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OutDoor Messe in Friedrichshafen © Fotos: Messe Friedrichshafen
25.04.2017

MICROADVENTURES: EVERYDAY, LOCAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES FOR ALL

  • New outdoor trend: everyday adventures close to home, local adventures for everyone, microadventure
  • expert Alastair Humphreys at the OutDoor

Everyday adventures for all, real outdoor experiences in your own backyard. The outdoor industry is well equipped to respond to this enthusiasm for getting out there. Microadventures are the future of the outdoor market and by no means detract from the particular authenticity and spirit of the outdoor industry. At this year’s OutDoor (18th to 21st June, 2017), this new outdoor trend will be an important issue for many market players. And Alastair Humphreys, England’s best-known microadventurer is giving a keynote address on the first day of the show.

  • New outdoor trend: everyday adventures close to home, local adventures for everyone, microadventure
  • expert Alastair Humphreys at the OutDoor

Everyday adventures for all, real outdoor experiences in your own backyard. The outdoor industry is well equipped to respond to this enthusiasm for getting out there. Microadventures are the future of the outdoor market and by no means detract from the particular authenticity and spirit of the outdoor industry. At this year’s OutDoor (18th to 21st June, 2017), this new outdoor trend will be an important issue for many market players. And Alastair Humphreys, England’s best-known microadventurer is giving a keynote address on the first day of the show.

Microadventures are mini adventures that fit in with everyday life. They are simple and achievable, inexpensive and accessible to everyone. They are not organised events where success is guaranteed, there is no right or wrong. Exploring the unfamiliar on your doorstep is the name of the game. Microadventures generally take place close to home and require neither special equipment, nor extensive preparation. It’s all about being spontaneous, having fun, interacting with different kinds of environments and people and fitting it all in with your everyday life. The only rule is: leave the car at home - because travelling by car blinkers your perspective.

Overnight outdoor adventures, wild camping, even if only for one night, is the inspiration behind it. Antje von Dewitz, Vaude CEO, sees two issues as particularly important: "The trend towards urbanisation is having a knock-on effect: microadventures are attractive to people, as they are easy to combine with busy, modern lives. And more importantly, normal people can enjoy these adventures - there is no element of the extreme or elitism.” As a mountain sports equipment provider with a broad offer, the southern German company is a good starting point for microadventures on foot or by bike, and also provides plenty of inspiration on its YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbtaTQrJfLEh3whO1V7601sjwNgsQZB4y.

Jack Wolfskin also recognises that microadventures are perfect for outdoor fans. "Why not hike to the source of a river?” the German outdoor equipper is challenging supporters. It encourages fans to upload their photos with the hashtag #jackwolfskin to its facebook or instagram page to share their experiences with the outdoor community. British brand, Mountain Equipment, organises a WildNight event where it encouraged enthusiasts to, "Pack your bivouac gear and spend the night outdoors. No tents, just you and the stars. Have your own WildNight microadventure, wherever and whenever you want to.” Country Manager Germany, Tom Strobel explains, "Microadventures mean experiencing something extraordinary, they are an enriching experience and a welcome break from everyday life.”

Short, simple adventures, where you don't need much outdoor equipment? That’s right, say manufacturers. "It doesn’t always have to be about big sales. If users are enjoying themselves, then that’s good for retailers and the industry. Outdoor activities don’t always have to be extreme, but they should help build a strong, positive connection to nature and be genuine experiences,” says Thomas Groeger, Deputy CEO of Scandinavian manufacturer Fjällräven. Microadventures do exactly this - and can also be shared via social networks - inspiring others in the process.

Microadventures are going to be an important issue at this year’s OutDoor show in Friedrichshafen. There are a number of reasons for this. The Outdoor industry is looking for new goals and new target groups, and wants to position itself more broadly. In addition, microadventures are a definite trend. They fit neatly with busy, modern lifestyles, are spontaneous, offer a real change of perspective and don’t need much specialist equipment. As such, they are accessible to all.
Alastair Humphreys, the adventurer credited with inventing the term microadventure will be delivering a keynote speech on day one of the OutDoor show, on Sunday the 18th June. The British explorer is a well-known adventurer. After spending years on grand adventures, including travelling around the world by bike, crossing deserts and icy wastes unsupported and climbing big mountains, he was made "Adventurer of the Year” by the National Geographic Association in 2012 for his microadventures in Great Britain. These small, unusual, local trips began and ended at his doorstep. While others claim that their nine-to-five jobs are the reason why they don’t move enough, Alastair Humphreys takes advantage of the hours before and after work to escape from the daily grind. His microadventures include simply heading off to spend the night out on a nearby hill and then heading straight into work the next morning. His motto: “There are so many new things to discover right on your doorstep.”

