In short
ISPO Munich is where the sports and outdoor business meets. Stands must feel like the sport: active, material and tested. Let retailers and press try the gear, use textures and technical cutaways, and tell a clear story about performance and sustainability. Start a custom stand about 6–9 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Munich, annual in Munich.
- The audience is mostly sports retailers.
- Products that can be tried.
- Technical materials on display.
- Plan a custom stand about 6–9 months before the show.
ISPO Munich for exhibitors
Brands, suppliers and retailers come to see new products, materials and trends. Winter sports have historically been central, though the show covers a wider range now.
| ISPO Munich | |
|---|---|
| City | Munich |
| Venue | Messe München |
| Sector | Sports and outdoor business |
| Cycle | Annual in Munich |
| Main stand activity | Hands-on experiences |
| Custom stand lead time | 6–9 months |
Who you are designing for
Sports retailers, brand buyers, material suppliers, press and athletes.
What matters most on an ISPO Munich stand:
- Products that can be tried.
- Technical materials on display.
- Athlete or expert talks.
- Story-led displays.
Layouts for hands-on experiences, by stand type
Most ISPO Munich exhibitors build around hands-on experiences. How that works depends on how many sides of your plot are open. If you are unsure which type you have, see exhibition stand types.
| Stand type | Open sides | What works |
|---|---|---|
| Row (inline) | 1 | One try-it station at the front with the queue held inside the stand, not in the aisle. |
| Island | 4 | A central stage or arena, stations around the perimeter, queues inside the footprint and meeting space on a deck. |
Stand ideas for ISPO Munich
- A climbing or balance challenge.
- A material wall with cross-sections of a jacket.
- A repair station that shows durability.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Active features need risk assessments, floor protection and supervision. Check the organiser's rules on climbing walls and similar features.
Allow about 6–9 months for a custom stand. The exhibitor manual sets height limits, open-side rules and service deadlines; see venue approval and technical drawings.
Where the budget goes at ISPO Munich
Interactive features need safety checks and staff. Budget for a person to run each one, not just for the kit.
Mistakes we see at ISPO Munich
- A static shop rail with no energy.
- Green claims with nothing behind them.
An example ISPO Munich brief
An 8 × 6 m stand with a jacket cross-section wall, a repair bench, a balance challenge and a dealer table.
Replace the size and the zones with your own. The plot and height limit come from your contract and the exhibitor manual.
Try your ISPO Munich layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about hands-on experiences into an editable 3D stand for 5 credits, renders it and exports a plan for your builder. New workspaces get 5 free credits.
Frequently asked questions
01Where is ISPO Munich held?
At Messe München in Germany. Check the organiser's site for dates.
02Can I build a climbing wall?
Sometimes, with engineering and supervision. See [sports and outdoor booth design](/guides/sports-outdoor-booth-design).
03How early should I start designing an ISPO Munich stand?
For a custom stand, about 6–9 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme stands can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my ISPO Munich stand at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, hands-on experiences area) to work on several plot sizes, and swap graphics per show. See [modular vs custom stands](/guides/modular-vs-custom-exhibition-stands).
Put it into practice
From a client brief to a 3D stand concept in minutes
An editable 3D exhibition stand concept from a written brief and the brand's website, at your exact size.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
