A teacher is one who imparts knowledge, instructs in profession, and resolves doubts. | In memory of Mr. Jaeger

In ancient China, addressing someone as “Mr.” carried the meaning of recognizing them as a learned person or a teacher.

Mr. Knut Jaeger, a founding figure and guiding force in Europe and China’s outdoor industry, dedicated his life to making positive contributions to both the outdoor and exhibition sectors, earning the deep respect of all professionals who fondly called him “Mr. Jaeger.” It has been four years since Mr. Jaeger left us. As time passes, our longing grows stronger, and the memories of our time with him become ever clearer in the minds of the Nanjing Ningfei team.

When Mr. Jaeger turned 60, a reporter once asked him, “If you were to start a new life from now, what would you do?” Speaking about his career, he said:He would spend several years in China, working with friends there to develop the outdoor market. He saw tremendous challenges in China but predicted that it would become the world’s largest outdoor market.

And so, in 2005, at the age of 62, Mr. Jaeger met the predecessor of the Nanjing Ningfei team—then a conference and exhibition operation team led by Li Hao—in Nanjing. From the very beginning, the team’s proficiency in foreign language communication, expertise in exhibition processes, and ability to respond professionally to questions left a deep impression on Mr. Jaeger. Over time, his meticulous care and selfless sharing of experience continuously elevated the international and professional standards of the Ningfei team. Together, they strove toward a shared goal: promoting the healthy and sustainable development of China’s outdoor industry. Mr. Jaeger was the Ningfei team’s most respected colleague, warmest mentor, and dearest friend.

The outdoor industry will never forget the dedication Mr. Jaeger poured into it.

In 1976, Mr. Jaeger founded the Big Pack outdoor equipment company, and later in 1978, began outsourcing production to China, becoming the first to collaborate with the Chinese mainland market.

In 1990, Mr. Jaeger initiated the establishment of Europe’s first outdoor industry association—the German Outdoor Association—and served as its president for eight years, helping to drive Germany’s growth into Europe’s largest outdoor goods market.

In 1993, Mr. Jaeger established a joint venture in China, introducing Big Pack as the first international outdoor brand to enter the Chinese market.

In 2006, Mr. Jaeger founded the Asia Outdoor Show and brought it to Nanjing.

In 2011, Mr. Jaeger founded the Asia Bike Show and also introduced it to Nanjing.

In 2013, Mr. Jaeger, together with the Nanjing Ningfei team, encouraged outdoor brands to establish the “China Outdoor Brand Alliance (COA)” to promote the development, cooperation, and exchange within the outdoor industry.

Beyond leading the advancement of China’s outdoor industry, Mr. Jaeger also inspired outdoor enthusiasts to fully embrace outdoor life. As a coach in the joyful ski team made up of outdoor professionals, he enthusiastically guided everyone in skiing for fun. To this day, the annual “Joyful Skiing” event remains a cherished gathering where outdoor enthusiasts set aside their heavy workloads and commercial interests to come together with joy. Mr. Jaeger instilled the spirit of unity and mutual support in the outdoor community through his actions.

Mr. Jaeger devoted his life to advancing the outdoor industry. He dreamed of designing more functional outdoor products, advancing the progress of China’s outdoor and exhibition industries, and fulfilling his passion for reconnecting with nature... The Nanjing Ningfei team, inspired by his teachings, carries on this mission: using a professional, innovative, and efficient exhibition platform to give back to China’s outdoor industry, calling on more people to step outdoors and fall in love with it.

As Mr. Jaeger’s son once said in remembrance of him:“Maybe we shouldn’t be sad about my father’s passing, but rather grateful for having met him and having had such wonderful times with him.”The Nanjing Ningfei team respectfully upholds Mr. Jaeger’s legacy, embraces the present, and actively works to realize the dreams he once left unfinished. We believe that one day, we will meet again—in an outdoor world just as you envisioned.