It’s been six years since I started working in the outdoor industry and, like many, that’s six years of attending both Winter and Summer OR Shows. But in all that time, this is the first opportunity I’ve had to attend The OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
The show itself is very similar to OR Show. There was a bit of a different vibe, with seemingly less people there intent on just snagging free product. Exhibitors splurged on beautiful, well-designed booths, and happy hours/after parties. They didn’t mess around with typical tradeshow eye-catching stunts and tchotchkes.
One thing I loved about the show was the Outdoor Blogger Network’s set up – the show’s Blogger Base. While it was a bit on the sleepy side of the venue – anchored in the East foyer – the base section itself was alive with energy. As I waited to meet Georg Haas (OBN’s CEO) and Carsten Jost (OBN’s Blogger Manager) for an appointment, a flurry of bloggers were eagerly gathering to tour the show floor as a group. They were scheduled to visit a line-up of booths to get the scoop on the latest and greatest (don’t forget to check out the OutDoor award winners). The café-style set up included a bar stocked with waters, Redbull, Coke, etc., and plenty of places to sit, meet and mingle. Georg said it’s their second show doing this and it has been very successful. Maybe Outdoor Retailer will have a similar set up at some point… hint hint, OR Show.
Speaking of OR, the upcoming Summer show was definitely a hot topic. Despite the controversy with Salt Lake City, people seem to be looking beyond the Summer Show with excitement and support for the Winter Show in Denver.
Signing off after a long trip home from Friedrichshafen. Next up in my event tour this summer… Digital Summit in Denver!