The sixth Asia Outdoor continued to grow at double digit rates across most metrics in its sixth year, according to show owner Messe Friedrichshafen. The July 27-30 show covered 452,000 square feet of gross exhibition space, up 31%. Exhibitor count rose 26% and 452 brands were represented. The show drew a record 19,180 visitors, up 17 percent.
By comparison, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which concluded Sunday in Salt Lake City, drew 1,300 exhibitors and 25,000 attendees, according to preliminary estimates.
Messe Friedrichshafen effectively expanded Asia Outdoor this year by adding Asia Bike, the first trade show for sport and luxury bikes, clothing and accessories in China. Asia Bike is a joint venture between Messe Friedrichshafen and partners from China and Hong Kong. The founders of Asia Bike are consultant Knut Jaeger, who also launched the Asia Outdoor, together with Messe Friedrichshafen.
Both shows took place at the same time in the new International Expo Center in Nanjing, with the goal of using the synergies of both markets. With a combi-ticket, it was also possible to visit both events.
Nearly 140 brands, including 95 from outside of China, exhibited at the Asia Bike show. Exhibitors filled a 130,000-square-foot exhibition hall and drew 355 journalists, including 17 television channels, to Nanjing. Exhibitors included Shimano, Look, Merida, Specialized, Cervelo, Mavic, BMC, Intense, Time, Focus, Cube, Yeti, TD-Swiss, Triace, UCC, PGBike, Pearl Izumi, Jakroo, Champion Systems, Skins, Fizik, Brooks, Schwalbe, Hutchinson, Sigma and Campagnolo. Many brands presented their new 2012 models.
The show drew 2,789 visitors on the days it opened to the public.
Nine in ten of exhibitors intend to return in 2012, according to a poll by Messe Friedrichschafen. The second Asia Bike will take place in Nanjing from July 26th to 29th, 2012.
