In spite of a poor retail climate in many European countries, the OutDoor show has recorded a 7% increase in visitors. Even more encouraging is the significant increase in visitors from outside Germany. In four days, a total of 15,137 trade visitors from 78 countries (2004: 14,130 trade visitors from 68 countries) flowed through the exhibition gates. With 650 direct exhibitors, 70% from abroad, and an increase of 9% of occupied exhibition area, the 12th OutDoor was a great celebration of the industry with a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Visitors from 5 continents and 78 countries made this a global event with an attitude. The variety of languages to be heard in the isles made a colourful background to the key objective of profitable business. The show works, period! “We are delighted we could extend the OutDoor show and provide and even bigger platform for the industry to present and communicate whats new and exciting in the outdoor world” Said Rolf Mohne, Managing Director of the Friedrichshafen exhibition company. OutDoor was also “a great success” for exhibition partners, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) said Rolf G. Schmid, CEO Mammut Sports Group and EOG President. EOG Managing Director Mark Held described the atmosphere among the exhibitors as “wonderfully exciting”.
The branch used all ten exhibition halls and the open air area to present their companies. In addition there was an expanded Extra programme which included trade lectures and a special show entitled “Create New Success” The special show which was staged by the EuroTradeInstitute (Euro Handelsinstituts) created great interest amongst retailers. The entertainment and social side wasnt lacking either, with a fashion show, a Nordic Walking Track, several climbing competitions and last but not least, the legendary OutDoor party. “Our intention was always to offer so much more than the normal trade show experience” said OutDoor Project Manager Stefan Reisinger. “and we can honestly say that visitors were not short of things to do and see!”
The fire of innovation burned brightly too, with 130 world premiers sealing the show as the place for new product. “OutDoor pure and simple” was the phrase from the EOG and the focus of so many brands in such a concentrated fashion certainly made this a comprehensive outdoor experience for everyone involved. OutDoor is also a huge media event, with 666 daily and specialist journalists from 24 countries reporting on every move of the industry.
Trade Visitors Survey:
Trade visitors questioned by the independent survey institution confirmed the shows success with 92 percent of the those asked confirming that the fair had been well worth the visit in every respect. Perhaps even more importantly 93% of said they would come back again!
New fixed dates for July 2006
The next European OutDoor Trade Fair has been postponed by three days and will now take place at the Friedrichshafen exhibition centre from Sunday, 23rd July to Wednesday, 26th July 2006.
In 2007 the dates have been fixed from Thursday the 19th to Sunday the 22nd July
In 2008 the OutDoor is planned from Thursday the 17th to Sunday the 20th July.