For more information, please visit: www.outdoor-show.de.

Orgatec © Photo: Koelnmesse
25.10.2016

ORGATEC 2016 ADDRESSES THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN TOMORROW'S WORLDS OF WORK

From 25 to 29 October, at ORGATEC in Cologne, 665 companies from 40 countries will be presenting the current trends in the world of work of the future. Long gone are the days when just desks, filing systems etc. were presented at the leading international trade fair for the modern world of work. Nowadays, it is much more to do with work culture, work processes and work environments. With its wide spectrum of products and concepts from international exhibitors, plus an excellent programme of events, ORGATEC 2016 is once again set to act as a think tank for the international office furniture industry. Topics to be addressed at the fair, which is expected to attract around 50,000 trade visitors from all over the world, will be new ideas on the current trends of team working, digitalisation, holistic interiors and the attractiveness of the workplace. The following is an overview of what is on offer in the supporting programme.

From 25 to 29 October, at ORGATEC in Cologne, 665 companies from 40 countries will be presenting the current trends in the world of work of the future. Long gone are the days when just desks, filing systems etc. were presented at the leading international trade fair for the modern world of work. Nowadays, it is much more to do with work culture, work processes and work environments. With its wide spectrum of products and concepts from international exhibitors, plus an excellent programme of events, ORGATEC 2016 is once again set to act as a think tank for the international office furniture industry. Topics to be addressed at the fair, which is expected to attract around 50,000 trade visitors from all over the world, will be new ideas on the current trends of team working, digitalisation, holistic interiors and the attractiveness of the workplace. The following is an overview of what is on offer in the supporting programme.
In high-calibre congresses and forums, trade visitors from all over the world can find out about current trends and discuss pressing issues of theory and practice.

ZEIT Work & Style conference
The Work & Style conference, a premium congress format hosted by the renowned German weekly newspaper "DIE ZEIT" will launch this year's ORGATEC and address both sociopolitical and aesthetic questions, in particular the following issues: what role does work play in the identity of the upcoming generation? How will work, life and lifestyle interact? What is it that makes an employer attractive? Which approaches to work will be successful in the future?
26 October 2016, from 10:00 a.m., Congress Centre

ORGATEC  Trend Forum
At the Trend Forum hosted by Hajo Schumacher, creativity and design will be the focus of discussion: with numerous exciting talks on the various different aspects of office design and work culture by distinguished speakers from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the Fraunhofer Institute, among others. On the very first day of the trade fair, it's already all about "Working differently and better!" This is where Bernd Fels, co-founder of if5, will be presenting trends, facts, ideas and examples for the journey into the world of work 4.0. The talk by AECOM, entitled "See further, go further - transformational change" will provide an in-depth exploration of the new challenges facing the world of work in the future and what new approaches global companies are adopting. And trend consultant Brigitte Gebhard will delve into the subject of creative learning environments under the banner of the "New Work Order".
25.-28. Oktober 2016, Halle 6, Stand B 029    

workplace congress
The trade journals "Der Facility Manager" and "industrieBAU" are hosting the second workplace congress at ORGATEC in Cologne. The congress, like its first edition, will focus on all aspects of the challenges posed by the office, in particular how to provide functioning, motivating workplaces. Practical concepts and solutions for office workplaces will be presented. Acclaimed speakers from research, teaching and practice will explore topics such as space and room planning, lighting, acoustics, air conditioning and ergonomics, and discuss current trends and their experiences, gathered over the course of many years in the field. The event is recognised by the Chamber of Construction Engineers of North Rhine-Westphalia as an advanced training course with six time units of 45 minutes each.
27 October 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Offenbachsaal 

SEO Day
Presented for the first time at ORGATEC 2016: the SEO Day is an annual industry meeting of the search machine optimisation scene. Around 800 experts are expected to attend, with more than 40 German-speaking industry experts on hand, holding numerous talks and sharing the latest tips and tricks in the area of search engine optimisation, Google and co.
27 October 2016, Konrad-Adenauer-Saal, Congress Centre North

Speakers' Corner
Following a successful premiere in 2014, exhibitors at ORGATEC will this year once again have the opportunity to present themselves as well as new products and services to a broad trade audience and answer questions directly on site. In half-hour-long presentations, speakers will introduce trends, innovations and methods from their particular field of expertise (daily between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m).
25 through 28 October 2016,11:00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., Hall 11.2, Stand J 002

Alongside the congresses and the forum, ORGATEC 2016 also offers numerous special events that offer trade visitors real added value. The offering ranges from the presentation of innovative materials, through Scandinavian design for indoors and outside, to the current trend of co-working spaces.

