OutDoor 2007, which recently took place in Friedrichshafen, Germany saw 9% increase in visitors over the previous year. The show welcomed a total of 16,900 trade visitors (2006: 15,529 trade visitors from 65 countries) from 70 countries.
The 14th OutDoor opened its doors with a new exhibitor record: 731 companies from 39 countries, 80% of them from abroad, and a 7% increase in rented stand space in 11 exhibition halls gave the trade show outstanding results in 2007. The top 100 firms in the outdoor sector were represented at Friedrichshafen, showcasing the latest products and trends in the area of nature and alpine sports, and featuring a total of 165 innovations and world premieres. With the OutDoor Industry Award, the trade show honoured outstanding products for their high degree of innovation and intelligent design. OutDoor also put the spotlight on two new sports disciplines: trail running and slacklining.
“OutDoor 2007 sends out plenty of positive signals and gives the entire outdoor sector a boost,” said Rolf G. Schmid, President of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) and CEO of the Mammut Sports Group a sentiment echoed by EOG Secretary General Mark Held, who was also very satisfied with the trade show. The next generation will have a big influence on the sector. “Kids help drive sales in the outdoor sector and represent the customers of the future. We want to draw young people away from TV and computer screens and interest them in outdoor leisure activities,” said Rolf G. Schmid, who also reported a highly positive mood among his customers. “The young generation is discovering the thrill of climbing, and that's a positive sign for the entire sector.”
“OutDoor has taken another major step forward on its way to the summit. With significant growth in the number of exhibitors, journalists, and visitors, and an enhanced international character (60 percent international visitors), the trade show offers the ideal platform for the international outdoor sector,” said Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann and OutDoor Project Director Stefan Reisinger. “The mood in the sector is extremely upbeat. We've received a lot of positive feedback from exhibitors and trade visitors.” Trade visitors travelled from all five continents and a total of 66 different countries to attend the show in Friedrichshafen. On the exhibition grounds they were treated to a huge and complete reflection of the outdoor world. The outdoor industry put on a first-class show of its products and services in 11 trade show halls and on the open-air grounds. This specialized trade show also included a supporting programme featuring an outdoor party, climbing wall, tent city which included all types and brands, Movie Nights, the Outdoor Fashion Show, and presentations from experts on current topics. OutDoor is also a major international media event. Media attendance grew by 18%, with 805 registered newspaper and trade publication journalists (2006: 682 journalists), TV teams, and radio reporters from a total of 26 countries at the show (41% of journalists came from abroad).
Trade visitor survey
A trade visitor survey conducted by an independent market research institute underscored the high effectiveness of OutDoor: 91% of trade visitors questioned said that they achieved the key exhibition objective of “maintaining business contacts and establishing new ones” at OutDoor. A total of 94% of those questioned said that they felt well informed on the topic of innovations and industry trends. Another interesting question was how they anticipate business to develop in the outdoor sector: 95% of those questioned expect sales to continue to grow or at least to remain at their current level. In addition, 90% of trade visitors questioned said that their visit to OutDoor was worthwhile in all respects. When asked about their overall impression, 86% gave marks of “good” or “excellent” and 90% of those questioned said that they would return to attend the next OutDoor scheduled for 17-20 July 2008.
