MUNICH, Feb 2 — More than 2,500 exhibitors from over 50 countries are making their way to Germany for the international sports trade show ISPO Munich from February 5 to 8.

This year’s installment boasts of over 40 new exhibitors and nearly 100 new outdoor brands will be present, an influx for which trade show representatives say trends such as mobile fitness and growing interest in staying healthy on the job are to thank.

New exhibitors include companies like Jawbone and Fitbit, which, while they aren’t exactly new, are clearly motivated to appear at the trade show due to the exploding popularity of their wearable fitness trackers.

Others in this category include Hyperice, HEAD Fitness, Playground, PulseOn, Salus, Sixtus and ZIVA Fitness, which will gather together to tout their products in the Health and Fitness Hall.

Professional athletes and fitness experts will chime in on the use of wearables in sports and in the workplace in a series of lectures and panel discussions that will take place in the neighbouring Health and Fitness Forum.

Further on down the corridor, three full exhibit halls will play host to the popular Action Sports sector, where a variety of special exhibitions are planned.

First, attendees should prepare for a splash of Hawaiian whitewater, because for the first time in Europe, a special exhibit oriented towards hi-tech surf equipment will be held featuring Billabong, O’Neil, Ocean, GlassyPro, Patagonia and Rip Curl.

The Freeski Summit will return after a successful first year in 2014, with the brands Colmar, Meir Skis, Mips AB, Soul Skis, Stereo Skis and more all planning to demonstrate the best in backcountry ski products.

After more than 40,000 viewers tuned in online to watch last year’s battle, the Volcom Miniramp Jam competition will return, inviting Europe’s best skaters to determine who brings the best tricks.

The Scooter Shred Ramp will play host to three shows per day and a contest for the best trick.

For more information: munich.ispo.com/en — AFP-Relaxnews