New 'PADDLEexpo' name expresses Kanumesse’s global nature
After a decade, Kanumesse has taken on the name PADDLEexpo to better communicate the international importance of the annual paddlesports show. This year, the event takes place Sept. 18-20, again in Nuremberg, Germany.
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Nuremberg, Germany — After a decade, Kanumesse has taken on the name PADDLEexpo to better communicate the international importance of the annual paddlesports show and industry get-together. This year taking place Sept. 18-20, again in Nuremberg, Germany, PADDLEexpo (www.paddleexpo.com) will celebrate the 10th edition of a successful concept that began in a small hotel meeting room with a handful of paddle distributors.
Although an inauspicious beginning, founder and director Horst Fürsattel, himself then a paddlesports distributor, saw a need. Today the PADDLEexpo has grown into the most important European-based trade event for the paddlesports market, drawing an international audience of retailers and exhibitors.
Attendance numbers have grown steadily each year: More than 1,400 trade visitors from 41 countries attended the 2011 event – up 7 percent over the previous year’s attendance with countries represented up nearly 15 percent from 2010’s 35. At the Nuremberg event, paddle brands reach a target audience where they show off product launches, analyze trends and can discuss the economic potential of the industry. Indeed, when it comes to trends, Fürsattel recognized early on the growing importance of the stand-up paddle segment (SUP) and quickly responded by launching in 2010 the SUP-Expo, a show-within-a-show that focuses on that segment’s trends.
With nine straight years of growth, organizers are looking forward to continued expansion that will exceed last year’s exhibitor number of 171 in a 71,300-square-foot exhibition hall. In part that optimism is based on the continued steady rate of growth in the paddle market, not only in Germany where the show is located but worldwide. And more and more paddle variations are being developed, including the SUP trend that hit European shores from the United States. No longer considered a passing wave, the SUP market, represented as its own segment at the newly renamed PADDLEexpo, is now considered established and also continues to attract new enthusiasts and consistent product development.
Under the umbrella of the PADDLEexpo, attendees will find what they seek, from white water, open water and flat water to touring and fold-ups to canoes, stand-up and inflatables. Alongside the all-important boats are also apparel and gear, plus information about renting and watersport tourism, as well as kayak fishing and hunting.
The show’s three-day format again remains unchanged in 2012, as does its casual scene that allows friends from around the world to reunite and talk about business or life over a good cup of espresso. Also a hallmark of the show is the Paddlesport Business Party, an on-floor networking event, plus the demo tank.
Trade visitors as usual can register free online for the Sept. 18-20 show by clicking here: http://www.paddleexpo.com/80/form_visitor-application_e/form_visitor-application_e.htm
High-resolution photos suitable for reproduction can be downloaded by clicking here: https://picasaweb.google.com/110713090187396360547
For more information:
PADDLEexpo, Horst Fürsattel, Tel. +1 49-9151-862204, horst@paddleexpo.com
Rainer Bommas, Bommas-PR, Tel. +1 49-731-1758770, rainer@bommas-pr.de
