Not just for athletes: FIBO 2019!

FIBO in profile:

After the cold winter days, spring and its rising temperatures create more than just spring feelings, especially for athletes. Thousands of them return to Cologne at the beginning of April, because the fair takes place there, as every year FIBO (FItness and BOdybuilding) — the largest leading international trade fair for fitness, wellness and health.

Founded in 1985, this year marks the 34th anniversary of the trade fair. While the first exhibition had just 69 exhibitors and almost 10,000 visitors, FIBO developed into the world's largest sports trade fair within a very short period of time. In 2018, 1,133 exhibitors and 143,000 visitors were present on an area of 160,000 m² and counted 7 exhibition halls. FIBO once again proved its international character: In addition to Germany, the exhibitors came from the USA, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland and also from China. A diversity that was also evident among visitors, who came from a total of 121 countries and 5 continents.

FIBO will once again take place in Cologne this year

Visitors to FIBO can visit Novelties and innovations In the areas of Physio, Sports Nutrition, Cardio & Strength or Wellness & Beauty, among others. Start-ups can get advice in the area of new business, while studio operators can find the right point of contact in the Consulting Services segment.

The success of the trade fair is now also being felt internationally. In October, the FIBO USA, which will take place in Miami Beach.

The decisive trend in fitness and wellness: Digitalization

The digital age has long since begun in the fitness industry. One Survey by market research institute Innolytics GmbH shows that “every fifth person is already using digital services.” The need for networked products, digital training programs and the exchange of various data has increased significantly in recent years. For example, many gyms now offer wireless Internet access. This offers customers the option of not having to do without the Internet before, during and after training. However, an often overlooked feature is that a WLAN network can also be used to strengthen customer loyalty. This feature is offered, for example, by routers from Socialwave. In addition to legally secure WLAN for customers, these offer the operator the opportunity to draw the attention of its customers to promotions and news via integrated marketing functions. Social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as e-mail newsletters, can be used for this purpose. gyms It's not for nothing that they are some of Socialwave's main customers.

A glimpse of the future:

Surprisingly, however, the digital trend does not yet seem to have reached all companies. And this is despite the fact that, according to the study, 89 percent of digital consumers consider “networking different services important.” For companies that do not meet the digital needs of their customers, the study sends out a clear warning for the future:

“Companies that do not align their strategy accordingly will lose out in the competition for consumers in the future. ”

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