A turning point in Nuremberg

The IWA OutdoorClassics sets the next impulse with "Made for Trade": Starting from 2027, the leading trade fair will take place in April – from Tuesday to Thursday. The new sequence of days creates more efficiency for exhibitors and visitors and strengthens the international orientation. The goal is a trade fair that is not only relevant but also optimally plannable. Note the date: April 13–15, 2027, in Nuremberg. With this, the IWA emphasizes its unique position as a B2B platform and opens up new opportunities for exhibitors and visitors worldwide. This decision is the result of intensive discussions with exhibitors, associations, and visitors. 

Strategic Preparations in Challenging Times

Societal debates, political decisions, global crises, and technological developments have fundamentally changed the industry. For the IWA OutdoorClassics, this means actively shaping the market as a leading B2B platform – through formats like IWA Vision and IWA Expert that open market access and promote strategic partnerships. The positioning "Made for Trade" has emphasized the goal of placing the international trade in the spotlight and positioning the IWA as a workspace for business decisions. These initiatives are part of a long-term strategy that is now taking its next step with the date change.

The Motivation: Why the Date Change Opens New Opportunities

“We listened very carefully,” says Stefanie Leege, event manager of IWA OutdoorClassics. “The feedback was clear: The start of the year is tightly scheduled for many companies. With the new date, we create space in the calendar and enable more efficient participation. We need a trade fair that is not only relevant but also efficient. We, as IWA, are now acting consistently with the shift to provide relief to the industry. Throughout this process, we always have a global perspective on events,” Leege continues.

Made for Trade – More than a Motto

Under the guiding principle "Made for Trade," the IWA positions itself consistently as a trade fair for international trade.  It's about orders, networking, and strategic discussions. “Made for Trade means for us to shape the framework conditions in a way that strengthens trade,” says Leege. “The date change is a logical step in this development.” The positioning has set important impulses: a stronger B2B orientation, more efficient offerings, and a trade-oriented supporting program.

What Changes Specifically?

From 2027, the IWA OutdoorClassics will take place in April and last for three days. The sequence of days falls on weekdays to facilitate travel and participation. For exhibitors, this means lower costs, for visitors, better travel options – and a trade fair that marks the central business week of the year as a leading B2B platform. “Three days are completely sufficient when the quality is right,” says Stefanie Leege. “We do not expect losses, but rather a higher concentration on the essentials,” Leege continues.

Now note the new date: The IWA OutdoorClassics 2027, the most important date for trade, will take place from April 13-15 in Nuremberg.