The trade fair year 2021 is coming to an end and leaves behind – due to the current pandemic situation – many questions once again. These questions particularly concern the trade fairs in the upcoming quarter. There are also specific questions surrounding the IWA OutdoorClassics that the responsible parties must address. First of all: NürnbergMesse is sticking to the leading trade fair for hunting and shooting sports, outdoor equipment, as well as equipment for civilian and official security, taking place from March 3-6 in Nuremberg. In an interview with Rebecca Schönfelder, the event manager of IWA OutdoorClassics, we aim to answer the currently relevant questions and provide insights into the current trade fair business. Schönfelder looks back on the year 2021, explains how they dealt with the cancellation of some exhibitors, discusses the changes in the event concept, and also evaluates the topics of "hygiene measures" and "planning security."A turbulent year 2021 is coming to an end. Mrs. Schönfelder, please take us into your mood: How did you perceive the year 2021 from the perspective of IWA OutdoorClassics, and what are your expectations for the upcoming year?Schönfelder: 2021 was challenging. This year, too, we have been accompanied by the worldwide pandemic, whose dynamic developments continue to make our business particularly fast-paced. Nevertheless, as the organizers of IWA OutdoorClassics, we were able to draw a positive conclusion from the year 2021: The IWA Studio Edition in March was a good step at a time when there were no alternatives. However, it will remain a one-off event as the industry continues to seek personal exchanges and wants to meet at a trade fair like IWA OutdoorClassics. Therefore, we look ahead and fight with passion and a lot of support from the entire industry to hold IWA OutdoorClassics 2022 here in Nuremberg. We also receive a lot of backing from the visitors based on the feedback so far: this makes me, as the event manager, very proud and confirms the hard work of the entire team.
You specifically refer to strong support from the industry in your answer. However, looking at the current list of registered exhibitors, it shows that the IWA OutdoorClassics 2022 had to cope with cancellations from some renowned exhibitors. How are you dealing with this?Schönfelder: Indeed, it is true that well-known brands and companies have decided not to participate in IWA OutdoorClassics 2022. In this context, it is important to highlight that these are cancellations due to the pandemic. However, let us look at the registered exhibitors: On one hand, for example, companies such as RUAG Ammotec, Beretta Holding, Leica, Frankonia, Glock, Leupold – and many more – have consciously chosen to exhibit at IWA OutdoorClassics in March, giving us clear support. On the other hand, we do not define ourselves by individual exhibitors, but mainly as a showcase of diversity: many long-standing, medium-sized, and smaller companies have also committed to participate in the upcoming year, thus showing strong support for IWA. We highly appreciate this, as they demonstrate tremendous trust in challenging times. However, this does not mean that we do not understand the companies that will not exhibit in 2022 due to the pandemic situation. We all know that each country, region, and company must be considered individually in this context. We look forward to having these exhibitors back with us in 2023.
Let's also focus on the event. Can you tell us what visitors can look forward to in March 2022? Where are the biggest changes expected?Schönfelder: One thing is clear: we are not reinventing the wheel! The IWA OutdoorClassics will present itself with proven and learned event elements at its first edition since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we have adjusted the existing concept to the current situation in certain areas: In 10 halls, we are focusing on what we missed the most during the time without events: personal dialogue and networking. This is why we have decided on innovative community areas and consolidating smaller forums on a shared, large IWA Stage. We want to bring participants together in as many places at the trade fair as possible. Unfortunately, exhibitors and visitors will have to forego the well-known IWA Party. However, several individual After-Work events are planned as substitutes in the outdoor area. As part of a larger get-together in a rustic atmosphere and highlights such as live cooking, entertainment is also provided at the trade fair.
No Party – a victim of the Coronavirus? Will these limitations be what participants need to prepare for in the upcoming year? How do you approach the protection and implementation of security measures in general?Schönfelder: Ensuring compliance with all applicable safety standards is our top priority at all times. The Nuremberg Exhibition Center is ideally equipped for holding events while adhering to these strict hygiene regulations: wide aisles in the halls and a modern ventilation system are good examples of this. We are also prepared for implementation under 2G+ regulations: Currently, for events held under 2G+, we rely on decentralized testing options. We clearly see that the new legal requirements are leading to the establishment of more test options in public spaces. In parallel, we are also strengthening our testing options at the exhibition center in cooperation with powerful service providers. However, I ask for understanding, especially in this regard: any discussion about the conditions under which IWA OutdoorClassics can take place next spring is purely speculative at this time. More detailed information on the current measures and regulations can always be found on the website and will be communicated to exhibitors and visitors in advance of the trade fair.
As a conclusion to this interview, I would like to ask for your comments on a theoretical cancellation of IWA OutdoorClassics 2022 – can you provide planning security for the participants? And why are some events taking place at the same time while others are being postponed or canceled?
Schönfelder: The only reason that could lead to a cancellation of the IWA OutdoorClassics next year would be an official event ban. Currently, there is no such ban by the authorities, which is why we are making every effort to be able to hold the IWA OutdoorClassics next year as an in-person event in Nuremberg. As the organizer, we consciously take this position. This shows you how much we also want this reunion! Currently, we can easily carry out the IWA OutdoorClassics 2022 with all the previous trade fair regulations. However, this may vary for other events, as each industry is in an individual situation. We at NürnbergMesse can ensure a safe and successful implementation with our hygiene concept. At the same time, we respond individually to the needs of our customers and industries. This results in different decisions for the various events.
All exhibitors and products at a glance!
In the exhibitor and product database, you will now find an up-to-date overview of the registered exhibitors and get an insight into the product variety of the IWA OutdoorClassics. Use the different tools and filters to get the best possible overview. www.iwa.info/ausstellerprodukte
New! "Fully Loaded - The IWA Podcast" premieres
Just in time for Christmas, a new format of the IWA OutdoorClassics makes its debut: "Fully Loaded - The IWA Podcast" is aimed at the entire hunting, shooting, firearms, and outdoor community and is "Fully Loaded" with exciting news and captivating conversations. The podcast can be listened to on all major streaming platforms. It's worth a listen!
