35 years after the sport was invented, snowboarding remains a strong and vibrant culture that has inspired fashion and lifestyle elements. After the bonanza of the ’80s and the consolidation of the ’90s, the 2000s present a more mature version of this action-packed and fun sport, which is still influencing the looks and values of new generations. Feel the pulse and power of boardsports at board_ispo!
- YOUTH AND ACTION SPORTS CULTURE - MOST COMPLETE DISPLAY OF WHAT´S HOT ON THE MARKET - 2nd ISPO BOARDSPORTSS AWARDS
board_ispo shop summit - modern strategies for snowboard retailers
The “board_ispo shop summit” 2009 will once again be the place to meet for all snowboard retailers at the world’s largest winter sports trade fair. ispo offers information, advice, contacts, and opportunities for meetings to store owners to help them strengthen their business. This year the “shop summit”
The major part of booth 333 in hall A1 will be transformed into an
exhibition, where shop owners can find out more about the diverse
strategies and discover some new ideas. The “Modern Shop
Strategies” are divided into two areas: Basics and Trends. While
Basic deals with universal factors such as financing, promotions, or
shop layouts, the Trends area covers the latest developments in shop concepts, e-business, environment, and
inspiration. Another attractive feature at the “shop
summit” is the return of the free job exchange “SOURCE Job
Agency”. And finally, anyone needing a break from all the trade
fair activity can relax at the shop-summit bar.
Rip Curl Rail Sessions presented by Renault
Well-known to snowboarders thanks to the Air & Style snowboarding contest, another exciting board sports event will take place during the ispo winter 09 at Munich’s Olympic Park. On February 2nd, 2009 the international rail elite will compete at the German version of the “Rip Curl Rail Sessions presented by Renault” in Munich.
A 15-meter long down rail as well as a 15-meter flat down rail will be
assembled at the steps of the Theatron amphitheater. A total of 24
riders are invited, 16 of which have to pass through a qualification
round. The best eight from this first session will compete with eight
seeded riders. In the final round the overall best eight riders will
compete for 10,000 Euro of prize money as well as for wildcards for the
“Crans Montana Champs” in Switzerland. The Theatron will
open at 5 pm. Admission is free!
The creative heart of the board_ispo is “metropol:ispo” in hall A2. This is where board sports fashions, culture, skateboarding, art and music come together and provide a glimpse into the urban trends of modern lifestyle. The central hub consists of brands with a clear connection to the world
The Spacejunk Gallery returns to provide a platform for board artists,
complete with trend-setting art by Nicolas Thomas (France), Ozzy Wright
(Australia), Caia Koopman (USA), and others. Joint projects with
Rossignol skis, Billabong clothing, Burton snowboards, and Apo
snowboards will also be on display. Action is provided by the “Volcom Miniramp”. International skateboard stars will rock
out on a very progressive mini-ramp setup. “We will once again
organize a miniramp contest, directly at our booth”, says Mike
Mailman, Volcom. “During the first three days, there aren’t
just skateboarders rocking the area, we also have some live acts for your enjoyment.” Looking for chance
relax, enjoy great sound and cool drinks, come to the SL Bar
(Stuttgart) – likely the most authentic surfer bar this far from
the Atlantic.
For the love of the environment
Snowboarding is getting involved. Everything revolves around such buzz words as “sustainable”, “bio-compatible”, or “ecofriendly”. Words with a clear goal and a definite demand. The board sports industry wants to stop watching and start acting. Acting for the environment and against global warming and contamination. Snowboarders aren’t the only ones who want to continue to enjoy the mountains and valleys of the Alps, the Andes, the Rocky Mountains, the Himalayas with a clear conscience– while gliding through deep powder and traversing snowy alpine valleys.
Boarders and their industry, in particular, have become much more aware
of the necessity to protect the environment. An increasing number of
companies insist on sustainable and eco-friendly production,
distribution channels, and materials. This applies to hardware and
softgoods manufacturers, as well as brands and labels specializing in
fashion wear, street wear and outerwear. Snowboards, boots, and
bindings are no longer coated with plastics, but with hemp and linen.
Boards are revived inside and out by eco-technologies. This also is
true for the new snow wear collections by many board sports companies.
Jackets and pants are made with recycled materials or sustainable
textiles. “For the love of the environment,” says Sabine
Rochholz of Fovert. “After all, we only have this one planet.
Everyone is working on optimizing their entire manufacturing process,
and focuses on issues such as eco-friendly waste management,
responsible use of resources, and social responsibilities. It is great
that the market actually responds very well to these products.”
