Waterboyz addresses recent challenges in the Sports and Leisure Industry at FSB 2023 Trade Fair
Waterboyz, a company specialized in recreational and sports equipment, urban developments, and playground installations, was present at the International FSB Trade Fair in Germany, an event that brought together companies from around the world to showcase their innovations and product developments.
FSB took place from October 24 to 27, 2023, and was another opportunity for Waterboyz to highlight its commitment to resilience and sustainability within the sports and leisure industry.
"FSB International Trade Fair is a benchmark for innovation and growth. This event is not just an exhibition but also represents a valuable networking platform that helps in the development and promotion of innovative solutions, necessary for transforming the sports landscape in Romania." Andreea Bursuc, National Sales Manager at Waterboyz
1. Outdoor Playgrounds
A particularly important aspect highlighted at the fair was the essential role that outdoor playgrounds play in children's development. These spaces offer not only entertainment and fun but also serve a vital function in children's developmental processes. Play areas promote physical activity, social interaction, and imagination while providing children with a safe space to discover their abilities and grow as individuals. This need is even more crucial in urban environments, which require a sufficient number of appropriately equipped spaces for children.
The spotlight was on public spaces, playground equipment, and the promotion of physical activity. Companies specializing in playground construction and facilities for emerging sports and physical exercises showcased their innovative products and services in this market.
Among the exhibitors who seized this presentation opportunity were Barzflex, traded by Kinderland Emsland Spielgeräte, Fritz Müller GmbH, Linie M – Metall Form Farbe – GmbH, Öcocolor GmbH & Co.KG, Pieper Holz GmbH, Playparc GmbH, smb Seilspielspielgeräte GmbH, and Tapper & Hollmann GmbH. All these companies came together in a central presentation within the hall, ensuring that they could reach their target audience, which includes local authorities, kindergartens, schools, and sports enthusiasts, all in one place. The joint presentation of all the sector players in an interconnected area created a unique atmosphere and generated additional synergies that allowed comprehensive communication with trade fair visitors.
2. Designing public spaces in harmony with inclusive playgrounds
Another significant attraction at the fair was the planerFORUM, a space for discussions and inspiration organized by STADT und RAUM. Throughout the fair, interesting series of discussions took place about planning public spaces, playgrounds, and urban green spaces. Planners presented their current projects and shared tips for designing public spaces based on best-practice examples. Topics of interest included sports trends and the increasing demand for physical exercises in urban environments.
The discussions also addressed how to design public and green spaces and inclusive playgrounds for children. How can these facilities welcome all generations while promoting an ethos of unity and coexistence? All discussions were held in the German language, to cater to the predominantly local audience.
In tradition, the Federation of German Landscape Architects (BDLA NRW) organized BDLA Day as part of planerFORUM. On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the association presented interesting talks covering topics such as mobile skateboarding elements, green roofs, and the sustainability of sports facilities.
3. Sports and exercise in public spaces
In recent years, developments in the sports and leisure industry have highlighted the increased importance of the FSB International Trade Fair in Germany. "Sports and leisure facilities have gone through a challenging period. During the coronavirus crisis, they were closed for extended periods, and when they reopened, users didn't return in the same numbers everywhere," said Dr. Stefan Kannewischer, President of IAKS. Alongside the pandemic, conflicts in Europe and the energy crisis have emphasized the immense importance of sustainable actions in the sports and leisure industry. Kannewischer stressed the crucial need for recreational facilities to be socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable. Social sustainability is currently a central point in the industry.
Waterboyz, a company specializing in recreational and sports equipment, participated in the FSB fair to address these challenges and provide solutions for the future and sustainable transformation of the industry.
"Sport, movement, and recreation are fundamental elements of a healthy and balanced life. Through the FSB International Trade Fair, we discover not only top-of-the-line products and services but also innovative solutions that bring significant value to these vital aspects of our existence. The event provides a unique platform for the exchange of ideas and innovations, thus supporting the development of the sports and leisure industry, a mission we eagerly respond to." Cătălin Anghel, Procurement Manager at Waterboyz
4. Networking - An extended program of value-adding events
FSB Trade Fair also organized an extended program of events for visitors, including forums, special events, conferences, and award ceremonies. The prestigious IAKS Congress, held at FSB for the 28th time, was the centerpiece of FSB's event program.
This year, the congress chose the motto "Building Communities through Sports and Recreational Facilities." Participants discussed topics such as the function and social value of sports and physical activities, how sports and recreational facilities can add social value, as well as methods and tools for measuring public value.
The FSB International Trade Fair in Germany served as a significant platform for Waterboyz and companies in the sports industry to share their visions and solutions for current and future challenges.
This event once again emphasized the sector's commitment to sustainable development and improving the quality of play and recreational spaces to support the growth and development of children while encouraging physical activity and social interaction in urban environments.