Summer Ispo Sets Dates for Coming Years

MUNICH, Germany (12 May 2000)--According to Ispo Show organizer Messe Munich, the new dates for its summer exhibition are "in the interest of all market participants." Summer Ispo will be held from 21 to 24 July in 2001, from 20 to 23 July in 2002 and from 19 to 22 July 2003. Striking is the show will from 2001 no longer be held in August. Also, it will be held from Saturday to Tuesday, in accordance to the wishes of "several European sporting goods retailers." Because it is held on a weekend, visitors can count on more attractive travel tickets. Another reason for the change is the complex European holiday calendar which, according to Messe Munich, doesn't allow retailers and industry participants from the Mediterranean countries in particular to visit an August show. Thus the shift to July. "It's the right decision in order to guarantee the core competence of Summer Ispo as the 'universe of sports' for the entire international sporting goods industry," said Messe Munich. This year's Summer Ispo will be held from 6 to 9 August and will debut the so-called 'World of Bike Sports' pavilion. Currently some 45 bicycle-related companies have signed up to exhibit there, virtually all of which are bike apparel and accessory suppliers who have their roots in the outdoor and textile segments. (JB)