The 21st OutDoor trade show in Friedrichshafen acted as a source of motivation for the international outdoor industry in what are changing times. Four days at Lake Constance have clearly demonstrated that enthusiasm for outdoor sports remains unparalleled. “Much has been said about economic issues and whether there is a likely change in the fortunes of the outdoor industry, yet once again the OutDoor has shown that the industry is growing, that the attitude is almost universally upbeat and that we are as determined as ever to use every single opportunity that the OutDoor fair provides us with. A great atmosphere and another great OutDoor to add to the 21-year-old list of brilliant events,” summarized Rolf Schmid, President of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) and CEO Mammut Sports Group at the close of the show. 21,912 visitors (2013: 21,465) meant that exhibitors were happy and content. Europe’s leading outdoor trade show attracted 925 exhibitors from 39 countries and saw over 220 international premières.
Lightweight, functional, sustainable and stylish – these are the trendsetting key attributes of the outdoor products of the future. Four days in Friedrichshafen showed that both big players and numerous small outdoor specialists are passionate about innovation. “This year’s OutDoor trade fair was once again the perfect opportunity for the industry to celebrate the community spirit, innovation and positivity that the outdoor sector is famous for. It was a great show, the mood really lively and the talk almost everywhere about positive opportunities. Thanks again to the team at Messe Friedrichshafen and for the warm welcome from the local community,” said Mark Held, Managing Director of the European Outdoor Group (EOG).
“The OutDoor has given the industry the boost it was hoping for,” said a pleased Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen. “There was a great atmosphere in the halls right from day one and the topics at the OutDoor Conferences reflected current trends,” he added. Stefan Reisinger, Head of OutDoor, commented that, “This year, exhibitors welcomed a large number of high-quality visitors on the first three days in particular. However, Sunday’s World Cup final had an impact on visitor numbers.” The international nature of the show also increased with visitors from 97 different countries (2013: 93). And once again, the OutDoor proved to be an important media event. 1,046 media representatives from 33 countries reported on the events at Friedrichshafen.
“We’re delighted with how well things have gone. The quality of discussions continues to grow. Things are looking good for both the industry and the show. The OutDoor is an important platform to re-establish relationships at a personal level, especially as they have become more internet-based in recent years,” said Reiner Gerstner, Group Brand Marketing Director of Oberalp Group. Top climber and Red Chili co-founder and managing director, Stefan Glowacz was also impressed by the show, “The OutDoor is the centrepiece for how we present our brand. It’s an important meeting point with our retailers and partners. The trade fair gives us the opportunity to make new contacts, in particular for distribution channels abroad – and to develop new ideas. We especially appreciate the OutDoor’s open and friendly atmosphere and the exchange of ideas and spirit of fairness between competing brands.”
New this year, the Hall of Visions (Hall A2) proved extremely popular. The new-design Trend Show, including computer mapping, provided a glimpse into the future of outdoor textiles and gave retailers concrete food for thought for order placements. 2014 also saw a new OutDoor sporting highlight; for the first time ever, the German Bouldering Championships took place in Friedrichshafen. In addition, the OutDoor Industry Awards were also conducted under new auspices with this year’s outstanding products selected and presented in a more transparent manner. “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to provide fresh ideas and momentum so that the OutDoor continues to act as a vibrant and authentic community platform,” said OutDoor project manager Dirk Heidrich.
The OutDoor’s significance was also confirmed by a visitor survey with 86 percent rating the show as either important or very important. The outdoor industry’s economic situation was ranked by 46 percent as improving and by 38 percent as stable. 84 percent of guests at the show have already decided to attend OutDoor 2015. Next year’s show sees a new schedule, which more strongly reflects it’s business nature. As a result, it will take place from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, 2015.
For more information, please visit: www.outdoor-show.com.
