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OutDoor to stay in Friedrichshafen
The European Outdoor Group (EOG) announced at the recent ispo Winter show that the OutDoor Trade Fair will remain in Friedrichshafen, and not move to Munich. Following 18 months of extensive talks, presentations and a vote by members of the European Outdoor Group, the decision to keep the show in Friedrichshafen was announced on the last day of the ispo show in Munich.
The decision was an extremely difficult one; apparently, both organisations provided strong arguments and presented compelling reasons for the show to be placed at their venue.
Rolf Schmid, CEO of the Mammut Sports Group and President of the EOG commented: "We have worked hard to ensure that the process for awarding the OutDoor Fair Contract was transparent, fair and democratic. Both organisations presented professional proposals and we were convinced that the OutDoor would be a success in either Munich or Friedrichshafen.
"The EOG members have chosen to continue the fair in Friedrichshafen and we now look forward to continuing to work closely with them for the benefit of the entire industry."
In 2006 the EOG started the process to ensure that the future of the OutDoor Trade Fair would be decided in a totally transparent and democratic way. Briefs were drawn up and sent to both Messe Friedrichshafen and Messe Munich. Both organisations were required to provide a summary of their proposal and these were sent out to all members of the EOG.
The EOG as part of its commitment to ensuring that all aspects of the future of the OutDoor Trade Fair would be considered also agreed to undertake a survey of key European retailers. The survey was conducted by an independent party and the results of the survey were provided to EOG members as a further component of information to help them reach their decision.
The contract - which runs for five years - means Messe Friedrichshafen will continue to host the show until 2013. The position of Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance provides the perfect backdrop for an outdoor based show. Friedrichshafen has recently announced its top four priorities for the venue, showing a commitment to improving the facilities available to those attending the show. Announced by the Mayor of Friedrichshafen, Josef Büchelmeier, the plans include the expansion of hotel accommodation within the city, securing additional routes to Friedrichshafen Airport, providing better access to Zurich's international hub airport, and improving transportation links within the city and surrounding region. Mark Held the EOG Secretary General commented: "Over the last five years Messe Friedrichshafen have worked hard to develop the Fair into a premium international event and this decision demonstrates that the industry has recognised and rewarded this commitment."
At the meeting to decide the issue it was agreed that the EOG members would support the outcome regardless of which venue was chosen. This demonstrates the European Outdoor Groups total commitment to the industry's future.
Dates for future shows have been confirmed as:
2008 17-20 July
2009 16-19 July
2010 15-18 July
