FIBO is back and the fitness industry is back in motion again. With this new departure the focus is looking ahead. FIBO has made it clear how big the potential for fitness, wellness and above all health really is.
Right in time for the World Health Day the pull effect of the world’s biggest fitness trade show kicked in once again. 51,270 visitors came to Cologne from 7 to 10 April. FIBO also attracted experts on an international scale again – coming from 109 countries including Italy, Spain, France, UK and Poland, South Africa, Australia and Brazil but also from Israel and the United Arab Emirates. And they came with concrete projects and investment plans as well as the desire to discover a diversity of innovations long overdue but also many lifestyle themes for the international community.
“FIBO 2022 has clearly shown: the industry is looking ahead – to new concepts and new target groups. Driven by an increasing integration of health in all market segments. Along the lines: ‘Health is Wealth’,” says Benedikt Binder-Krieglstein, CEO of organiser RX Austria & Germany, with conviction. Commenting on the successful re-start he says: “I am proud that FIBO continues to be the trendsetting platform for the sector. More than 500 exhibitors were thrilled with the high number and especially the high quality of visitors.”
Fitness industry: key to more health
Health was clearly the theme in focus at this FIBO. “After two years with drastically restricted exercise options the importance of fitness for staying healthy has risen enormously yet again,” says FIBO Event Director Silke Frank and adds: “The trend of using sports to promote health, prevent diseases and support healing is not new but was further accelerated by the pandemic. Fitness training, healthy nutrition and wellness have long become an integral part of holistic health prevention.” Regardless of age – as the interest taken by FIBO visitors reflected.
Fitness has arrived at the virtual training world
Reaching out to people where they “gather moss”: in front of their TV screens. FIBO demonstrated which virtual stimuli get people to move, which target groups benefit particularly from eSports and gaming ranges and how high the demand for transformative solutions is – from the digitalisation of member management at gyms to App-based home workouts and mobile training equipment.
“For the fitness industry FIBO 2022 proved the kick start everyone had long been waiting for. Many used the time to prepare for this moment. Over the past two years many products were developed, which could now finally be showcased to the public at large,” explains Silke Frank, Event Director of FIBO. “FIBO has also shown how high the demand for digital solutions is – for business customers just as much as for our private visitors.” A trend that will benefit the fitness industry.
Easing of the market in Europe
The fitness sector makes a decisive contribution to relieving the burden on the health system with innovative equipment and training programmes. Correspondingly, all signs are set for an easing of the market. The number of gym members was already up by one million in Europe last year. The number of gyms in Europe also went up again slightly. These are the results of the 2022 European Health & Fitness Market Report carried out by Deloitte on behalf of Europe Active. The Report was published as part of the EHFF to kick off FIBO in Cologne.
About FIBO
It is the world’s biggest trade show for fitness, wellness and health and the place for innovations, investments and trends: At FIBO in Cologne decision-makers from the entire fitness industry, up-and-coming entrepreneurs, club operators from numerous countries, trainers, health care actors and the fitness community meet. Beyond, FIBO offers international business and networking as well as a great live experience. Expert information and continuous education are also a priority at the trade show. In 2023 FIBO will be held from 13 to 16 April. www.fibo.com
About RX
RX has set itself the task of promoting business for individuals, communities and organisations. By combining data with digital products RX makes 400 events in 22 countries and 43 industries even more attractive. RX forms part of RELX, a global supplier of data-based analysis and decision-making tools for professional and business customers.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
