Kent Sport representatives Graham Holmes (Director) and Ben Trott (Assistant Director) recently visited Germany on a fact-finding mission at the annual European Fitness Industry Trade Show (FIBO).
This year the show was hosted by the City of Cologne in their gigantic exhibition centre Koelnmesse. Located on the banks of the Rhine, the centre sits in the shadow of Colognes impressive two-towered cathedral.
FIBO offers a unique opportunity to view, discuss and test-drive the world’s latest fitness, wellness and health products under one very large roof. Ultimately, the objective of the trip was to enhance and develop knowledge of these areas and to develop important business relationships with some of the largest and most influential businesses in the world of health, fitness and other related areas.
The visit involved meeting industry colleagues from companies that we currently work with, have worked with in the past and potentially will again in the future.
With the University continually looking at ‘accessibility on campus’ we were also looking at what accessible fitness equipment is available. Our research into this will be ongoing.
With hundreds of trade exhibitors, the full spectrum of fitness related products and services were on show and available for the Kent Sport team to experience and question the experts who designed them, during their two-day visit.
Ben Trott says, “We must not underestimate the benefit of these trips relating to ‘continual professional development’ – an increase in knowledge and understanding of our industry. Our time in Cologne has allowed us to enhance our overall footing within the fitness industry in the Higher Education sector”.
Graham Holmes says, “We are always considering how we can enhance the facilities and add value to membership at Kent Sport and events such as FIBO are informative and thought-provoking”. There is a lot to look forward to at Kent Sport with fantastic special events and exciting ongoing developments – watch this space!
To keep up to date about the latest offers, news and events, Like Kent Sport on Facebook and visit our website www.kent.ac.uk/sports.