OUTDOOR Friedrichshafen ‘welcomed’ by industry
06/03/2019
The OutDoor exhibition took place successfully for a number of years in Friedrichshafen, on the shores of Lake Constance. This came to an end in 2018 when the European Outdoor Group (EOG), which owned the show, announced that it would be moving to Munich under the guidance of Messe München. The first show in Munich will take place in June/July under the name OutDoor by ISPO.
Messe Friedrichshafen was understandably disappointed with the decision and immediately pledged to launch its own trade show. It officially presented OUTDOOR Friedrichshafen in August 2018. Its first edition will take place from September 17-19.
The organiser has said this new format has already received approval from the outdoor industry, with strong trade and media interest from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It will occupy four halls at the exhibition grounds.
"The completely new concept, with dedicated offers, full flexibility, committed efficiency, plus genuine and authentic themes and a fitting atmosphere, is being welcomed by many industry players,” said Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann.
The exhibition will put new emphasis on less traditional outdoor segments such as caravanning and camping. This includes setting up new exhibition areas for these segments.
It will also see the continuation of the OUTDOOR Industry Awards, which will be handed out for the 14th time in September. There will be two new categories this year: the Retail Award and the Agency Award. Companies can submit their applications from April 29 to July 25 on a dedicated website.
Stefan Reisinger, head of OUTDOOR, has said: “We are completely rethinking the whole trade show idea from scratch. We firmly believe in bricks-and-mortar retail and are offering a down-to-earth platform for all companies who embody the outdoor spirit.”
He explained that starting a new event takes time and intensive consultation, but expressed optimism that brands still believe participation at tradeshows is possible without the need for a huge budget.
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