Outdoor trade show readies its final edition at Lake Constance

By

Olivier Guyot

Translated by
Jennifer Braun

Published
Jun 14, 2018

This weekend, the outdoor world has a rendezvous in Friedrichshafen. For the last 24 years, the shores of Lake Constance have been home to the largest European summer sports and outdoor trade show. But this edition should have an interesting flavour, due to a rift among members in the industry.

Indeed, the European Outdoor Group, which brings together the majority of companies in the outdoor industry (brands and distributors) has chosen to move its show to Munich, where it is already hosting Ispo winter. But after a quarter century hosting the event, part of the  "Friedrich" community intends to remain faithful to the location and as a result, in 2019 two outdoor sports shows will launch in Germany.

The atmosphere of this 25th edition should be interesting. The organizers intend, however, to prove that the venue is maintaining its full potential with events like the German Climbing Championship or the Midsummer Festival. For the four day event, organizers are preparing to welcome nearly 20 000 visitors who will be able to discover some 950 exhibitors in 12 halls. The selection includes everything from major hiking brands to kayak or SUP equipment, running offerings, outdoor recreation and even lifestyle lines. Exhibitors include actors such as Mammut, La Sportiva, Merrell, Fjällraven, Schoffel, The North Face, Patagonia and Teva.

This year, Outdoor is also putting together a range of services for retailers called Retail First that will help them with installation and offers solutions to simplify their arrival and show navigation.

Still, Outdoor remains a moment to highlight excellence and good practices, especially with outdoor industry awards, which will be awarded on June 17 and the many conferences. Some fifty topics are on the agenda, ranging from a review of the sector's activity to a very precise look at the GDPR, recycled leather and tips for implementing an omni-channel strategy.

Meanwhile, awards will be given to 37 products. A total of 247 proposals were submitted by brands this year, proving the industry is in constant evolution.