According to organisers, the success of OutDoor 2011 has generated a lot of buzz in the international outdoor industry. The 18th edition of the trade show set records across the board, with 21,520 visitors (+5%) and 1012 media representatives (+10%) from around the world coming together with 890 exhibitors (+3%).

"There is a vitality and character to the fair that is unique and we combine all the elements that make the outdoor sector such a vibrant and exciting place to be involved with," summed up David Udberg, president of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) at the close of the show.

"Four days on the shore of Lake Constance have demonstrated the great potential of the outdoor industry," added Mr Udberg.

 "Without exception, everyone involved has mentioned the strong performance of the OutDoor 2011. The leading European trade show really showed off its strengths this year - from covering exactly the right trends to high profile opinion leaders and increased international participation. The healthy growth that the outdoor industry has been experiencing in the past few years is reflected in the OutDoor" said Klaus Wellmann, CEO of the Messe Friedrichshafen.

Mark Held, secretary general of the EOG, was similarly pleased about this year's edition of the show. "The clouds cleared, the sun came out and everyone was in a positive mood as the outdoor industry makes the most of their gathering on Lake Constance."

"International participation in the OutDoor is of a very high quality" explained Project Manager Stefan Reisinger on the show's closing day.

Sixty-two percent of the OutDoor's industry visitors came from abroad, with the strongest increases in North America and Asia. All in all, 91 countries were represented at the show. Once again, the OutDoor also drew a lot of media representatives to Lake Constance: 1012 Journalists from 32 countries came to see 200 products make their world premieres at the show.

Rolf Reinschmidt, senior vice president Global Outdoor adidas, says: "The OutDoor is the ideal platform for us to present our athletic collection and to better establish ourselves in the industry. We were especially pleased about the visit of our Chairman of the Board, Herbert Hainer. He was amazed with the dynamism and the mood of the show here in Friedrichshafen".

Positive future

Markus Bötsch, general manager for sales at Jack Wolfskin, is also looking forward to a positive future:

"We are very pleased with the positive mood of the customers and have met some very optimistic and pro-active dealers. We consider the OutDoor a good platform to meet and exchange views with our international partners."

Ernst Schweble, managing director of Mammut Germany, agrees: "Once again, it was a very, very good show. Everyone's mood was very positive and they are not letting the somewhat weak sales of the past few months get to them".

A poll of industry visitors to the OutDoor underlined the show's international character: 62 percent of the industry visitors to the show came from abroad. 95 percent of visitors rated the economic future of the outdoor industry as improving or stable. In response to the question of whether a visit to the OutDoor 2011 was worthwhile, 95 percent answered "yes" - and 92 percent have already decided that they will come again next year. The OutDoor 2012 will take place from 12 to 15 July.

Exhibitor Comments

Jamie Curleigh, president & CEO, Keen:

"At Keen the quality of our contacts has been fantastic. Our goal is to create enthusiasm and drive so that we can set expectations for the future. Furthermore, we try to work in some play time to balance out all the hard work. The OutDoor is the perfect setting for all of this."

Rolf Reinschmidt, senior vice president global outdoor adidas:

"The OutDoor is the ideal platform for us to present our athletic collection and to better establish ourselves in the industry. We were especially pleased about the visit of our Chairman of the Board, Herbert Hainer. He was amazed with the dynamism and the mood of the show here in Friedrichshafen."

Steffen Meiler, brand communication manager, Toray International Europe:

"The show proved its relevance as a platform for the outdoor industry. We had very positive customer resonance. In particular, the OutDoor INDUSTRY AWARD contributed to Toray's innovative position. We are looking forward to 2012."

Max Hofbauer, managing director, Icebreaker Germany, Sweden and Norway:

"Simply put, the mood at the OutDoor is always good and relaxed. Our customers only have good things to report here. When you also have a collection that enables you to do good business, then it is a lot of fun."