"RE/WORK - Moments of Inspiration by Ippolito Fleitz Group"
The competence centre "RE/WORK - Moments of Inspiration by Ippolito Fleitz Group" is an inspiring staging that traces valuable moments of inspiration, combines analogue and digital experiences, enabling a fresh view on the world of work from new perspectives. It shows, in a creative and humorous way, what the office of the future might have to look like in order to address changing requirements. The workplace is no longer bound to a particular space, but rather to moments: moments of networking through the perfect integration of technology, moments of well-being, of inspiration, of lifelong, playful experimentation. The competence centre takes ten examples of these moments and brings them to life in three dimensions. The Competence Centre takes ten examples of these moments and brings them to life in three dimensions.
Daily, Hall 11.2, Stand E 031/ F 030

The influence of design on co-working spaces can be seen by visitors to ORGATEC at the special event "The smart working space", in which the "smart co-working lobby" model showcases a module that will be at the core of the modern office block and that enables the co-working philosophy to be adopted in existing buildings. Using this approach, the trend towards co-working can be embraced relatively quickly and economically. The model will be presented in the form of a fully functioning prototype at ORGATEC. The curator of this specially designed area is Michael O. Schmutzer who, as Managing Director of Design Offices, has turned the idea of "New Work" into a remarkable success story. "The Smart Co-working Lobby" was developed in cooperation with the prestigious interior design office, brandherm + krumrey interior architecture (b-k-i), based in Cologne and Hamburg.
Daily, Hall 9, Stand B 010

Innovation of Interior
In Hall 8, the experts from Haute Innovation will be demonstrating the potential offered for modern working environments by the latest innovations in materials. They will be presenting about new sources of raw materials for manufacturers and planners, sketching out scenarios for the deployment of intelligent materials in the context of the smart office or smart home and outlining the opportunities for additive manufacturing in the furniture industry.
Daily, Hall 8, Stand B 010

Design meets movement
Creative design will be lined up for the visitors in the Passage between Halls 10 and 11. In the special exhibition Design meets Movement, leading European designers will present smart solutions from Scandinavia that go beyond working indoors and act instead as an interface to the outside world - a multifunctional installation for outdoor working.
Daily, Passage 10/11

ORGATEC Boulevard - Creativity Works
Exceptional design will also be on display on the Boulevard. This is where Koelnmesse, in cooperation with the German association for the office and working environment (IBA / Industrieverband Büro und Arbeitswelt e.V.) will be presenting various projects on the topic of "Creativity Works". For instance, the magazine FRAME will be staging a captivating exhibition of forward-looking workplace design in collaboration with young creative professionals. The magazine "100 working SPACES" will be presenting 100 current and innovative workplaces and office concepts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as the best and most amazing projects from the rest of the world. And, presenting the results of their research project, students of design at the University of Applied Sciences, Düsseldorf (HSD / Hochschule Düsseldorf) will be showing an ingenious fusion of fashion, workspace, performance and identity.
Daily, Boulevard

ORGATEC, with its 50,000 trade visitors from all over the world, has also traditionally been the appropriate place for the awarding of important honours. This is also the case in 2016.

Prize ceremony for the "Büro & Umwelt" ("Office & Environment") competition 
Sustainable behaviours in everyday office life and attention to environmental requirements in the procurement of office equipment are extremely important for our environment. The German Association for Environmental Management, B.A.U.M e.V. (Bundesdeutscher Arbeitskreis für Umweltbewusstes Management) aims to draw attention to this with the "Büro & Umwelt" competition. At the heart of the competition is the sustainable handling of resources in everyday office life, as well as the awareness of environmental concerns when procuring office equipment.
25 October 2016, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Trend Forum stage, Hall 6, Stand B 029

"Architektur + Office" Innovation Prize
The 9th Architecture + Office Innovation Prize will be awarded by AIT and xia during ORGATEC 2016. Designers and manufacturers will submit their products to the critical judgment of renowned architects. The aim of the award is to underline the importance of quality in architecture in the office interiors sector. Products on the market that are particularly effective in addressing the concerns of the target group will be awarded a prize. All of the submitted products will be displayed in a special exhibition at ORGATEC 2016 in Cologne.
25. October 2016, Hall 10.1, Stand E 011

Time is money. The same is true for the trade visitors to ORGATEC 2016. In order to get a comprehensive overview of the important new developments and trends on show, guided tours around the trade fair are available.

