The organisers of the European Outdoor Summit (EOS) 2015 are pleased to announce the huge level of support already secured from top brands and key industry personalities for the highly anticipated conference, which will take place from 13th – 15th October in the city of Sheffield, UK.
Berghaus, ISPO and W.L. Gore & Associates are already supporting the Summit and signed up as EOS 2015 Gold sponsors – the first time the event has attracted the support of such a combination of key industry brands. The organisers are also thrilled to announce some truly inspiring speakers at the Summit, with Lord Sebastian Coe, CH, KBE kicking off proceedings and Chairman of the UK-based Pentland Brands, Andy Rubin a keynote speaker.
A first-time sponsor, UK-based outdoor industry giant Berghaus, part of Pentland Brands, is known worldwide for its popular range of technical outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment and is a go-to brand for many outdoor enthusiasts around the world. The company will be using the opportunity at EOS 2015 to further bolster its position as a market leader, both within the UK and internationally.
Sponsoring the event since its inception are ISPO and W.L. Gore & Associates. ISPO hosts Europe’s largest sports and outdoor trade show ISPO Munich, which sees over 2,500 international exhibitors present their latest products to over 81,000 visitors from more than 109 countries.
W.L. Gore & Associates has created its name as a product innovator and is renowned in the outdoor industry for its ground-breaking GORE‑TEX® fabric. Through its support of EOS 2015, Gore is maintaining its prominent position as a key player in the outdoor industry and further increasing brand visibility.
Mark Held, General Secretary of the EOG, comments: “When the idea for the European Outdoor Summit first came about, one of the very first things we did was talk to various industry giants to see if it was a concept they would back. It is to their great credit that both ISPO and W.L Gore & Associates understood the event that we outlined to them straight away and they have been the core supporters ever since.”
Richard Leedham, Berghaus Brand President, comments: “The European Outdoor Summit has quickly established itself as a must attend industry event. The European Outdoor Group’s policy of moving the Summit around Europe has worked very well and it is great news that it is coming to the UK in 2015. Berghaus is delighted to be a top tier gold sponsor this year and we look forward to working with the Outdoor Industries Association to ensure that the Sheffield edition of the European Outdoor Summit is a huge success.”
Other sponsors of EOS 2015 include Swedish practical carrying solutions brand Thule, B2B sales planning software provider aWorkbook and YKK, the world’s largest zip manufacturer, who have signed up as Bronze sponsors.
Opening the event, Lord Sebastian Coe is a British politician and former track and field athlete who has won four Olympic medals, including two Gold, and set eight outdoor and three indoor world records. He headed the successful London bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics and became chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.
Presented by Berghaus, Chairman of UK-based Pentland Brands, Andy Rubin will be a keynote speaker at the Summit. The name behind some of the world’s best sports, outdoor and fashion brands, Pentland Brands owns Berghaus, Speedo, Brasher, Ellesse, Canterbury, Boxfresh, KangaROOS, Mitre and Red or Dead. The company’s retail division comprises JD Sports, which has 600 retail outlets in the UK.
Commenting on these latest announcements, OIA Chief Executive, Andrew Denton said: “Following the success of previous EOS events, it was always going to be a challenge to make this year’s event bigger, better and more impressive. However, having secured support from such accomplished and prominent individuals, as well as arguably the biggest brands in the business is a complete coup for this year’s event and absolutely sets the standard for what will be an incredible Summit.
“Endorsement from industry leaders like Gore, Berghaus and ISPO, as well as key personalities both within and outside of the industry, such as Lord Coe and Andy Rubin demonstrates the importance of this event in the outdoor industry’s calendar. With this impressive line up alongside the comprehensive programme of interactive seminars and workshops, EOS 2015 promises to be an event not to be missed!”
Conference management, organisation and marketing will be handled by specialist outdoor PR and event management agency MCS which already handles all the administration for the OIA.
