OutDoor trade fair to start on July 14

02 Jul '11

6 min read

As the outdoor industry has grown over the past decades, it has not only established itself as a business, but also as a lifestyle and social movement. Industry representatives and researchers agree that the outdoor industry will remain strong in the future and continue to appeal to people around the world.

The 18th edition of the OutDoor trade fair, which takes place from 14 to 17 July 2011, is also showing positive signs, offering ideal conditions for the industry as well as natural surroundings. A record number of 890 exhibitors from 38 countries (compared to 868 exhibitors in 2010) will be presenting their newest products on Lake Constance, setting the tone for the 2012 business year.

"It never ceases to amaze me how much an industry can change in collective terms as the result of one OutDoor show,” says Mark Held, Secretary General of the European Outdoor Group (EOG). Nearly all the industry association's members will be on hand in Friedrichshafen. Never before has there been a higher proportion of international exhibitors at the trade fair. The total number of exhibitors has risen this year by 3% to 890. Many established companies will be exhibiting at OutDoor 2011 with even larger booths, and new, well-known companies will be represented for the first time on Lake Constance. These include Adidas Eyewear, which will be on hand with its own stand concept.

"The outdoor industry knows from its many years of experience and collaboration with the trade fair team that it needs a strong and independent forum in the form of a specialised trade fair in order to demonstrate and maintain its independence,” says Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen. "We'll continue to work on this and create the right conditions for the outdoor industry.” The trade fair's location on Lake Constance, as well as its proximity to the Alps, is an inspiration for exhibitors, visitors and media representatives, and offers an authentic environment for successful business in outdoor sports.

Information, discussions and training: the OutDoor Conferences

The East Conference Centre will be completely devoted to informational events at OutDoor 2011. International experts will speak at the 2011 OutDoor Conferences. "On Friday and Saturday, we'll be offering attendees the opportunity to start the day with exciting presentations over breakfast starting at 8 AM,” says project manager Stefan Reisinger. This year's topics include the panel discussion "New routes to new markets” (Friday, 8 AM, Room London), the EOG Sustainability Working Group open breakfast "'After Life': What happens to our products?” (Saturday, 8 AM, Room Berlin), the presentation "Smart textiles: Added value for textile products” (Saturday, 8:30 AM, Room London), and the daily fundraising initiative from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) in the East Foyer.

A recognised seal of quality: the 2011 OutDoor INDUSTRY AWARD

The 2011 OutDoor INDUSTRY AWARD has established itself as a seal of quality in the industry, offering both the trade and consumers reliable information in a quickly growing market. Product entries from manufacturers and designers in eight categories will be reviewed by an international jury of experts for innovativeness, quality of design, workmanship, materials, environmental friendliness, sustainability, functionality, practical value, safety, trendiness and brand value. The awards ceremony will take place on 14 July at 5:30 PM in Hall A2. The OutDoor Celebrity of the Year will also be selected in recognition of an outstanding individual's special achievements in the outdoor industry. For the first time, all the award-winning products will be shown during the OutDoor trade fair in the East Foyer.

More Textiles News - Germany...