Guided tours around the fair by the Mensch&Büro-Akademie (People&Office Academy)
The Mensch&Büro-Akademie (MBA) and PRIMA VIER Publishing Frank Nehring (P4) will be offering two guided tours around ORGATEC 2016, based on the topics of "Health & Ergonomics" and "Design & Innovation", both taking place twice daily on 26, 27 and 28 October 2016.
Meeting point: Hall 7, Stand B 073

Guided tours for architects organised by Bauverlag
Actively promote dialogue between architects, interior designers, lighting planners and exhibitors - with this aim in mind, Bauverlag publishers is offering guided tours on four trade fair days to selected trade fair highlights at ORGATEC. The "Bauverlag architects' tours" around the trade fair will be conducted by editors from the magazines "Bauwelt" (Building World) and "DBZ" (Deutsche Bauzeitschrift/German Building Magazine). In the approx. 2 ½ hour tour around 10 important exhibitors will be visited. You will be met by competent representatives at the stands, who will demonstrate their new products and systems specifically from the viewpoint of the architect.
25 through 28 October 2016, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., setting off from: Passage 3/11, Stand P 001  
 
SIX-TO-NINE Party
What could be better than bringing the exhibition day to a relaxed close? On the first day of the fair, nothing could be easier - the ORGATEC Boulevard is the perfect setting for the legendary ORGATEC SIX-TO-NINE party. On the evening of the first day of the fair, all exhibitors, visitors and journalists are invited to this industry meeting to engage in lively conversations and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.
25 October 2016, 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m., ORGATEC Boulevard

 

ORGATEC: Design Solutions for the new Way of Working © Fotos: Koelnmesse 
30.08.2016

ORGATEC: DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW WAY OF WORKING

Nowadays, the office is everywhere: in the car, in the train, at home and in the garden. Life and work flow into each other. This trend can be criticised, but one thing it cannot be is ignored. What can and can't be done with technology increasingly determines our work lives. We are always online and contactable everywhere. New solutions,  unusual ideas  and  innovative products are called for. ORGATEC, which takes place in Cologne from 25 to 29 October 2016, takes up this challenge. Long gone are the days when just desks, filing systems etc. were presented at the leading international trade fair for the modern working world. It is much more to do with work culture, work processes and work environments. And on a 260-square metre, specially dedicated area, design solutions will be presented on the subject of the kitchen and outside areas.

Nowadays, the office is everywhere: in the car, in the train, at home and in the garden. Life and work flow into each other. This trend can be criticised, but one thing it cannot be is ignored. What can and can't be done with technology increasingly determines our work lives. We are always online and contactable everywhere. New solutions,  unusual ideas  and  innovative products are called for. ORGATEC, which takes place in Cologne from 25 to 29 October 2016, takes up this challenge. Long gone are the days when just desks, filing systems etc. were presented at the leading international trade fair for the modern working world. It is much more to do with work culture, work processes and work environments. And on a 260-square metre, specially dedicated area, design solutions will be presented on the subject of the kitchen and outside areas.

Under the banner "Design meets movement", two extraordinary outdoor solutions for working in the open air await visitors to ORGATEC. The aim is to merge aesthetic design with ergonomic functionality. The trade fair is being supported in this endeavour by Linak, one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of linear actuator systems for various applications in the hospital and care sector, the furniture industry and in the industrial sector. "It's not about us showing Linak products here: it's exclusively about design ideas", explains Nina Ramberg Mortensen, Corporate Marketing Coordinator at Linak A/S in Denmark and responsible for this special event at ORGATEC 2016 in Cologne.

On show will be clever design solutions from Scandinavia, such as ideas and solutions on the topic "Outdoor". The title of the exhibition - "Design meets movement" - is based on a collaboration with the University of Wuppertal for ORGATEC 2014, when, under the same banner, young design students looked for solutions for the workplace of the future. The results of the Europe-wide contest were then presented at the fair.

