Harley Pasternak, who coaches stars like Lady Gaga. Doug Miller is the new FIBO ambassador in the Scandinavian countries. He is an industry institution and already cooperated with more than 800 clubs throughout the world as well as with various associations, magazines, trade shows and industry.
Furthermore FIBO intensifies its cooperation with the international associations. For the first time FIBO 2011 also has a new partner in the United Kingdom, the Fitness Industry Association. The International Reception for FIBO visitors from abroad on the roof terrace of Hotel Atlantic on Thursday night will be a first for FIBO. The shuttle service from Düsseldorf Airport which proved very popular in 2010 will be continued. FIBO also offers visitors a special hotel and travel service. Contact particulars and further information is available from the Travel Center on www.fibo.de.
New homepage and even more visitor services
FIBO has a new Internet presentation. All pages have been completely revised and offer many new and easy-to-use services for both exhibitors and visitors. One example is the new visit planner with a login function. Especially useful for international visitors: during the exhibitor search one click allows you to see what languages are spoken at the stand. The FIBO homepage more than tripled the number of visitors to the site in recent years and records 1.6 million visitors from all parts of the world every year. Persons buying their tickets online at www.fibo.de do not only save money. Starting now, they can also buy a combination ticket which also covers bus and train rides in the VRR area at an extra two euros.
For further information please contact:
Dr. Mike Seidensticker Press Spokesman
Phone: +49 (0) 211 90 191-128
Fax: +49 (0) 211 90 191-138
E-mail: mike.seidensticker@reedexpo.de