Following two full days of inspirational presentations and informative seminars and workshops, the organisers of the European Outdoor Summit 2015 (EOS 2015) are pleased to report that the Summit has been a resounding success; attracting huge support from the European outdoor industry and extremely positive feedback from both delegates and speakers.

Taking place from 13^th-15^th October, 2015 in Sheffield – which is promoting itself as ‘The Outdoor Capital City of the UK’ #TheOutdoorCity – the EOS 2015, which was headline sponsored by Berghaus, ISPO and W.L Gore & Associates, hosted over 300 delegates from 20 countries across Europe, as well as the US, China and Canada, and attracted industry bosses, CEOs and directors from manufacturers, retailers, brands and national associations.

Featuring a strong line-up up of industry-relevant speakers, workshops, seminars, activities and social events designed to engage and bring together outdoor industry professionals, the EOS 2015 gave delegates an invaluable opportunity to learn how to better their businesses, as well as network with industry colleagues; making it the perfect platform for the continued development and progress of the outdoor industry.

The Summit started on Wednesday (14^th October) morning with a welcome from CEO of the UK Outdoor Industries Association, Andrew Denton and the EOS’s master of ceremonies Steve McDermott, who compared the event in his distinctive insightful and entertaining manner, which broke the ice and kept delegates engaged throughout the whole event.

The two-day programme was very well received and Summit highlights include; an insightful presentation from Chairman of global powerhouse Pentland Brands, Andy Rubin, impactful video footage from Professor Greg Whyte OBE, who, alongside Dr Justin Varney, spoke on public health and its relationship to the outdoors industry and two panel-led talks on future innovation for the outdoor industry and women in the outdoors, which generated some thought provoking questions from the audience.

The EOS 2015 acted as a discussion platform for a wide variety of topics that affect the industry, from blogging to retail and sustainability to film making, however, there were some trends that were constant throughout. Future generations, and more specifically millennials and how their interaction with technology in the future will change the way brands and retailers will have to interact with them, was a key theme and there was much discussion on staying relevant to this new breed of consumer and using social media to stay a step ahead.

Physical activity and the outdoors was also a focus for several of the EOS presenters and a key message was the importance of getting people active outdoors from an early age to alleviate the burden of the epidemic of obesity that the developed world is suffering in varying degrees. Sheffield Hallam MP and former UK Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg also touched on the relationship between health and the outdoors, and closed the Summit with his thoughts on the important impact of the outdoors, not only on the physical, but also on the mental health of the nation and the work being done at Government level to support the industry.

These key trends gave delegates ideas for consideration and inspiration to go back to their business and implement strategies that embrace the trends and will prove beneficial to their business. The conclusion was very positive and the outdoor industry is lucky to have such a positive message that not only creates passionate consumers, but healthy and happy ones too.

CEO of the UK Outdoor Industries Association, Andrew Denton comments: “After many months of meticulous planning and organisation I am pleased to say that the EOS 2015 has proved to be a resounding success! Putting together a high profile event that captures the interest and imagination of such a broad audience and then ensuring its smooth execution, is no mean feat and I am extremely grateful to all involved for their tireless effort and hard work. We had some truly inspirational speakers who provided fantastic insight for delegates, while the workshops and seminars offered excellent learning opportunities for all. That, plus the Gala dinner held in Sheffield Cathedral, which offered a wonderful setting to socialise and relax and the outdoor activities that let delegates blow away the cobwebs in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District, meant the EOS 2015 really did prove to have it all! In the words of Lord Sebastian Coe in the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony, ‘When our time came – Britain we did it right. Thank you!'”

Mark Held, General Secretary of the EOG said: “Since its launch just three years ago the European Outdoor Summit has become a key fixture in the outdoor calendar and as it continues to gain momentum it is attracting larger numbers of delegates from all across the industry and from a wider range of countries. The aim of the EOS is to provide industry professionals with a platform to come together and learn from each other’s success and experience in order to build on their own and progress the industry, and this year’s Summit has been no exception. The challenge for 2015 was to push the boundaries yet again and the programme offered this year; with its exceptional speakers and workshops, undoubtedly achieved this. We now look forward to EOS 2016, which was announced to take place in Barcelona and will be hosted by the Spanish Sport Industry Association, Afydad.”

The European Outdoor Summit 2015 management, organisation and marketing has been handled by specialist outdoor PR and event management agency MCS which already handles all the administration for the OIA.

 INFO: European Outdoor Summit 2015