Outdoor also needs more fashion!
Interview with Haysun Hahn

Published by Mountainblog on 10/11/2017.

Clearly, we have passed the point of a simple flirtation between the Outdoor and the Fashion industries, so where are we headed? A peek into the possibilities for good and the bad challenges ahead. Will this matchmaking make each other stronger or will it require the Outdoor market to rethink their relationship with their customers? The proliferation of product categories is at risk, and the inevitable question; is this a forever proposition?

Haysun Hahn (Founder, Fast Forward Trending) explains why outdoor needs more fashion, design and style!

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Changing times in the U.S outdoor market.
Interview with Amy Roberts

Published by Mountainblog on .

Founded in 1989 and with over 1200 members, the OIA has been a powerful force in ensuring that the US industry is thinking, acting and delivering in a joined up manner. The news tells us that the political situation in the United States is anything but simple and within this instability are some serious threats to the outdoor sector.

Amy Roberts (Executive Director, OIA) talks about the challenges as she sees them and the way in which the OIA and the US industry is responding to such rapid change and she looks at how the current US President is polarizing attitudes to public lands and how brands are responding by testing their advocacy voice directly with their consumers. The message is compelling, we as an industry have hard choices to make and the direction we go during this period will have long term implications for all.

Watch the video interview:

Interview: Jessica Ceotto
Shooting & Video editing: Andrea Monticelli.

The Blockchain Revolution. Interview with Richard Kastelein

Published by Mountainblog on .

We are at the 1994 stage of the Internet with Blockchain… it’s the Wild West with over a billion euro raised for new Blockchain startups in May and June of 2017 alone. The Blockchain is so much more than an isolated technology – its power is that it enables people to organize themselves in new and different ways.

The Blockchain is about truth. It’s about decentralising trust and taking it from the hands of a few and into the hands of many…. distributed by cyberspace, gamed by code and made honest by algorithms.

It has math. It has computer science. It has cryptography. It has economics. It has political and social philosophy. It’s not easy to understand – it’s highly complex, but it’s important to understand because it’s going to affect all industries including the outdoor industry. How? From payment systems to supply chain and provenance… from privacy to loyalty programmes and more. Richard Kastelein, publisher of Blockchain News and Blockchain Instructor for Oracle takes us on a journey to help to understand this new phenomenon.

Interview: Jessica Ceotto
Video editing: Andrea Monticelli.

Assosport and IOG welcome the EOS 2017. Interview with Luca Businaro and Luca Pedrotti

Published by Mountainblog on 10/10/2017.

EOS 2017 took place in Italy (Treviso), one of the most significant country for the European outdoor. EOG who masterfully organized the event, was also supported by Assosport (Association of Italian Sporting Goods Industry) and IOG (Italian Outdoor Group).
During the video interviews, Luca Businaro (President of Assosport) talks about the importance of Italy as a key country for the outdoor industry while Luca Pedrotti (President of IOG) explains the added value of the Italian OutDoor industry.

Interview: Francesco Russo
Shooting & Video editing: Valeria Covre

The first step outdoors. Interview with Gabriel Arthur

Published by Mountainblog on .

People new to the outdoors no longer go for the individual pursuit of the extreme, highly challenging goal. Instead of training to climb a mountain, they are attracted by other messages and stories, that suit their lifestyle while joining a group of peers for mutual motivation, social contact and friendship. NORR & InSites Consulting explore what is behind this new focus, and highlight a series of inspiring examples on how to encourage new people to step outside. Watch the video interview with Gabriel Arthur (Editorial Director, NORR Agency).

Interview: Andrea Bianchi
Shooting & Video editing: Andrea Monticelli.

How brands and retailers improve collaboration.
Interview with Christoph Krauss

Published by Mountainblog on .

For consumers, it is one consumer journey, including the purchase experience. Brands and retailers need to collaborate for seamless processes and a top notch shopper experience. Christoph Krauss (Managing Director, Benchex) shows examples of how the collaboration between brands and retailers can be optimised.

