Taiwan shows: new ideas, new buzz

This year, the organisers of the TaiSPO international sports show in Taiwan tried out a new idea – holding four linked shows across a total of five days, reports Editor Maggie Coleman.

According to the stats trumpeted everywhere, there were 1500 companies with 5000 booths across three venues.

This time, the Taipei Cycle (claimed to be the second largest cycle show in the world) was held at the same time as TaiSPO for fitness and sports, the new Diwas show for diving and watersports and the new SpoMode show for sports textiles and accessories.

As an idea it is a good one and deserves to succeed but the jury is still out on visitor numbers and this will, I guess, be the final decider.

Many exhibitors in the three shows held in Taipei’s world trade centre reported they were delighted with the quality of visitors, “all genuine buyers,” reported one long-term exhibitor who also shows at Ispo where stats are very different.

TaiSpo certainly seemed a a much brighter, more optimistic show this year, with more buzz (coming from new product and innovations rather than loud music and showgirls).

Trends among the fitness exhibitors included ranges with iPad, Android and iPhone connectivity, in same cases instead of full consoles and the addition on many major suppliers of wellness or medical ranges for rehabilitation, building a market which all agreed has huge potential.

Colour on fitness stands came from spin bikes ( available in most colours of the rainbow) and , of course, from the ubiquitous flower arrangements.

Black or deep charcoal was the new black, with occasional flashes of white or silver for equipment.

Accessories, such as weight plates and dumbbells were another story and here exhibitors competed with each other for the eye-catching.

Stair climbers made their appearance and water rowers attracted attention this year too.

Another trend to be seen on several stands was the treadmills with work station, so sir or madam can walk (at a controlled gentle speed) and work away at the same time – good for general health, the companies say, but the ability to multi-task would be a worthwhile talent to have too.

• As always there were huge numbers of Australians and New Zealanders in the aisles, on the stands and in the bar of the adjacent Grand Hyatt hotel.

“TaiSpo is a critical show for us,” reported one regular Sydney visitor and this could be seen by the many representatives from Australian wholesalers who sent most of their sales teams as well as buyers and tech staff.

• The four shows shared three days in common with TaiSPO starting a day earlier and Cycle in the Nangang exhibition hall 25 minutes away via shuttle bus, ending a day later, and the entrance of the public and students on final days boosts the visitor numbers and buzz.

• Plans for 2013 include TaiSpo planned for March 19-22 and Taipei Cycle on March 20-23.

Sportslink’s Editor Maggie Coleman attended the shows as a guest of the organisers, Taiwan External Trade Association Development Council, and Taiwan’s sporting goods associations,TSMA and TSGA.

Pictured: A visitor tries out a new cross trainer