IWA OutdoorClassics 2021 will not take place

To give all parties involved in the planning process certainty, NürnbergMesse has decided to cancel the IWA OutdoorClassics 2021 at an early stage. Rising infection numbers, various quarantine regulations, and travel restrictions make reliable planning for exhibitors and visitors simply impossible. The next IWA OutdoorClassics will take place from March 3-6, 2022 in Nuremberg.

"In the past few weeks, the industry has shown solidarity and understanding. Discussions with our exhibitors have made it clear that the IWA is still an essential part of the B2B world," says Petra Wolf, member of the management board of NürnbergMesse. "Despite the challenging situation, over 1,000 exhibitors have registered for the trade fair. Therefore, we regret having to postpone the fair to 2022 even more. The willingness to participate and commitment of the exhibitors confirm that the IWA still has a significant importance," Wolf continues.

"Road to IWA 2022" in preparation

The IWA team is currently working on a bridging program. The kick-off event of the series of digital and physical events or formats under the name "Road to IWA 2022" will take place on March 12, 2021, the first day of the planned IWA 2021. The chosen date corresponds to the IWA Friday. "In this turbulent time, we want to offer the industry the opportunity to stay in touch. Therefore, we are working intensively on concepts to bridge the time until the next personal meeting. We will miss the direct contact - that is clear. Therefore, it is all the more important for us as an industry to stick together and support each other," explains Rebecca Schönfelder, event manager of IWA OutdoorClassics.

Supporting bodies stand behind the decision

Klaus Gotzen, Managing Director of JSM - Association of Manufacturers of Hunting, Sports Weapons and Ammunition, emphasizes: "The IWA is one of the most important dates and industry meeting points of the year - that is for sure. But our health comes first. We regret the cancellation of the IWA very much, as personal meetings with our partners and members are important to us. Nevertheless, we fully understand the decision of NürnbergMesse and look forward to the event in 2022." The manufacturers' association is a supporting body of the IWA OutdoorClassics and currently represents 42 companies.

Ingo Meinhard, Managing Director of the Association of German Gunsmiths and Gun Dealers (VDB), shares a similar sentiment: "The IWA is a leading trade fair and a catalyst for the entire industry. Trends and innovations meet an interested audience here. Our members are not only inspired here but also meet like-minded individuals. The cancellation of the fair affects the whole industry, and we hope that the extraordinary situation will normalize soon." The supporting body and umbrella organization represents the interests of around 1,400 members.

Date for IWA OutdoorClassics 2022 already set

The IWA OutdoorClassics 2022 will be held from March 3-6, 2022 in Nuremberg. The trade fair, however, will be brought forward by one day and will therefore take place from Thursday to Sunday. God willing ...