Interview: Jessica Ceotto
Video editing: Andrea Monticelli.

Global Fashion Brand, Benetton, to Speak at EOS 2017
Registration Closes 25th September

Published by Mountainblog on 09/20/2017.

Last Chance to Join Over 250 Delegates already booked – registration closes 25th September

With the European Outdoor Summit 2017 (EOS) taking place in just two weeks, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) is very pleased to announce that Chief Operating Officer for the Benetton Group, Tommaso Brusò, will be a keynote speaker at the Summit, which takes place 4^th & 5^th October in Treviso, Italy.

The EOG is also pleased to announce this year’s EOS opening speaker; baseball coach and former player, Brian Farley. Registration for the EOS will close on 25^th September, book your place now to see Tomasso, Brian and the rest of the inspirational line up of speakers. www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com/index.php/book/. See the full timetable attatched.

With a network of around 5000 stores, the Benetton Group is one of the best-known fashion companies in the world. Built on innovation; its bright colours, the revolution of the retail outlet, unique sales networks, and universal communications that have always been social talking points and aroused cultural debate, Benetton makes a compelling addition to the EOS.

Beginning his career as a Retail Operations Manager at Benetton Group, Tommaso Brusò has built up vast experience in the international fashion industry. Prior to re-joining Benetton Group as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in May 2017, Tommaso was CEO of fashion brand Diesel for the US and North America.

His presentation, The Journey of an Iconic Brand, will take us on a tour of one of the world’s best known brands: from its roots firmly planted in the history of knitwear to its iconic advertising campaigns and signature colourful sweaters. Tommaso will give an overview of where Benetton Group is today and where it will go next; starting from a fascinating story that holds important lessons for the outdoor sector.

Brian Farley is an American born baseball coach and former player who has been living in The Netherlands for the past 30 years, and who has been coaching in different capacities for the National team since 2000 (including going to the Olympics in both Sydney and Beijing as national coach). Brian knows how to bring the lessons from the sports field to the world of business and knows as well as anyone, that success in life comes if you live your life with passion and a growth mindset.

Brian’s presentation The Pursuit of Excellence, talks about how to create your own high-performance teams, and use the expertise and talents of your own people to grow as a company.

For more information about the Summit, visit www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com.

EOS 2017 Networking APP Returns for 2017, New Sponsors Secured & Further Speakers Announced

Published by Mountainblog on 09/04/2017.

With just over a month until the fifth European Outdoor Summit (EOS) kicks off in Treviso, Italy, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) is pleased to announce the return of its popular delegate Networking APP, the support of new Summit sponsors and the addition of speakers to its exceptional line-up.

200 delegates have already registered for the EOS 2017, which takes place 4th – 5th October. With places at the venue hotel, BHR Treviso, filling up fast, delegates are urged to book their EOS accommodation as soon as possible.

New to the line-up is Richard Kastelein, Founder of Blockchain News. Blockchain has math. It has computer science. It has cryptography. It has economics. It has political and social philosophy. It’s not easy to understand – it’s highly complex, but it’s important to understand because it’s going to affect all industries including the outdoor industry. How? From payment systems to supply chain and provenance…from privacy to loyalty programmes and more. Richard’s keynote presentation: The Blockchain Revolution – Decentralisation of Trust and Future Impact Scenarios, will take you on a journey to help you understand this new phenomenon.

Presenting two breakout sessions, Christoph Krauss is Managing Director for consumer and retail insights consultancy firm, Benchex GmbH. Christoph’s first presentation; It´s one consumer journey – how brands and retailers improve collaboration, looks at how brands and retailers need to collaborate for seamless processes and a top notch shopper experience. His second presentation; You need to be where your customers are – omni channel fulfilment, will look at how online plays a central role even with offline purchases and how offline retailers are starting to consider online as an opportunity rather than a threat. He will give examples and present an outlook on omni channel marketing for offline retail organisations.

