Read on FashionNetwork.comISPO's Historic Move: Munich Trade Fair Relocates to Amsterdam After 50 Years
After half a century in Munich, Germany, the iconic ISPO outdoor trade fair is undergoing a significant transformation. The 2025 edition marked the final event in Bavaria, with the show set to relocate to Amsterdam, Netherlands, starting in 2026. This historic move represents a complete format overhaul under the joint management of Messe München and newcomer Raccoon Media Group. The transition was marked by a final awards ceremony honoring innovative outdoor products, while the European Outdoor Group outlined ambitious plans to strengthen the industry's data and sustainability initiatives alongside the show's relocation.
The outdoor industry is witnessing a landmark transition as ISPO, Europe's premier outdoor trade fair, concludes its 50-year tenure in Munich, Germany. The final Bavarian edition took place from November 30 to December 2, 2025, marking the end of an era before the show's relocation to Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 2026. This strategic move represents more than just a geographic shift—it signals a complete format transformation under new management and a renewed vision for the future of outdoor industry events.
The Final Munich Edition and Award Winners
The last ISPO Munich served as both a farewell to Bavaria and a celebration of innovation, featuring the final presentation of the prestigious ISPO Awards. According to coverage from FashionNetwork, the 2025 awards emphasized three critical criteria: circularity, multifunctionality, and technological advancement. An international jury evaluated products across multiple categories, recognizing excellence in design, sustainability, and performance.
Notable Award Winners
Several brands stood out in the final Munich competition. The North Face secured gold in the Running/Trail Running category with its Summit Vectiv™ Pro 3 shoe, praised for carbon plate technology and nitrogen-infused foam. In Mountaineering/Climbing, Edelrid's Ohmega belay device took top honors for its innovative three-stage braking system and integrated pulley. The Hiking category saw Rab's Syclon XP 40 pack win for its lightweight construction and waterproof Aerofit carrying system.
The Amsterdam Transition and New Management
Beginning in 2026, ISPO will operate under a completely new format in Amsterdam, managed jointly by long-time organizer Messe München and newcomer Raccoon Media Group, a UK-based events company. This partnership represents a significant shift in the trade fair's operational structure and strategic direction. The move to Amsterdam positions the event within one of Europe's most accessible and internationally connected cities, potentially expanding its reach beyond traditional German and Central European markets.
Strategic Implications
The relocation reflects broader trends in the trade show industry, where organizers are increasingly seeking more dynamic formats, better accessibility, and enhanced international appeal. Amsterdam's status as a transportation hub and its strong sustainability credentials align well with the outdoor industry's values and the ISPO Awards' emphasis on circularity and eco-responsibility. The partnership with Raccoon Media Group suggests a focus on modern event production and digital integration.
European Outdoor Group's Evolving Role
Alongside ISPO's geographic transition, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) used the final Munich event to outline its transformation program. According to the same report, EOG Director Christian Schneidermeier presented a roadmap focused on communications, events, and data management initiatives designed to complement ISPO's new direction.
Data and Sustainability Initiatives
EOG plans significant expansion of its Outdoor Market Intelligence Service (OMIS), a market analysis tool implemented by Sporting Insights. The database currently covers three million product references across 2,000 physical retail points, representing over €5 billion in value (2023–2025) and including 1,000 brands. Following successful UK implementation, OMIS will launch in Germany in December 2025 and France in early 2026. Additionally, EOG is developing the Sustainability Data Exchange (SDEX) and a European retail directory, with plans for annual market reports and complementary projects to strengthen the outdoor industry's data infrastructure.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The relocation of ISPO after 50 years represents more than a venue change—it symbolizes the outdoor industry's evolution toward greater internationalization, sustainability focus, and data-driven decision making. The show's new Amsterdam location offers improved accessibility for global participants, while the partnership with Raccoon Media Group suggests innovations in event format and audience engagement. Simultaneously, EOG's expanded data services will provide manufacturers and retailers with enhanced market intelligence, creating a more robust ecosystem around the trade fair itself.
As the outdoor industry continues to grow and evolve, these parallel developments—ISPO's geographic and format transformation alongside EOG's data and sustainability initiatives—create a foundation for more resilient, informed, and connected industry networks. The success of this transition will depend on effective execution of both the physical event relocation and the supporting data infrastructure, ultimately shaping how outdoor brands connect with retailers, media, and consumers in the years ahead.