The 2016 edition of ORGATEC also aims to think beyond conventional solutions and be inspired by new ideas. "I'm sure that quite a few visitors will be really surprised at the objects on show at the 'Design meets movement' stand", promises Nina Ramberg Mortensen. "The interplay between ergonomically adjustable furniture and modern design, viewed in the context of the shift to the outdoors", might best describe the idea behind the "Design meets movement" special event. The stand can be found on the Boulevard between Halls 10 and 11.

ISPO MUNICH 2017 © Messe München GmbH
23.08.2016

ISPO TEXTRENDS: TEXTILE TRENDS FOR FALL/WINTER 2018/2019

  • Trend preview for designers and product developers
  • Registration for ISPO TEXTRENDS 2017 available now
Together with trend experts, ISPO monitors influences, themes and colors that will shape fabric innovations for Fall/Winter 2018/2019. The textile trends are developed on the basis of these findings. They steer the work of designers and product developers and provide comprehensive predictions for future trend developments. Three megatrends focus on new market segments, the latest in functionality and the subject of sustainability. Companies wishing to showcase their products at ISPO TEXTRENDS can register now at www.textrends.ispo.com
 
ISPO is a renowned network for innovations. In combination with ISPO TEXTRENDS, it provides a platform for innovative fabrics and components in the textile sector.
  • Trend preview for designers and product developers
  • Registration for ISPO TEXTRENDS 2017 available now
Together with trend experts, ISPO monitors influences, themes and colors that will shape fabric innovations for Fall/Winter 2018/2019. The textile trends are developed on the basis of these findings. They steer the work of designers and product developers and provide comprehensive predictions for future trend developments. Three megatrends focus on new market segments, the latest in functionality and the subject of sustainability. Companies wishing to showcase their products at ISPO TEXTRENDS can register now at www.textrends.ispo.com
 
ISPO is a renowned network for innovations. In combination with ISPO TEXTRENDS, it provides a platform for innovative fabrics and components in the textile sector. Just recently the summer event was successfully launched for the first time at ISPO SHANGHAI. The well-established ISPO TEXTRENDS winter event will follow at ISPO MUNICH from February 5–8, 2017. Companies wishing to showcase their products at ISPO TEXTRENDS can register now at www.textrends.ispo.com. Which products can be entered in the race? Do they meet the expectations of the judging panel? The textile trends provide initial pointers and act as a guideline for participants when making their application. The textile trends consider various factors, from consumer behavior to the global economic situation. They also incorporate the influences of film, music and art on the industry and your products. The result is three megatrends, upcoming color trends and five detailed textile trends. As part of this, ISPO provides an exclusive initial glimpse of the sportswear market for Fall/Winter 2018/2019.
 
A quick look at textile trends for Fall/Winter 2018/2019
 
Megatrends – Opportunity Knocks, Perpetual Emotion, Infinite Act
The three megatrends will influence the textiles of Fall/Winter 2018/2019, crossing over into the sports market:
 
Opportunity Knocks calls for a focus on new market opportunities. The outdoor and activewear sector is no longer solely confined to a niche market. It is an opportunity to successfully expand product ranges.
 
With the Perpetual Emotion trend, positivity and confidence take a stand against the ever-increasing doom and gloom in the world. This trend is spearheaded by the desire to explore boundaries and provide the ultimate functionality without compromising style. Consumers expect the latest in functionality, enhanced comfort and a feeling like no other they’ve experienced when they wear the garment.
 
Infinite Act focuses on the message of sustainability combined with a strong corporate responsibility both to the environment and the workforce. Nanotechnology and biomimicry continue to make a mark, while the chemical industry and manufacturers of functional fabrics focus on their environmentally-friendly approach.
 
Color spectrum for Fall/Winter 2017/2018
 
The colors for the Fall/Winter season 2018/2019 are forward-looking, optimistic and focused. This season the active color spectrum is shifting to a slightly more powdery look compared to the traditionally bright best-selling tones. Deep reds and dark berry tones compliment envisaged shades of green and orange, presenting a warm but invigorating color spectrum inspired by nature.
 
Textile trends: Sensory, Allegiance, Myriad, Paragon, Transmutation
Five textile trends reflect numerous influences from consumer behavior to the global economic Situation.
 
Trend 1 – Sensory. This trend is about enhancing performance through fit, touch and visual appeal. The functionality on offer is manifested in fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories. This covers featherlight base layers to super soft insulation and multi-functional outer shells. Sensory pushes the boundaries of technology and textile manufacturing. 
 
