The 23^rd edition of the OutDoor show will welcome more than 900 exhibitors from over 40 countries, presenting the latest innovations and setting new industry trends to the international audience, when the event takes place from 13-16 July in Friedrichshafen.

According to the European Outdoor Group (EOG), prominent trade association and the show’s partner, the sector enjoyed a satisfactory 2015, with some 85% of its members reporting an increase in sales.

“As the market situation stabilises and competition increases, OutDoor 2016 is the perfect international platform for presenting new collections and exchanging ideas. We’re looking forward to a high-quality event with everything that a demanding public expects. We’ve everyone from new start-ups to the leading industry players,” said Klaus Wellmann, CEO Messe Friedrichshafen.

Developing market

EOG General Secretary, Mark Held, emphasized the importance of the Lake Constance trade show. “While outdoor in general continues to be a megatrend, we are at a turning point in how business is done. The market place is more competitive than ever, sustainability is becoming a must and the circular economy is just around the corner,” he explained.

“Meanwhile, our sector is constantly developing; digital technology is impacting outdoor, new consumer experiences are being thought up constantly and more and more people realize the benefits that being active outdoors can bring. As always, our annual gathering in Friedrichshafen will provide an excellent opportunity for brands and retailers to be right up to date and to arm themselves with the best possible knowledge for the upcoming seasons.”

OutDoor Industry Award and OutDoor Honor Award

This year sees the 11^th edition of the OutDoor Industry Award for the best international product innovations. The design prize has been overhauled and now consists of a two stage evaluation process with a digital pre-selection round and a new category for outdoor start-ups.

In collaboration with the EOG, the organizers of the OutDoor will bestow the new OutDoor Honor Award for the first time on 15 July in Friedrichshafen. The award will replace the OutDoor Celebrity of the Year award, which has been held every year for the last ten years, recognising special and long-lasting contribution to the industry.

“As we feel that we cannot expect to simply find such exceptional personalities on demand, we have changed the name to the OutDoor Honor Award and decided to award it when appropriate, but not necessarily every year,” explained OutDoor Project Manager Dirk Heidrich.

OutDoor Conferences 2016

The OutDoor Conferences, organised in conjunction with the EOG, serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, professional development and discussion.

Some 40 presentations will cover a wide range of topics including digital, retail, sustainability and trends and change. The focus this year is on issues including eco-friendly production, new fabrics and materials and technology.

Focus on running

Numerous international running brands will be organising presentations and workshops at the new Running Village (in the middle of the Open-Air Grounds West) to demonstrate the latest trends and innovations.

Once again, Dynafit is inviting retailers, journalists and athletes to join them for a Wake Up Run on the second morning of the show. The two courses (8 km and 17 km) take in some of Lake Constance’s finest trails, before heading back to the exhibition grounds for the final sprint.

Trend Lounge 2016

A select team of cool hunters, designers, bloggers and fashionistas will be offering an insight into the latest trends of the international outdoor market at the OutDoor Trend Lounge, which will explore new trends in fabrics, colour palettes, textures and styles in the respective outdoor categories.

This year sees the OutDoor Trend Lounge with a new location and a higher profile. The Trend Show will also be presenting trend-setting fabrics and products in a live performance three times a day. An accompanying Trend Booklet will also be available.

www.outdoor-show.com