Join Lena Haushofer, the Exhibition Director for OutDoor by ISPO, as she unveils details about the event’s return to Messe München in Riem. Discover how this year’s exhibition offers more space, diverse exhibitor participation and innovative community areas, setting a new standard for industry gatherings and networking opportunities.
Lena, why will this edition of OutDoor by ISPO, with its return to Messe München in Riem, be even better than the previous two editions, both held at the MOC?
Lena Haushofer: The move enables us to offer more exhibition space. The expansion enables us to include a more diverse range of exhibitors and products. We will also have an Outside Exhibition Area in the Atrium with a spacious green area of over 5,000 square meters. Exhibitors will have access to a large presentation area, which doubles as a community space. The green space in the Atrium is designed for relaxation and networking. In the evenings, it transforms into a zone for parties and relaxation, complete with an outdoor cinema.
How many exhibitors will be attending, from how many countries, and what areas will they be occupying?
We have received a lot of positive feedback from the industry for the new concept and the diverse opportunities for participation. This year’s exhibitors include brands such as Rab / Lowe Alpine, Keen, Edelrid, Cotopaxi, Petzl, Ortovox, Vaude, Deuter, Icebug, Sea to Summit, Brunton, Scott, Marmot, Mammut, Kavu, Brugi, Meindl, Lowa, Nordisk, Berghaus, Schöffel, Ortlieb, Hestra, Komperdell, Klean Kanteen, Austrialpin, Rock Empire, Stanley, Ternua and Leki.
With high inventory levels, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, inflation and uncertain consumer sentiment, the market shows no signs of immediate improvement. To what extent has uncertainty in the market affected your acquisition of exhibitors?
The market is currently experiencing high uncertainty regarding future developments and high stock levels. However, the reactions to this vary greatly. This has led us to significantly expand participation options, allowing brands that prioritize beyond mere sales to engage through sponsorship and communication packages.
Once again, you have an extensive program for the Sustainability Hub and other events. Could you give us an overview?
As usual, the Sustainability Hub deals with sustainable innovations and developments in the industry. Exhibitors can present their products there and participate in discussions on how we can work together to promote a responsible approach to the environment. The Material Lab is thematically linked to this. We already had this at ISPO Munich. The focus is on the product life cycle and development.
What other special areas are there?
We have designated special areas for watersports, climbing and trail running. The Watersports Hub, the Climbing Hub and the Trail Running Test Track are dedicated activation areas for product tests. An additional stage will be presenting an extensive conference program with background information on the topics.
And the OutDoor by ISPO party won’t be missing, will it?
No, indeed. On the evening of the fair’s first day, the legendary OutDoor by ISPO Party will take place in the outdoor party tent. The next evening, the Vaude Party will take place in the Sustainability Hub. During the entire trade fair, screenings from the current program of the European Outdoor and International Ocean Film Tour will be taking place in the OutDoor by ISPO Cinema, powered by EOFT. This offers opportunities to immerse yourself in the outdoor community.
What is the best way for visitors to get tickets?
Visitors from the trade can purchase a ticket at favorable conditions or visit OutDoor by ISPO free of charge via an invitation from a brand partner. Exhibitors are automatically provided with tickets for their business partners. Industry partners not participating in the fair will need to invest more if they wish to leverage the event as a business platform. This policy protects our partners, who value OutDoor by ISPO as a highly efficient means to survey the market and connect with key business players quickly.
Are you already planning for OutDoor by ISPO 2025? And if so, how?
Together with our partner EOG, we are developing the event concept. From the industry and retail side, there will still be a focus on brand and product staging and exchange within the outdoor community. These two areas will be the focus of further conceptual development in 2025.
In the run-up to OutDoor by ISPO, you also looked at the industry’s outdoor trends. What is the result?
The OutDoor by ISPO Industry Navigator 2024 offers answers and strategies for the challenges facing the outdoor industry in 2024. The white paper emphasizes the importance of authenticity, sustainability and diversification for the success of brands in an uncertain market environment. It defines eleven key mind shifts, including the versatility of brands, the balance between consumer needs and desires, and the need for social responsibility and partnerships. Understanding customer health and adapting to different outdoor activities are also key. The white paper concludes with a call to explore new perspectives and actively shape the brand. The key findings will be presented at OutDoor by ISPO or can be downloaded here in advance.
