The European Outdoor Group (EOG), the association of sport industry players, including brands, retailers and distributors, is shifting the sector's main summer trade show. From 2019, the Outdoor trade show will be organised in partnership with Messe Munchen, making the Bavarian capital the European sport industry's trading centre. Three destinations were under consideration, Munich, Friedrichshafen and Hamburg. A poll of 94 per cent of the EOG members ensured Munich gained 65 per cent votes so the Outdoor trade show will move to a new location in Germany. A section of international visitors preferred Friedrichshafen for its lake and alpine environment but others felt travelling there was a hassle.
Obviously Messe Friedrichshafen’s management was not happy with the vote, "We look at the vote's result with huge disappointment. The Outdoor show was born a quarter of a century ago on the shores of Lake Constance and here we have written a unique success story for this industry," said the CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen, Klaus Wellmann. The EOGs retort was the poll "was wholly democratic" and “Munich received three times as many votes as its closest competitor." EOG further added the move was consistent with its 'Vision 2020' for the European outdoor industry.
The show's 25th edition will still be held in Friedrichshafen from June 17 to 20, featuring nearly 900 exhibitors from 40 countries.
