Visitors coming from around to world to the OutDoor show in Friedrichshafen this summer have got plenty to look forward to, organisers report. This year’s show offers a new schedule from 18-21 June.

“The outdoor marketplace continues to change with more new sectors aimed at a wider target group. We want to help drive this development forward in 2017 with new, innovative ideas,” said Stefan Reisinger, Head of OutDoor.

This June, in addition to core outdoor disciplines, the trade show halls of Lake Constance will welcome visitors from the worlds of fashion, urban lifestyle, accessories, wearables (computers or other electronic devices small and light enough to be worn) and gamification. With Hangout, a new area in the Open-Air Grounds West, OutDoor is hosting a fusion of outdoor lifestyle, BBQs, chill-out zone and product presentation.

“Attendance at the 24th OutDoor is very high with established brands and new and innovative market players,” commented Klaus Wellmann, CEO Messe Friedrichshafen. More than 900 exhibitors from 40 countries are inviting trade visitors to accompany them on expedition through the international market for outdoor products and services, including new sectors and new outdoor activities.

Water Sports goes OutDoor

With Water Sports goes OutDoor, Messe Friedrichshafen is ramping up its commitment to water-based activities. In 2017, Foyer West is dedicated to water sports with brands, products and talks from the sector. Participation is broad and covers everything from swimrun events to triathlons, diving, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddling and ice swimming.

“Outdoor sports and water sports both take place outdoors and crossover between the two sectors is becoming increasingly common. Enthusiasts use equipment from both areas and benefit from sharedplatforms when it comes to sales, distribution and retail. With these synergies, it makes perfect sense to have a combined international trade show presence with water sports manufacturers and retailers at the established leading European OutDoor trade show,” said Wolfgang Kraus, owner of Fashy GmbH and Head of the water sports group of the German Sporting Goods Industry Association, the Bundesverband der Deutschen Sportartikel-Industrie (BSI).

2017 OutDoor Industry Awards

The OutDoor show is known for being an important platform for new products. An international panel of expert judges will be evaluating select products for outstanding innovation and design quality as part of the 2017 OutDoor Industry Awards.

Registration is open from 1 February, 2017. In addition, this year’s show will also benefit from a wider programme of fringe events, including the OutDoor Conferences.

Vision 2020

To analyse what European brands and retailers want from the trade show in coming years, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) has commissioned an independent task force to conduct the Vision 2020 survey and a needs analysis to ensure the EOG is providing a European outdoor trade show strategy to meet the needs of our industry for the future.

“Together with our Messe Friedrichshafen partners, we are responsible for ensuring the long-term success of the OutDoor Show,” explained Mark Held, General Secretary European Outdoor Group (EOG).

“The underpinning need for this constant review is of course the rapid pace of change in our industry. The date, the target group and every other aspect of the fair is included, with the exception of the venue which does not form part of the questionnaire or the Working Group’s remit at all.” The survey is open until the 25 January 2017.

www.outdoor-show.com