More live experience, more training, more overview - FIBO 2018 has a lot of new things to offer. From April 12 to 15, 2018, the world's largest fitness trade show in Cologne will present itself with a fresh concept that is even more strongly oriented to the needs of the industry. This includes an expanded trade visitor program on all four days of the trade show as well as Silence Slots, which allow exhibitors to conduct business discussions in an even more concentrated manner. Around 1,100 exhibiting companies are expected to take part next year. More than 82 percent of the exhibition space has already been booked.
Make one out of three: The new layout of FIBO 2018
To enable visitors to find their way around faster and better, the Leading International Trade Show for Fitness, Wellness and Health is being restructured. "We think of fitness holistically," says FIBO Director Silke Frank. "So there will only be FIBO. The three-part division of the trade shows is no longer in line with the times." Today, studio operators, trainers and instructors face the same challenge: they have to keep up with innovative technologies, new sports science and medical findings, and the increasing demands of exercisers. "Visitors come to the show with similar questions," Silke Frank knows. "That's why we organize FIBO clearly according to the topics of the industry." An advantage also for the exhibiting companies. "The individual trade show areas become more permeable. Exhibitors thus have the chance to address new target groups."
From Aqua Fitness to Wellness: The FIBO Theme Areas
In Halls 4.1 to 9 on all four days of the show, trade visitors will find new equipment and innovative concepts for forms of training such as Cardio & Strength, EMS & Vibration Group & Aqua Fitness, Functional Training and Fighting Fit as well as new products and services on the central themes of Sports Nutrition, Fashion and Interior, an area that deals with the furnishing and equipping of studios. The area Wellness & Beauty will be strengthened by a central contact point. Here, visitors will find information on new products on display and can catch up on the latest knowledge during short presentations. As before, the Power theme area will occupy Halls 10.1 and 10.2 of the Cologne exhibition center.
Experience know-how live: Even more advanced training at FIBO
The world's largest fitness trade show is once again expanding its training and continuing education program in response to the wishes of trade visitors: one in five wants to expand their own specialist knowledge by visiting the show. With the new Academy format, FIBO 2018 is hosting the education, training and continuing education event of the year. For three days, studio operators, course managers, trainers and instructors can experience top-class speakers who will pass on their first-hand knowledge of important industry topics such as customer relations, fan engagement, individual course concepts and digitalization. Also included in the program are presentations on training-related topics such as nutrition, motivation, Fascia- and trigger points and medical fitness as well as practical master classes with international presenters and new group fitness concepts. A lounge for networking with associations, institutions, speakers, presenters and exhibitors completes the offer. For the participation in the sessions there will be continuing education points, which will be recognized by selected associations and institutions.
For start-ups, the New Business theme area in Hall 5.2 is the new place to go at FIBO. Here, with startups and the young, innovative companies, not only the newcomers of the industry will present themselves - young entrepreneurs and potential founders can also get live advice on all four trade visitor days. Management consultants, banks, insurance companies and franchise providers will be on site. The Consulting Services area will offer advice for studio operators and decision-makers, for example on the subject of software solutions.
Particular focus on the Physio
The range of services for physiotherapists will also be expanded. To make it easier for them to access the trade show and the professional program, there will be special offers for the first time also on FIBO Sunday - for example with "Physio at Work" from the German Academy for Applied Sports Medicine (DAASM). The "Physiotherapy Meeting Point" in cooperation with Buchner & Partner will also offer a special Sunday program. Physiotag will be multilingual in 2018, so that international visitors will also find new inspiration for movement and training programs in the areas of prevention, therapy and rehabilitation can gather. With a networking evening at the "Physiotherapy Meeting Point", FIBO also offers the opportunity to make new contacts and exchange ideas.
In peace and quiet to close deals: the new Silence Slots
As the most important industry gathering for the international fitness industry, FIBO is also the industry's most sought-after business platform. Already, more than 82 percent of the exhibition space is occupied. "To ensure that exhibitors can offer visitors both a live experience and conduct business talks in a quiet atmosphere, we have once again improved our volume and show concept," explains FIBO Director Silke Frank. For example, there will be two to three one-hour Silence Slots in Halls 6, 7 and 9 on all days of the show so that exhibitors can meet their business partners in a quiet atmosphere. In Power Halls 10.1 and 10.2, the event areas and stages will be closed on Thursday and Friday, and on the weekend the midday period from 12 to 2 p.m. will be the Silence Slot for business meetings.
A date to remember: Ticket store opens in November
Interest in FIBO remains high: last April, the show attracted more than 150,000 visitors - 83,000 of them trade visitors. Ticket sales for FIBO 2018 will begin in November at www.fibo.com.
About FIBO
It is the world's largest trade show for fitness, wellness and health: the key players in the industry meet at FIBO in Cologne. This is where innovations are brought to market. This is where international trends are set. This is where the industry invests. 1,019 exhibitors from 49 nations were present in 2017. They came into contact with more than 150,000 international trade and private visitors. In 2018, FIBO will run from April 12 to 15 at the Cologne exhibition centre. The show kicks off with the 5th European Health & Fitness Forum, which is expected to attract 400 top representatives of the European fitness industry on April 11, 2018.
Source and image source: FIBO
Published on: 10 October 2017