That was the IWA 2026

This year’s edition once again demonstrated the significant role IWA plays in the international market: 1,050 manufacturers, international wholesalers and distributors – 83 percent of them from outside Germany – as well as more than 25,000 trade visitors and media representatives from 121 countries gathered in Nuremberg. The event clearly shows that the industry relies more than ever on global networking, personal consultation and dependable business relationships. “IWA is an internationally oriented show, and this has been evident across all areas. Professional discussions in every world language, business channels connecting continents – this is something you will only find here in our industry,” emphasizes Stefanie Leege, Exhibition Director of IWA OutdoorClassics. Exhibitors and visitors likewise draw an exceptionally positive conclusion.

IWA 2026 in Figures – an International Business Platform

Once again, the international character of the exhibition defined IWA OutdoorClassics 2026. Exhibitors from 49 countries took part, with 83 percent of all participating companies travelling to Nuremberg from abroad. The more than 25,000 trade visitors represented 121 nations, corresponding to an international attendance share of around 70 percent. Among the strongest visitor nations were Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, France, the United Kingdom, China, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain and Denmark. These figures not only underline the global orientation of the event, but also highlight the importance of in person meetings in an increasingly complex market landscape. For the show management, this international exchange remains one of the core values of IWA. Stefanie Leege explains: “The diversity of countries and markets coming together at IWA is impressive every single year. What we experience here is more than a product show – it is a global network that intensifies, renews and strengthens itself over four days. For many businesses, particularly smaller retailers from niche markets or highly specialised suppliers, IWA is a decisive moment in the business calendar: they can meet international partners, test products, make comparisons and take strategic decisions on the spot. The feedback from our exhibitors was clear: the key distributors and specialist retailers from all target markets were present at IWA and actively sought dialogue with the manufacturers. At the same time, we continue to see the importance of the strong German domestic market as a foundation. The combination of international reach and a stable national base makes IWA an unparalleled working environment.”
Exhibitors and visitors alike confirmed their high satisfaction in 2026: IWA was widely perceived as a professionally structured and welcoming venue for confidential talks, new partnerships and direct order business. More than 70 percent of the exhibition space for IWA 2027 has already been booked – a clear indication that most exhibitors have already confirmed their participation.

Supporting Program and Winners of This Year’s IWA Knife Awards

The supporting program of IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 also generated strong international interest. The keynote by Herbert Saurugg set the tone, offering a clear perspective on preparedness, equipment and the role of specialist retailers within the framework of the IWA Vision focus theme. The subsequent discussions underscored how crucial this topic has become for both retailers and manufacturers.

On the SHOOTING EXPERTS’ Stage, expert presentations and product demonstrations provided guidance on technological developments and market trends throughout all four days of the exhibition. Complementing this, the BLADE Demo Area created a concentrated working atmosphere with hands on demonstrations and direct exchange between knife manufacturers and specialist dealers. The program concluded with the presentation of the IWA Knife Awards 2026, for which a total of 63 knives were submitted across two categories.

Save the Date: IWA OutdoorClassics 2027

The next IWA OutdoorClassics will take place from 4 to 7 March 2027 in Nuremberg.

The previously planned shift of the show to April has been suspended for the time being. Despite maintaining the March dates for 2027, the strategic development of the event remains a central priority: IWA will continue to drive its internationalization efforts and further expand its future focused topics for both trade and industry – fully reaffirming its position as the world’s leading exhibition in this sector.