Blogpost updated in January 2018
The international nature sports industry will meet again in summer 2018 at Lake Constance. More than 965 exhibitors from 40 different nations will be presenting their products and services at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Centre. OutDoor is the leading trade fair for the international outdoor industry.
Visiting a trade fair as a experience of life
The range at the international trade fair includes everything you need for an outdoor sports experience: clothing, shoes, navigation equipment and even complete equipment for special expeditions. The supporting programme with lectures, discussion platforms, fashion shows and testing opportunities rounds off the stay. In short: an exciting and varied event.
25th birthday of OutDoor
This year, the fair will take place a good month earlier than in previous years. The fair will open its doors from 17 to 20 June. Based on the experience of recent years, this is probably the best time. It will be interesting to see how the new date will be accepted.
Based on the bookings and registrations to date, nothing stands in the way of the success of the 25th edition of this globally renowned trade fair. Both the well-known brands and new and innovative industry specialists will be there, as Klaus Wellmann, Managing Director of the trade fair, emphasises.
Successful OutDoor 2017
In 2017, 21,412 trade visitors met and marvelled at the range of 965 exhibitors. Compared to the previous year, the trade fair’s audience gained in internationality. In 2015, visitors from 92 different nations travelled to the trade fair on Lake Constance, and in 2016 there were 92 of them.
A multi-faceted offer presented the developing market 2017 accordingly well. Many well thought-out concepts, new product innovations and informative discussion rounds led to an interesting and rewarding experience for the natural sports industry.
Industry meeting point 2018
OutDoor 2018 will once again be an increase on the 2017 event. The “OutDoor Plus” themes will open up new possibilities that are intended to appeal to an even broader target group. The market continues to develop and the fair will surprise with many innovative concepts.
The range will be expanded by thematic focal points from the areas of fashion, urban lifestyle, accessories, wearables (portable computer systems) and gamifications (integration of playful elements).
Hangout – Enjoy outdoor lifestyle!
The new theme “Hangout” will find its place on the outdoor area of Messe Friedrichshafen. This area is about the combination of outdoor and lifestyle. Exhibitors will be presenting, for example, outdoor cooking equipment, games and furniture that you need to relax in nature. A chill-out area offers the opportunity to relax and take in the impressions of the fair.
Water Sports – For a floating business
“Water Sports” is another topic that will receive a lot of attention this year. In addition to products and lectures from the water sports sector, visitors will be attracted by many action-packed shows. Whether swim-run events or triathlon, diving, canoeing and kayaking, everything has been here since 2017.
2018: German Bouldering Championship
This year the topic of bouldering will receive special attention. Thus also the top sport gets entry at the leading fair at Lake Constance. Through a cooperation with the DAV (Deutscher Alpenverein) visitors and curious exhibitors can follow the competition in hall B5.
Industry Award
One of the highlights of OutDoor every year is the presentation of the Industry Award. The international trade fair, in cooperation with the German Designer Club (DDC), honours particularly innovative products. These can then be admired by visitors in an exclusive exhibition area.
A look into the future: The Trainee Day
The fair is extremely future-oriented. It is also aimed at the next generation of the industry. The Trainee Day aims to pick up all trainees in the outdoor specialist trade. Participants will have the opportunity to discover OutDoor in a very special way, adapted to their needs. And they can also take further training in special specialist workshops.
There will be a tour of selected exhibitors. In addition to many workshops, the participants will also receive an extra welcome package with guidebook, catalogue, OutDoor party shirt and a small gift. Admission is free for them. The OutDoor Party can be used as a good first opportunity to establish contacts and get to know interesting people.
Social Media and free WiFi
Influencers, such as bloggers, are also indispensable in the outdoor market. For this reason, Messe Friedrichshafen offers its own Blogger Base. Here Blogger from the international outdoor and travel industry find a platform, for which exchange.
WUM Design as your stand construction company
If you are also interested in becoming part of OutDoor, please contact us. As professional support for exhibitors, we will take care of everything to do with your trade fair stand. From conception to logistics to construction – we will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
OutDoor in facts
- Industry: Outdoor industry
- First fair: 1993
- Frequency: annually
- Next date: 17.06. – 20.06.2018
- Visitors: 21.505
- Exhibitor: 965
- Exhibition area: 85,000 sqm
- Location: Messe Friedrichshafen
- Website of the fair
Picture: © appleuzr – istock.com
