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.
Top-class sports and showtime
In the West Foyer, attendees will have the opportunity to visit camp3, where the German, Austrian and Swiss Alpine Clubs will, for the first time, be present with a group stand, as well as the speed climbing wall and the boulder wall, which will feature exciting competitions and athletes from all over Europe.
The GORE Trail Running Course on the western open-air grounds will offer an endurance test with obstacles for runners at the Europe’s Fastest Trail Runner competition on Saturday at 6 PM. The open-air grounds will include a new barefoot test area from Merrell; slackline and waterline demonstrations from Slackline-Tools; and a high ropes course with a 140-meter flying fox. Exhibitors from the fields of slackline, crossboccia and high ropes courses guarantee fun and action on the eastern open-air grounds.
Fashion in motion: the OutDoor Fashion Show
The OutDoor Fashion Show will again be held in Hall A2. Three times a day – at 11 AM, 2 PM and 4 PM – visitors will be treated to a presentation of the latest outdoor clothing trends. At the Late Night Fashion Show at 9 PM on Saturday, 16 July, this extraordinary show will become the ideal complement to the OutDoor Party.
The world of tents on display
Thirty-two international manufacturers will be presenting a complete overview of current tents at the OutDoor Tent City (Rothaus Halls A1 and A2), an exhibition that is unique in form, size and scope. Over 700 models will be shown across more than 10,000 square meters of exhibition space.
Sustainability meets trendiness: the OutDoor Party
The OutDoor Party has now achieved cult status. Last year the party’s concept was modified to emphasise sustainability, and this topic will once again be the focus of the 2011 OutDoor Party. The party admission fee of €15 will once again include a party t-shirt, food and four vouchers for drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) during the event on Saturday, 16 July. Additional non-alcoholic drinks will be available for €1, and alcoholic drinks for €2. This year, Polartec will once again act as the event’s sponsor, supporting the industry as well as the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA). The free shuttle bus departs at 12:30 AM to take revellers to neighbouring cities and nearby hotels.
“All good things come in threes” will be the motto at the trio of music stages. Polartec will present a third stage in the atrium, featuring funk and house music from DJ Gianluca de Tiberiis. Mc Sunday will once again play rock music at the western open-air grounds, and Hall A2 will feature the jazz sounds of the Kai Pirinha Combo as well as a late-night fashion show.
Opening hours and the OutDoor app
OutDoor 2011 is open from Thursday through Sunday, 14 to 17 July, only for trade visitors (Thursday through Saturday, from 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM). The OutDoor app will once again be available starting in mid-June. It offers all the necessary information on OutDoor, including a list of exhibitors, events and driving directions, and is available for downloading free of charge at: www.outdoor-show.com.
