Trade visitors filled the showgrounds, awards were presented, elite climbers competed at Germany’s national bouldering championships, partygoers raised their glasses, outdoor industry members played and paddle on and near the Lake Constance and much more this week at the 25th annual OutDoor show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, which wrapped up Wednesday.
A total of 30,000 visitors made their way from 88 countries around the world to attend this jubilee edition of the OutDoor show at Lake Constance. “With the concept for this fair, we are continuing our tradition of showing what the industry needs – in the past, in the present and in the future. The weather is glorious and both exhibitors and visitors are delighted. As a result, we have the highest hopes for next year,” concludes Klaus Wellmann, CEO Messe Friedrichshafen.
Post-show party in the pavilion
Kicking things off last Saturday evening, Messe Friedrichshafen invited retail, industry and media partners aboard the Sonnenkönigin cruise ship to celebrate 25 successful years. During the show, outdoor professionals from around the world witnessed the capacity for innovation that exists within the industry. Nearly 200 international product premières, 950 exhibitors from 40 countries, 247 award entries, 137 talks and presentations formed the foundations for a successful event. And just more than 900 media representatives covered it all.
For the first time ever, in addition to professional exchanges within the halls, there was a parallel program of events and outdoor activities for end users under the motto “OutDoor for all.” From microadventure, to gear testing, talks and movie nights at the Midsummer Festival on Lake Constance to the German National Bouldering Championships, visitors were treated to a genuine outdoor atmosphere. More than 10,000 nature and outdoor fans took part in these new activities and over 20,000 trade visitors registered at the showground.
Head of OutDoor, Stefan Reisinger, meanwhile, was very pleased with the successful launch of the “Retail First” initiative focused on the needs of the international retail trade: “Our new approach has widespread approval. Visitor quality is exceptional and there is continued growing appreciation from retailers for this annual get together at Lake Constance,” said Reisinger.
“The OutDoor show is the most important event for us,” added Roland Tyson, founder and managing director of Australian manufacturer Sea to Summit. “This year again, we have flown in a team of 13 people from Australia and we are exhibiting all our brand-new product samples. It’s worth the long journey, because we know that we can count on visitor numbers, on the-line up and above all on the fantastic atmosphere here at Lake Constance.”
Showgoers also said goodbye to Friedrichshafen and Lake Constance, as next year OutDoor moves to its new home in Munich.
“Personally speaking, I think it’s a great shame that this is the last time this show will be held in Friedrichshafen,” confided Christian Schneidermeier, CEO Ortovox. “Lake Constance is such a superb location and there is just such a great atmosphere. Our industry is all about emotions – and that is something that has always worked well here.”
