OutDoor 2010, which was held last weekend in Friedrichshafen last  weekend has once again shown further growth in exhibitors and visitors. Read on to see what the organisers and exhibitors say and watch our ‘Textiles for Sports & Outdoor’news category for more individual product and company reports.

“Always looking positively to the future, our industry, once again, has demonstrated its unique ability to cooperate, prosper and grow. Figures at the show are very promising, the outdoor sector has a very upbeat mood and we have had a great show,” declared David Udberg, president of European Outdoor Group (EOG) and managing director of Lowe Alpine UK, as the 17th edition of OutDoor in Friedrichshafen drew to a close.

With 20,460 trade visitors from 87 countries, Europe’s leading outdoor sports trade fair once again managed to top its attendance figure from the previous year (19,300). “In its role as the industry’s key barometer, OutDoor has sent out trendsetting signals worldwide,” summed up Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann.

Europe’s leading outdoor sports trade fair highlighted a renewed business enthusiasm that eclipsed previous financial woes, an eager exchange of information, and a 6% attendance increase. A total of 868 exhibitors (up 7%) from 39 countries presented more than 200 world premieres in Friedrichshafen. Among the many international outdoor specialists in attendance at the Lake Constance trade fair was mountain climbing legend Reinhold Messner:

“I was amazed to see how many manufacturers there now are. The range of products and services today is practically endless, which means of course that the market is growing. I think Friedrichshafen has managed to develop a really attractive and valuable trade fair here on Germany’s southern frontier.”

“It was a great trade fair, as always. Right to the end, all of the key customers visited our stand. Nobody was complaining about difficult economic circumstances. The outdoor business is doing great,” said Bernd Kullmann, CEO Deuter. “Working at OutDoor is also a lot of fun. There is no other place where you can combine work and pleasure.”

Organisers say that Kullmann’s characterisation is consistent with the prevailing mood during four ‘outdoor’ days in Friedrichshafen. “Our exhibitors are very pleased to have had profitable business discussions with a competent and international assembly of trade visitors,” reported Project Director Stefan Reisinger.

 “We deeply regret, however, that OutDoor happened to fall on the hottest days of the year thus far, and that this led to some difficult working conditions for the exhibitors,” added Reisinger. “High temperatures have meant warm halls, but, as always Friedrichshafen has proved to be a very welcoming and professionally managed event,” elaborated EOG President David Udberg.

Rolf Reinschmidt, adidas senior vice president Global Outdoor said: “The OutDoor trade fair is the ideal platform for us to demonstrate the continuity of our new direction, as well as our clear commitment to the specialised outdoor sports trade and the entire industry. As in 2009, Messe Friedrichshafen looked after us splendidly, and we look forward to working with them in future.”

Joe Mc Swiney, CEO Cascade Designs, was also pleased with the 17th edition of OutDoor: “The show has been very successful for us again. Customers are very confident and are looking for innovation. The market seems to be healthy. We love the Friedrichshafen location for the atmosphere to work here.”

Numerous trade visitors and exhibitors took part in the OutDoor Conferences, which addressed a wide variety of topics and also featured many workshops. In addition to being held during the four days of OutDoor, the conference programme began early starting before the show opened each day.

“We are delighted that almost 450 people representing over 250 brands and suppliers attended the early morning breakfast events,” says Mark Held, secretary general, European Outdoor Group. “It is good to see that the exciting and interesting topics being covered at these early morning sessions have proved so popular and we will aim to continue with these going forwards.”

Organisers say that the trade visitor survey carried out by an independent polling company underlines the international nature of OutDoor. Sixty per cent of trade visitors in attendance travelled to Friedrichshafen from outside Germany. Meanwhile, 98% of visitors judged the outdoor sports industry’s future development to be either ‘favourable’ or ‘stable.’ When asked whether their visit to OutDoor 2010 had been worthwhile, 90% responded affirmatively.

Furthermore, 86% of guests already knew upon the conclusion of OutDoor that they would be returning to Lake Constance next year. OutDoor 2011 will take place from 14 to 17 July.

For further details, visit: www.outdoor-show.com