Sportex Middle East, the region’s premier sports and fitness goods show, is set to be rebranded ISPO Middle East, following talks between organizers International Expo-Consults (IEC) and Germany’s Messe Munchen International (MMI), the force behind ISPO, the world’s largest sports exhibition
A final decision on the tie up will be made in June, when MMI holds an advisory board meeting with industry retailers, distributors and associations. However, Jurgen Lohrberg, head of Business Unit IIb, MMI, believes the outcome is a formality.
" Dubai has the right infrastructure and is supportive of the sports sector. I will be making
a strong recommendation that we establish a 50-50 partnership with IEC to launch the ISPO Middle East concept, in September 2003. I am sure the advisory board will look on this very
positively," Lohrberg said.
"We tried to launch ISPO in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the late 80s but the Gulf War put an end to that. Now 13 years later we have revived our plans and I feel IEC, as an important trade fair organizer in the region, is the right partner for us. MMI has representatives in 80 countries and we will use our worldwide contacts to broaden the international exhibitor base and create a sports and fitness show that truly reflects the global nature of the industry," said Lohrberg.
"By integrating MMI,s international experience with our regional expertise we can create a
sports and fitness exhibition that will not only fulfill the needs of a rapidly developing industry, but also reinforces Dubai’s status as the Middle East’s business and sports capital," said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of IEC.
"We are looking very positively at this. By utilizing MMI’s extensive industry contacts we
are confident we can ensure exhibitors and visitors will make the right contacts in a highly
professional atmosphere, conducive to lucrative and valuable deals."
Among other changes planned for the 2003 show will be dedicated arenas for fitness products, water-sports, soccer, racquet sports and sportswear.
Sportex Middle East 2002, which came to Thursday, May 9, after a four day run at the Dubai World Trade Center, showcased the latest sports and fitness brands from 30 companies representing seven European, Middle East and Far East countries. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
