Support affirmed for OutDoor show by largest companies

Representatives from 18 of the largest European outdoor companies sitting on a newly created “European Outdoor Group” have verified their support for the OutDoor show in Friedrichshafen, according to a news release from Rolf Schmid, CEO of Mammut and the newly elected chair of the trade group.

“The 18 largest companies in Europe, without exception, are all planning on an OutDoor appearance at Lake Constance,” said Schmid, representing the group as spokesman. The release also said the group has been established as the official trade association of the industry. “This is a clear signal coming from the international outdoor scene,” Schmid said, adding that the vote “ensures the OutDoor’s indisputable ‘number one’ position as the leading trade show in Europe for the outdoor industry.”

The 18 companies voting at the meeting were: Arc’Teryx, Berghaus, Deuter, Columbia, Ferrino, Jack Wolfskin, Lafuma, Lowa, Lowe Alpine, Mammut, Meindl, Odlo, Patagonia, Petzl, Salewa, Schoeffel, The North Face, and Vaude.

Trade show management in Friedrichshafen also announced that there were 20 percent more exhibitors than last year already registered, and that rented show space was also up 10 percent compared to space reserved by this time last year.

“We are especially pleased to note that almost all international market leaders will be attending,” said OutDoor Show Project Manager Willi Schaugg. He said this also includes 51 new exhibitors, such as Columbia, Helly Hansen, Eider, Elho and Thorlo. To date, exhibitors from 29 countries are registered.

SNEWS View: The battle continues between ispo and OutDoor. Now that the new show for September in Munich has been announced — not officially run by ispo, but still with its involvement — the powers behind OutDoor must have felt they had to make another move since their show was now in the “no man’s land” of late July. That places it square between the new ispo dates of late June and the new order show of mid-September. Although the timing isn’t the best, and some companies have confided to us they aren’t sure how much money they can spend just to go and be part of the community celebration, the show seems to be making some grand steps forward in support. Just a hint of David and Goliath is peeking out here.