The ​​Inaugural IHRSA SMART Summit has kicked off in Munich, Germany, with a focus on exploring the future of the sector in a changing world.

Taking place from 17 to 19 November, the summit is being organised in tandem with FitnessConnected 2021, a new international trade show for the sector, held at the same venue from 18-20 November.

A pure B2B trade show, FitnessConnected will have a focus on Europe and is part of the ISPO-Network and is headed by industry veteran Ralph Scholz, who previously was event director of FIBO from 2013 to 2017.

According to Scholz, the connection between the two events will make it possible to "improve the transfer of know-how" between the markets in Europe, the US and globally to give the fitness industry new impetus for growth.

"I am particularly proud about this great partnership with IHRSA,” said Scholz, CEO of FitnessConnected and.

“It brings us one important step closer to our goal of being the central European platform for the fitness industry."

In the wake of increased COVID-19 infection levels across Europe, the event organisers have ensured they are providing visitors and exhibitors with "the highest level of safety so that they can experience live contacts and innovations even in these times".

Sholz said: "We offer a focused event with the highest quality possible for B2B business endeavors. We can reliably run FitnessConnected.

MEasures in place during the event include social distancing, testing on entry, the requirement to wear masks and the provision of extra hygiene stations.

For more information on FitnessConnected, click here.