Outdoor Summit at ispo expands events, parties, speakers

The second-annual European Outdoor Summit at the ispo sporting goods show in Munich, Germany, will expand this year with a rope course, free breakfast, parties, and additional speakers and discussions, including two in English.

“ispo offers its attendees not only exhibitors, but rather the show also takes on current topics that are of interest to the outdoor industry,” said Wolfgang Solleder, manager of the EOS. “With such an offering, ispo is able to offer more value than just the basic trade show does.”

The EOS is a dedicated area in the main outdoor hall with a small stage and seating to accommodate people during talks and discusssion, as well as tables and kegs that get popped for the daily end-of-day beer parties.

The concept gives the ispo show and the outdoor area more of a “heart” that becomes a gathering point or meeting place for attendees interested in that area, Solleder said.

This year, two key discussions will be held in English, Solleder said, to accommodate the international trade attending the show: On Monday, Feb. 7, a discussion will be held called “Classic Retail vs. Internet: Is the Internet destroying specialty dealers?” On Tuesday, Feb. 8, the retail discussion will juxtapose “Classic Retail” with independent shops. On Sunday, a discussion only in German will take on the Nordic Fitness trend and what dealers can do to promote it and increase sales.

Also new this year is a rope course — sponsored by Schoeller with the name “Schoeller Airtrail,” and the rock-climbing wall will be open all day for anyone to take a shot. In addition, the winners of the annual ispo Outdoor Award for innovative products will be displayed in the area to give them more exposure. A new magazine called Nordic Walker, which focuses on Nordic Fitness topics will debut in March, is also a partner, and a Nordic walking treadmill in the area will allow attendees to try the activity without charging through the aisles.

A first-come, first-serve complimentary breakfast will also be served Bavarian-style with a regional veal sausage.

Also daily, attendees will be asked for input on trends and brands, with the results revealed the end of each day at the party. For more, go to www.ispo.com.