New exhibitors coming to Outdoor Trade Show

The Outdoor Trade Show (OTS) is back this September, running from Tuesday 9th to Thursday 11th at long-term home of Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

The signs are good for this year’s edition, with the 100 exhibitor milestone broken back in May (ahead of last year), with significant new exhibitors like Regatta Outdoors, as well as the UK show debuts from FixnZip from the US and Unikia from Norway, plus a brand new UK company Smashii.

The organisers tells BikeBiz that new products appearing for the first time include rucksacks from Bagman, sun protection products from Sunproof, climbing gear from Out There Gear, marine products from Meridian Zero, outdoor accessories from Eskimo Agency, survival innovations from Blizzard and camping products from Gateway Leisure, among others.

CALLING CYCLE RETAILERS
The Outdoor Trade Show is reaching out to cycle trade as well as pure outdoor sector vendors. The bike industry is represented by exhibitors like 2pure (Ninepointnine), Buffera, F-lite, Silva, and X-Socks (Ardblair Sports), while there’s also over 115 companies offering outdoor product for those considering dabbling in the wider market.

That cycle crossover means OTS is an increasingly significant destination for the trade, says organiser Marta Williams: “We are delighted to have taken so many bookings at this stage from such a fantastic mix of brands. The show has become very relevant for cycling brands that want to present their range to a new customer base, and is a must attend for all cycling retailers looking for crossover products.” 

Registration is now open for the trade. Filling out an online form at www.outdoortradeshow.com provides free access to the event.

BASE BOOSTER
F-Lite’s new Merino TEC 240 base layer collection will launch at the Stoneleigh Show, combining the advantages of the natural functions of merino wool with the performance properties of superfine polyproylene yarn.

The lightweight range offers body mapping for wicking properties and performance and includes mens and women’s long sleeve tops (RRP £79.99) and long tights (RRP £59.99). You’ll find those at the SMG Outdoor stand (337 indoors and Grass Block 53-3 outdoors.

Snugpak will launch a new range of products for the outdoor and bushcrafts markets at this year’s OTS, including the Stasha (RRP £39.95) – a lightweight shelter that packs away to a small size so it can easily be stashed away in a pocket. Featuring looped webbing and grommets in each corner so it can be staked out or attached with four guy ropes, it can be configured in a different number of ways, including an improvised bivvi, thanks to the two plastic snaps which allow it to be folded. Snugpak will also launch a new Quart System (all weather sleep system) and adds the new “Cave” tent to its collection. You’ll find Snugpak at stand 41 (indoors) and 53-6 (outdoors).

Over on stand 15, Superfeet will be showing the newest member of its insole selection – Carbon, with a full range of samples at the show.

Superfeet’s lightest performance insole, Carbon provides a low volume performance insole with stability. It is touted as Superfeet’s strongest and thinnest insole which is designed to work in low volume shoes where performance is key, even in the tightest of performance footwear. Superfeet will be exclusively giving all retailers who visit the stand a free test pair of Superfeet insoles. 

Beyond product there will be stands from the likes of ActSmart and the Outdoor Industries Association. The latter will be found in the new Networking Hub area. Chief exec Andrew Denton and the team will be on hand to answer queries from existing members and speak to those interested in joining the association and supporting the Britain on Foot initiative.

SUSTAINABILITY
OTS will also host a sustainability themed Director’s Forum from the Outdoor Industries Association.
Mark Held (Director of EOCA and General Secretary of EOG) and Nick Brown (Nikwax CEO) are the key guest speakers lined up for the forum, which will take place on Wednesday 10th September at the show at the Royal Pavilion.

According to the press statement: "Presentations will provide an overview of the sustainability issues which the industry is currently faced with, questioning why this topic seems to be higher on the agenda in Europe and the US than here in the UK, as well as providing essential advice on how to become greener. In addition to key speakers Mark Held and Nick Brown, Luis Brown (Nikwax), Sarah Howcroft (GiftyourGear) and members of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) will present to attendees."

The informal Director’s Forum is open to all senior members of the OIA but places are strictly limited. To reserve a place please contact gillie.turner@theoia.co.uk.

Find out more about the Outdoor Trade Show via organiser MCS on 0161 437 4634 or via the site: www.outdoortradeshow.com