The EOG is very pleased to welcome back online business data exchange provider Btwentyfour, who has signed as Sponsor of the EOS 2017. The Btwentyfour Omnichannel platform has grown to become a well-established solution for the Retail Industry, with a local presence in Europe, Scandinavia, North America and Asia.

Following its successful launch last year, the Networking APP for Summit delegates will be back for 2017. The hi-tech solution to professional networking is once again being delivered in partnership with Myagi, who provide innovative online learning network for retail sales associates.

The EOS is a rare opportunity to connect with business associates across the European region. The Networking APP helps overcome the challenges of attending large events by improving networking opportunities, providing information on exhibitors, speakers and attendees, all from the palm of your hand. The native APP is compatible with iOS and Android platforms and will offer delegates:

Event agenda, sessions, speaker biographies
Attendee networking
Secure messaging
One-on-one meeting requests and scheduling

All delegates will personally receive an invite with a link to download the APP before the Summit.

For more information about the EOS, visit the website www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com.

Further EOS 2017 Speakers & Networking Evening Announced.
One Week Left to Book at the Discounted ‘Early Bird’ Rate

Published by Mountainblog on 07/25/2017.

With just one week until the 31st July ‘Early Bird’ booking deadline for the European Outdoor Summit (EOS) 2017, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) is pleased to announce further keynote speakers in the Summit line-up, as well as details about the Networking Evening.

Bookings for the EOS, which takes place 4th – 5th October 2017 in Treviso, Italy, can be made with an early bird discount at the website www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com/index.php/book/.

The EOG is pleased to present Senior VP of Merchandising & Private Brands at Recreational Equipment Inc (REI), Susan Viscon, who will be delivering a keynote presentation at the EOS.

Headquartered near Seattle, REI is a specialty outdoor retailer and the largest co-op in the United States; with a growing community of more than 16 million members. Susan oversees REI’s gear and apparel assortment of more than 1,000 leading and emerging brands and REI’s own award-winning co-op line, and last year she helped lead REI to record company revenues of $2.56 billion. A 20-year industry veteran, Susan has led efforts to develop partnerships with the industry’s top brands and searched the world for innovative and new brands to deliver award-winning outdoor gear and apparel to REI members.

Presenting the breakout session: The Business Value and Benefits of Using Sustainability Standards, Karin Kreider is the Executive Director of the ISEAL Alliance – the global backbone organisation for the sustainability standards movement. One of the world’s leading experts on ecolabels, sustainability standards and certification, Karin will outline a range of short-term and long-term benefits that materialise from the adoption of sustainability standards for businesses along the supply chain; benefits range from operational efficiencies, improved market access and sales, and stakeholder engagement, including the finance sector.

Before joining ISEAL in 2009, Karin was involved in the start-up of the Rainforest Alliance, where she worked for more than 20 years, first as Associate Director of the organisation, and then as Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

The EOG is also pleased to announce the stunning Castello Di Roncade as the venue for the EOS Networking Evening. The social highlight of the EOS, the Networking Evening, which takes place on the evening of Wednesday 4th October, is the ideal opportunity for delegates to eat, drink, mingle and unwind after the first day of the Summit.

Built in 1490 and boasting 110 hectares of vineyards, Castello Di Roncade is an award-winning winery set in stunning historical gardens situated in the countryside between Treviso and Venice. The grand villa sits on the ruins of a tenth century castle given to the Collalto Counts by Emperor Otto II. Featuring atmospheric great halls, the castle will give delegates the opportunity to discover one of the most unique examples of living Renaissance architecture in Northern Italy.

Delegates will be welcomed with a wine tasting session of the wines produced by the Castle’s vineyard, followed by a delicious buffet dinner and thereafter ample opportunity to wander and relax in the tranquil grounds.

For more information about the Summit.

