How Successful is Sports Technology? It Has Its Own Trade Show | Sports Destination Management

How Successful is Sports Technology? It Has Its Own Trade Show

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Inaugural SFIA Sports Tech Conference and Marketplace Launches at International CES
Jan 11, 2015 | By: Mary Helen Sprecher

It’s already established that the market is growing exponentially for wearable fitness devices, and here’s yet more proof: it now has its own trade show.

Sport One Source Media noted that The inaugural Sports Tech Conference and Marketplace presented by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) made its successful debut earlier this week at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. CES attracts over 150,000 attendees annually from all over the world, showcasing the latest offerings in the consumer electronics industry.

“We’re impressed by the sports and fitness products on display at this year’s International CES,” said VJ Mayor, Sr. Director of Communications and Research. “We look forward to the expanding role our industry will play in this event for years to come as our members continue to develop technologically advanced products.”

According to an article in Sports One Source, there are 19 million devices are in use this year; that number is expected to jump to over 70 million.

In addition, an ever-increasing number of companies are jumping onto the bandwagon with apps designed to interface with wearables; Under Armour is one of the latest, debuting its UA Record app at CES.

The Sports Tech Conference, held on the second day of the show, featured SFIA members’ Adidas, MC10 Inc., and Under Armour. Simon Drabble, Adidas’ Director of Product Creation and Darcy Norman, EXOS Director of Performance Innovation discussed how technology is being used in team settings, most notably in helping the German National Soccer Team win the 2014 World Cup.

Elyse Winer, MC10’s Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager, led a panel on how technology can improve an athlete’s safety while optimizing performance. Isaiah Kacyvenski (Head of Sports and Fitness for MC10), Paul Robbins (Director of Elite Performance for STATS, LLC), and Jeb Terry (former NFL player and CEO, StraightCast Media) were the featured panelists.

Under Armour’s Director of Performance Paul Winsper dove deep into the data currently being collected by technology and how it can be translated to help athletes develop and perform at a high level. Winsper gave attendees an inside look on how the UA Record app was developed.

“We’d like to thank our presenters for helping make this first year a success,” said Mayor. “The feedback we’ve received from the Sports Tech Conference has been tremendous as we’re proud to showcase what our industry has to offer.”

Read the full article here.

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