The 2014 (9th) Asia Outdoor Trade Show will be held from July 23 to 26 at the Nanjing International Expo Center. This year, the number of exhibitors will reach 613, including 195 international exhibitors, accounting for 31.8% of the total. The four-day event is open only to trade visitors.
A Sino-German collaboration, now in its ninth year, and among the world's top three
Asia Outdoor is a Sino-German co-organized trade show, a professional event tailored for the Asian outdoor market. It has received strong support from both the Nanjing Municipal Government and the Friedrichshafen Municipal Government in Germany. The show continues the European exhibition philosophy while integrating practical aspects of the Asian market, innovatively developing supporting activities to provide a high-quality platform for display and exchange in the region. Thanks to the rapid development of China’s outdoor market in recent years, Asia Outdoor has now become the world’s third-largest professional outdoor trade show in terms of scale and exhibitor numbers, following the Europe Outdoor Show and the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, USA.
Rational market, new and veteran brands boost industry confidence
Over the past two years, China’s outdoor market has faced challenges, with intensified brand competition, retail growth outpacing market demand, and a rapid surge in online sales of outdoor gear. In 2014, the market situation improved somewhat, gradually returning to normal. As a bellwether of China’s outdoor industry, Asia Outdoor has attracted 613 exhibitors this year, setting the tone for industry trends.
This year, domestic and international brands such as Toread, Kailas, Norrona, MobiGarden, Skogstad, Doite, The North Face, Lowa, Vaude, and Meindl will continue to exhibit, along with many international professional outdoor brands making their debut, such as GORE-TEX
New Highlight Activity 1: Running Zone
In response to the rapidly growing running market, the Asia Outdoor Exhibition will set up a dedicated Running Zone at the event, showcasing professional running gear and providing an effective and direct communication platform for the industry. Brands such as Asics, Columbia, Odlo, ONE WAY, Salomon, Skins, SUUNTO, Tecnica, and The North Face will display their latest running product lines, while Adidas, GARMIN, OAKLEY, and Osprey will present standout individual running products. Spanish brand BH will also provide treadmills for attendees to test. Additionally, the exhibition will organize the China Running Industry Forum and related lecture sessions. Running industry expert Yan Wei will assist in coordinating various running activities on-site.
In addition, the “NORTHLAND Cup” Fluorescent Run will take place on the evening of July 25 in Nanjing’s Purple Mountain, offering a unique trail running experience. Organized jointly by the Asia Outdoor Exhibition and Sanfo Outdoor, and sponsored by the NORTHLAND brand, the event is expected to attract over a thousand participants this year (reference: in 2013, approximately 300 people took part).
New Highlight Activity 2: Water Sports Gear Zone
Kayaking is a traditional and important activity in outdoor sports. It is reported that China’s water sports market is developing rapidly, with an expanding participant base. Anticipating industry trends, the 2014 Asia Outdoor Exhibition will officially launch a Water Sports Gear Zone. Alongside showcasing water sports equipment, the zone will host interactive activities on various themes, including kayaking performances and experiences, water sports industry forums, and in collaboration with Guangzhou PADI, a renowned diving training center in China, diving-themed lectures and photo exhibitions.
Traditional Activities, Still Highly Anticipated
During the exhibition, outdoor product displays will continue to be paired with exciting on-site activities. Traditional supporting events such as fashion shows, climbing competitions, tent zones, the Asia Outdoor Industry Awards, and the Asia Outdoor Industry Forum will all be retained and presented with great flair. The “5th Asia Outdoor Industry Awards” feature a broader range of award categories, covering mountaineering equipment, apparel, footwear, camping accessories, water sports gear, backpacks, running sports, outdoor apps, and more, reflecting innovation and trends in the industry.
Meanwhile, the Asia Outdoor Industry Forum, as an effective platform for industry information exchange and promotion of new concepts, will feature multiple popular industry topics this year, covering GORE-TEX
On the opening day of the exhibition, July 23, the organizers will hold a press conference in Hall AB for the Asia Outdoor Show, COA, and the China Outdoor Industry Report. The event will feature a report sharing on the 2013 China outdoor market survey, a preview of the next edition of the show, and the launch of an environmental-themed project.
In addition, the exhibition organizers will host a gathering of China’s outdoor pioneers on July 24, bringing together industry professionals for a relaxed and enjoyable time.
The four-day exhibition is open to professional visitors only
As China’s premier trade exhibition for the outdoor industry, the Asia Outdoor Show attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. The 2014 Asia Outdoor Show will be held from July 23 to 26, and the entire four-day exhibition period is open to professional visitors only. Professional visitors who register online in advance can obtain free admission badges, while those who fail to register online must purchase tickets on-site at a price of 50 RMB per person.
Image source: Messe Friedrichshafen