FSB 2023 to present public space, recreation and sport industry’s major international trade fair

September 19, 2023

Karen Sweaney

Counting down to its staging in the German city of Cologne next month, FSB the International Trade Fair for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities, is poised to attract almost all major players in the market.

Taking place from 24th to 27th October, the world’s biggest event for the industry is described as “a must for anyone wanting to achieve success in the playground, sports, public space, leisure and exercise sectors”, presenting the latest technologies, product innovations, sustainability, process optimisations and visionary planning.

More than 540 companies from 42 countries will be exhibiting at FSB 2023, covering everything relating to public spaces, playground equipment, outdoor fitness, ice sports, sports equipment, sports flooring and stadium infrastructure.

Taking place at Koelnmesse, the Cologne Fair venue, alongside aquanale, the International Trade Fair for Sauna.Pool.Ambience, the event’s conceptual sponsor is IAKS, the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities.

In a statement, the organisers advise “a trade fair is the ideal communication platform to give all market players a comprehensive overview of new technologies, smart concepts and product innovations.

“It also facilitates in-depth discussions that foster important business relationships and generate new leads (which) is reflected in the strong presence of market-leading companies (at FSB).

Supporting associations and cooperation partners
FSB is supported by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the North Rhine-Westphalia Ice Hockey Association (EHV NRW), the Federal Association of Playground Equipment and Leisure Facilities Manufacturers (BSFH), the Federation of German Landscape Architects for North Rhine-Westphalia (BDLA NRW), Rolf von der Horst (formerly of STADTundRAUM) and SPORTNETZWERK.

Diverse event program
The renowned IAKS Congress and further congresses and specialised events underline the significance of FSB as the leading international trade fair for the industry.

This year, the IAKS Congress celebrates an anniversary with its 28th edition, and is anticipating attendance from more than 500 participants from 40 countries.

The IAKS Congress 2023’s theme - ‘Building resilient communities through sports and leisure facilities’ - will include sessions focussing on global challenges and the impact of megatrends on the sports industry. Topics will include community-oriented design, the inclusivity and enhancement of public spaces, reducing the carbon footprint of sports and leisure facilities, product passports focused on sustainability and developments relating to artificial turf.

Award
Together with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), IAKS will also present the industry’s coveted international architecture prizes for 2023 at a ceremony on Tuesday 24th October, 2023.

The awards recognise buildings and facilities that succeed in combining sustainability and legacy considerations with clear functionality and exceptional architecture.

In addition, the IOC IPC IAKS Architecture and Design Award for Students and Young Professionals will be presented to young architects who are using their creativity to design spaces and facilities that support an active lifestyle.

Special event areas to showcase trend sports
This year, FSB will once again present groundbreaking trends and innovative facilities.

For example, the emerging sports of parkour and padel will be represented in dedicated special event areas. Here, visitors will not only be able to familiarise themselves with the latest products and technologies - they will also be able to try them out first-hand. In the parkour activity area, ParkourONE, the oldest and largest parkour school in the German-speaking region, will offer daily live performances and workshops. Furthermore, a padel court will be set up in SPORTNETZWERK.FSB’s indoor arena, where professionals will show off their skills and introduce visitors to this enthralling sport.

Click here for FSB event details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

search ausleisure

AusLeisure

Latest News