OutDoor 2016 set for success – 900 plus exhibitors from over 40 countries – new hall plan – new OutDoor Award evaluation process – outdoor blogger integration
 

OutDoor 2016 – the leading industry get together
 

Friedrichshafen – From July 13 - 16, the OutDoor show once again becomes the leading international meeting point for the outdoor industry. According to the European Outdoor Group (EOG), prominent trade association and the show’s partner, the sector enjoyed a satisfactory 2015. Some 85 per cent of EOG members reported an increase in sales. And more than half of this number posted growth up by over 2.5 per cent. This constitutes a healthy foundation for the 23rd OutDoor – the leading outdoor trade fair with more than 900 exhibitors from over 40 countries, presenting the latest innovations and setting new industry trends.
 

“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. 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. 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.”
 

The latest edition of the show comes with a new hall plan. The tents of the OutDoor Tent City move to Hall B5 and Hall A7 to join tent exhibitors in the Open-Air Grounds East and Open-Air Grounds West. This is made possible by the footwear manufacturers changing from Hall A6 to Hall A2. And exhibitors traditionally located in B5 have now moved to A6. “OutDoor 2016 is occupying the entire exhibition grounds with all twelve halls and an exhibition area of 85,000 square metres.

This year sees the 11th 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. Also new in 2016: the award presentation area in Foyer East has been given a makeover. In collaboration with the EOG, the organizers of the OutDoor will bestow the new “OutDoor Honor Award” for the first time on Friday evening, July 15, 2016 in Friedrichshafen.

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 & change.

Messe Friedrichshafen is familiar with the issues and working together with the Outdoor Blogger Network (OBN). The new OutDoor Blogger Base in the foyer East will create a platform for international exchange, boosting the dynamics between digital influencers and the representatives of the outdoor industry. The daily OBN talks include targeted presentations, discussion panels and tours to give the outdoor industry a window to the world via #OutDoorFN.
 

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. Lead – Speed – Boulder climbing: On Friday, July 15, climbing professionals who have been invited by the German Alpine Association will present the three disciplines of sport climbing in a suspenseful show-competition at OutDoor.

A select team of cool hunters, designers, bloggers and fashionistas are offering an insight into the latest trends of the international outdoor market. See where we are heading when it comes to fabrics, colour palettes, textures, styles and trends in the respective outdoor categories.

The OutDoor Party – in keeping with the outdoor theme – takes place on Friday, July 15 in three arenas:

OutDoor 2016 is open to industry visitors only from Wednesday, July 13 to Saturday, July 16 (Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For more information, please visit: www.outdoor-show.com.