The first-ever FIBO Southeast Asia fitness event will be held in Singapore next year.

Taking place at the iconic Marina Bay Sands from 24 to 26 September 2020, FIBO SEA will bring together fitness brands, manufacturers, distributors, buyers and trainers from across the region – as well as from leading global markets.

The event has been launched to cater for the booming Southeast Asian economy, which is expected to grow at a yearly average of 5.2 per cent from 2018 to 2022 and to become the fourth largest single market in the world by 2030 – after the US, China, and the European Union.

According to Ernst & Young (EY), the region is in a "demographic sweet spot" with a youthful workforce and generous consumer base of more than 659 million people.

The fitness market in the region generates an estimated combined revenue of US$1.5bn per year.

There is huge scope for growth as the demand for fitness offerings is rising – due to an expanding middle class and growing health awareness – but penetration rates remain low. In Singapore, the membership penetration rate is currently 5.8 per cent – significantly higher than the rest of the market, which includes Thailand (0.5 per cent), Indonesia (0.18 per cent), Philippines (0.53 per cent), Malaysia (1.04 per cent), and Vietnam (0.50 per cent).

“FIBO Southeast Asia is positioned as the strategic business platform for international brands to serve the growing fitness and wellness community in this region," said Michelle Lim, managing director of Reed Exhibitions Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

"With Singapore’s international appeal as a green and sustainable city, strategic location and easy access to high-growth markets in Southeast Asia, the trade exhibition and conference will be the place to be seen at this annual industry gathering."

FIBO SEA is organised by Reed Exhibitions Singapore in collaboration with Reed Exhibitions Deutschland, the organiser of FIBO in Cologne, which will leverage its international network and know-how in the fitness and wellness sector.

"As a global brand we provide access to the most dynamic and important fitness markets worldwide," says Hans-Joachim Erbel, CEO of Reed Exhibitions Deutschland, the organiser of FIBO in Germany.

"Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in our industry and holds a vast potential for our exhibitors.

FIBO is the world’s largest international trade fair for fitness, wellness and health. The "original" FIBO Cologne event attracts around 1,100 companies and 145,000 trade and private visitors from nearly 140 countries.

In recent years, FIBO has expanded its global footprint with FIBO shows in China, Mexico, Africa and the US.