Fitness Industry Flocks to Germany

Today marks the beginning of FIBO 2009, Europe's largest trade show for fitness, wellness and health.

Over more than 20 years, FIBO has grown to welcome more than 50,000 visitors each year. For trade visitors, FIBO offers the largest display of training equipment worldwide with more than 500 exhibitors from 38 countries.

Among these visitors, drawn from more than 60 countries, a growing number of Australians and New Zealanders are this year experiencing the international trends and over 100 new products and innovations on display.

Held at the Essen Exhibition Centre from today (23rd April) until Sunday (26th April), FIBO is organised by Reed Exhibitions Deutschland.

This year, also marks the tenth year in which FIBO's 'Innovation Award' will be presented. As FIBO Director Olaf Tomscheit explains, "many star products of the fitness industry have been born and recognised here; the PowerPlate in 2002, the TreadClimber in 2006 and Cardio Wave in 2007; each starting
their triumphal course through fitness studios around the world with this prize."

The winners of the last ten years will be on display for the entire duration of the trade show at the Innovation Forum in Hall 7 of the show while, on the second day of the show, Friday 24th April, the 2009 winners will be the centre of attention.

This year FIBO is also introducing its 'FIBO Finder'. As Tomscheit adds, "this will practically become the Google for the fitness industry."

The database is to be the biggest of its kind with a register of companies and products from across the fitness and health sector.

For more information on FIBO contact Jens Thieme, Niederlassung der Reed Exhibitions Deutschland GmbH on + 49 211 90 191, E: Jens.Thieme@reedexpo.de, www.fibo.de