Aquatics equipment manufacturer, Aqua Sphere, announced in a press release last August that Michael Phelps would be partnering with the brand to develop new competition suits and gear as part of an innovative collection bearing the 22-time-Olympic medalist’s name. This signaled Phelps would be leaving long-time sponsor, Speedo, in a move deemed rather unexpected by most of the swim community. As we reported back in August, working with the brand would potentially further expand Phelps’ presence beyond the pool and into the future as he continues to build on his legacy.
Today, as reported by German news outlet, Swim Sport News, Aqua Sphere revealed that Michael Phelps will be representing his new brand at the Internationale Fachmesse für Sportartikel Und Sportmode (ISPO) trade show in Germany this February. The event runs February 5-8 in Munich and aquasphereswim.com indicates Phelps will be in “Hall 4, Booth 101 and 102” at 11am local time on February 6th.
ISPO is held every year and typically includes more than 2,560 international exhibitors from over 109 countries. Manufacturers, vendors, and brands from the outdoor, ski, action, performance sports, and general health and fitness assemble to share the latest trends from each of their respective segments. According to the ISPO’s website, it is the “only multi-segment trade show” and the event “also offers its participants an opportunity to discover discipline-overlapping synergy and cross-selling potential.”
View more information about ISPO here and see Aqua Sphere’s announcement directly here.
This seems like a smart move for Phelps. I see a lot of Aqua Sphere in masters swimming. Industry growth will be with older folks and lifestyle swimmers, so going with a brand has room to grow market share makes sense. Sales growth has to occur by encouraging more adults to get into the water and as MP approaches retirement this gives him a good platform to reach this segment of the market. Best wishes for success.