For more information about Castello Di Roncade.

Outdoors Future Camp Speaker Line-up Announced. ‘Early bird’ Deadline Extended

Published by Mountainblog on 07/24/2017.

With the Outdoors Future Camp & ISPO ACADEMY taking place on 5^th and 6^th September in Ecclesall, Sheffield, the Outdoors Industries Association (OIA) is pleased to announce the line-up of outstanding and inspirational keynote speakers and workshops for the new must-attend event in the outdoor trade calendar.

Learn, network and be inspired! This is a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of outdoor leaders and anyone interested in the outdoor industry, as well as senior management and company directors. Book your place HERE. You can download the full timetable HERE.

Keynote speakers include:

Matthias Gebhard: For the past five years Matthias has led the online retailer Bergfreunde. Since being purchased in 2013 by Backcountry.com it has gone on to become one of the largest and most innovative international trading platforms in our industry. Matthias will be presenting: Growth is fun! Learnings from building a leading European outdoor speciality e-tailer. In his keynote speech Matthias will be sharing his insights into how he has developed one of the European Outdoor Industry’s fastest growing retail businesses, the lessons he has learnt along the way and why the future holds such exciting prospects for outdoor retail. Following a long spell at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants as a senior consultant, Matthias moved into the start-up sector and the area of social entrepreneurship. There, he was able to use and increase his know-how in the field of commerce (including at The Grameen Creative Lab). Since 2012 Matthias has taken Bergfreunde into new markets right across Europe. In 2014 Bergfreunde launched what is now Alpinetrek.co.uk which has rapidly become one of the UK’s leading outdoor retailers.

Colin Bradshaw: CCO at data company TwentyCi, Colin is a ‘big data’ specialist and a very popular speaker at previous OIA and EOS events. His presentation, Data and Innovation in Outdoor Retail, will look at how big data and tech is changing the landscape and what customers want today. Colin’s previous roles have included Director of Data Strategy at Royal Mail, MD of the data and digital division of RAPP (Omnicom)and Professor in Management Practice at the University of Bedfordshire.

Pau Molinas: A very popular keynote speaker at ISPO Academy in Europe, Pau will talk about the importance for any brand or retailer, in understanding their customer and having an insight into their behavior, likes and dislikes. Chief Operating Officer and Partner of Exipple Studio in Spain, Pau talks about software platforms, which are designed to understand human movement and behavior and how they can help businesses by providing an analysis of their habits.

Caroline White: Former CEO of the Youth Hotel Association (YHA) and OIA board member, Caroline has been a CEO since her early thirties and was nominated in the Women’s First top 100 most influential women in tourism and hospitality in 2013. She now sits on the board of the Sport & Recreation Alliance. Her presentation, Authentic Leadership – lessons from a lifetime of trying, will look at leadership from her own perspective and from observing others; her candid account of her learnings over the years will impart some of the valuable things she wished she had known before she started her career.

Workshops at the Outdoors Future Camp will cover a range of relevant topics designed to inform and stimulate discussion and debate; they include:

The Future Outdoor Consumer: Supported by in-depth market research from ISPO, learn how to identify, approach and connect with the future outdoor consumer.

Social Media for Business: Look beyond everyday social media use to focus on how it can be successfully used in a business context and how to evaluate the returns of an active social media campaign.

‘Old Meets New’: See a panel of industry veterans face off the newer generation! Delegates can put both camps to the test by asking the questions that need answering.
Brand Marketing: Learn how three modern, disruptive brands have evolved their brand and marketing strategies to stay ahead of the game in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

‘How Did I Get Here’: All at different stages in their careers, a panel of outdoor professionals talk about how they got to where they are and give their top tips and advice for anyone wanting to climb the ladder or break into the industry.

The Outdoors Future Camp costs just £149 for OIA members (£199 for non-members).
See more information at www.outdoorindustriesassociation.co.uk/OutdoorsFutureCamp