Neil Gresham ISPO Report

Neil Gresham has sent in a report on his visit to ISPO..
'I'm just back in the UK after an enthralling 3 days at the ISPO tradeshow in Munich, where I was representing Lyon Equipment's climbing brands......

For me, this was a fantastic learning experience. If anyone tells you that tradeshows are a bore then they're definitely not involved with the right companies!

This was my first show working with Petzl and I had been looking forward to meeting the team. I was straight in at the deep end and found myself  discussing plans and preliminary  ideas with the design team. Needless to say, there is strict protocol for confidentiality here. All I can say is that  Petzl clearly value feedback from the UK market and have some fantastic projects in the pipeline. Check out Petzl's new light-sensitive headtorch “Nao” (available Summer 2012)  to see what these guys are capable of. A big thanks to Alban and the rest of the crew for giving me such a warm welcome.

The Beal stand was full of the usual buzzing energy and it's great to see the main man Michel at the helm, with his inexhaustible supply of passion for rope technology. Beal are making waves with their new Diablo ropes which offer low friction and improved handling. It was good to learn more about how they've achieved these unique performance characteristics from Beal's 'head geek' Renault Quarterhomme. After chatting to this man you realise just how little you know about these crucial items of safety equipment!

For me, it always feels like home- from- home when I visit the La Sportiva stand. I've been with Sportiva for over 2 decades and their long history of innovations almost feels like part of my own life story. Their tradeshow stand is much as you would expect it: a hive of activity, bursting with techy products and with a killer espresso bar in the centre! They are still  absolute leaders of the field and I can vouch that their new hybrid performance rock shoe, the Futura lives up to its name. It was good to introduce my fellow UK Sportiva team mate, Kitty Wallace to the Italians, and that she has now joined their International team. But the best news of all is that Sportiva are planning to stage a couple of their infamous parties in the UK later in the year, so make sure you stay posted for more info on the Lyon website.'

Neil Gresham