The first Asia Outdoor reported a total of 6,743 trade visitors from China and other parts of Asia. Asia Outdoor is a partnership initiative of Messe Friedrichshafen and the Nanjing International Exhibition Centre, and ranks as the first outdoor industry trade fair in Asia. Its debut received a strong response from brand-name manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and the media. Some 174 exhibitors occupied a floor space of over 215,000 square feet. Fifty-five percent of them were from outside China. Products offered were mainly for spring and summer 2007, while some companies presented their wares for the coming winter season.
“We are very pleased that Asia Outdoor has been so well accepted as a trade fair for the outdoor sport and recreation industry in Asia,” declared trade show director Klaus Wellmann. Stefan Reisinger, Project Manager of OutDoor in Friedrichshafen, who was on hand for the debut, agrees: “Our partners in Asia have done a terrific job. Theyve really set a high standard for the trade fair industry.” Asia Outdoor founder Knut Jaeger considers the trade show to be “a milestone for the constantly growing outdoor sport scene in China, and for the Chinese outdoor sport industry”.
Interest by the 6,743 registered trade visitors was high, and Asia Outdoor management reports strong sales activity. According to the trade fair’s official survey, 86 per cent of trade visitors were from China. The remaining 14 per cent came from neighbouring countries.
German trade fair specialist Messe Friedrichshafen remains committed to enhance the international orientation of Asia Outdoor, to support its marketing to international brand-name manufacturers, and to assist foreign visitors to the event. “Asia Outdoor is the continent’s first international trade fair for outdoor sport and recreation. It will help foreign brands gain a foothold in China while supporting high-quality Chinese brands abroad.
Asia Outdoor’s supporting programme created a festive atmosphere for outdoor sporting enthusiasts. Highlights included a fashion show featuring outdoor sports gear, a climbing competition, a design competition for outdoor sports equipment, a tent city and campgrounds, a shoe testing trail, a development forum for the Asian outdoor sports industry, and a large party dubbed Outdoor Night. A survey found that 93 per cent of exhibitors were satisfied with the trade fair, and plan to attend again. In fact, fifty per cent wish to participate with a larger stand the next time. The response from Outdoor Asia visitors was also positive: 91 per cent expressed satisfaction, and 92 per cent plan to return to the trade fair in Nanjing next year.
Next year’s Asia Outdoor will be held from Thursday, 23 August to Sunday, 26 August, 2007, and will be open to trade visitors only.