Trend 2 – Allegiance. This trend teams the benefits of natural fibers with the guaranteed performance of advanced synthetic fabrics. The result is an increase in hybrid blends. From manufacturers of natural and synthetic yarn to textile suppliers and finishing producers, everyone is striving to deliver more environmentally sustainable products and manufacturing processes. This also influences the appearance. 
 
Trend 3 – Myriad. This trend is aimed at incredibly lightweight products crammed full of multi-functionality, enabling popular basics to be spruced up into new generation must haves. The developments in this section give rise to highly intelligent products that create new agility and improved functionality for the consumer. 
 
Trend 4 – Paragon. Paragon is geared toward everyone who strives to be the best in winter sports – the fabrics, trims and accessories make for a winning performance. Protective aspects also feature in this trend, from core stability and reflective elements to tear resistance and shock absorption. 
 
Trend 5 – Transmutation. This trend brings about fabrics and trims that adapt to different situations, especially through prints and yarn combinations inspired by metamorphism. Visually and structurally stimulating, products in this sector are screaming for attention in a whole host of scenarios, ranging from high-level performance and fun with a hint of glamour. 
 
Companies wishing to showcase their products at ISPO TEXTRENDS can register now at www.textrends.ispo.com . The application deadline is Sunday, October 30, 2016. An international expert judging panel will then assess all of the submissions. The selected materials will be exhibited at ISPO MUNICH 2017 in Hall C2.
 
The latest ISPO TEXTRENDS app reveals the best fabrics and components for making sportswear—get your copy from the ISPO SHOP.
 
More information on ISPO TEXTRENDS is available at www.textrends.ispo.com and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ispomunich
 
More information on textile trends is available on request from: stephanie.ledru@pascher-heinz.com
OutDoor 2016 © Messe Friedrichshafen | OutDoor Show | www.outdoor-show.de
05.07.2016

COMFORTABLE BACKPACKING - THE NEW TREND

  • Functional travel wear for travelling, outdoor adventures and everyday use -meeting the new demanding requirements of travelers in the digital age

The tourist industry is suffering in many traditional destination countries. Yet outdoor companies say that sales of luggage, accessories and travel wear remains unaffected. Independent tourism is thriving. Good news for outdoor manufacturers - as functional clothing offers more crossover potential than any other sector. OutDoor 2016 in Friedrichshafen - the leading international trade show - will be providing an overview of the latest trends and innovations for the travellers of tomorrow from July 13 to 16, 2016.

  • Functional travel wear for travelling, outdoor adventures and everyday use -meeting the new demanding requirements of travelers in the digital age

The tourist industry is suffering in many traditional destination countries. Yet outdoor companies say that sales of luggage, accessories and travel wear remains unaffected. Independent tourism is thriving. Good news for outdoor manufacturers - as functional clothing offers more crossover potential than any other sector. OutDoor 2016 in Friedrichshafen - the leading international trade show - will be providing an overview of the latest trends and innovations for the travellers of tomorrow from July 13 to 16, 2016.

The German Travel Association (DRV) has reported the impact of geopolitical factors on the tourism industry. For example, summer bookings are down by 40 per cent in Turkey compared to the previous year. Other European travel associations are reporting similar lower-than-usual booking levels for Egypt and Tunisia. However, the outdoor industry appears unaffected. "We‘ve not seen any impact on our market,? says Columbia (Portland, US). "People continue to travel lots, although given the current political situation they are choosing different destinations.? Lonely Planet, the independent traveller’s bible, currently recommends visiting the following countries: Botswana, Japan, Poland, Palau, Latvia, Australia, Uruguay, US, Greenland and Fiji. Not exactly classical, low-cost family destinations, but still potential paradises for outdoor and adventure travel.

Thomas Groeger, country manager Fjällräven Germany is also confident, "More and more people are looking for alternatives to the conventional beach holiday. Outdoor- and sport-related travel is particularly popular.? Gerold Ringsdorf, product trainer Jack Wolfskin sees "interrail travellers and globetrotters? as "important founders of the outdoor movement.” Travel garment manufacturer ExOfficio (Seattle, US) agrees, pointing to a survey where 42 per cent of Europeans describe themselves as adventure travellers. Package tourism might still dominate the market, but it continues to be frowned upon. In contrast, independent travel is seen as an attractive, if complicated option for the masses.

The Future institute “Zukunftsinstitut” (Frankfurt/ Vienna) observes a new phenomenon which it calls the "normtrotter”: vacationer looking for a personalized experience and personalized service, but who still want their bookings arranged in advance. And from America, there’s a newly-coined expression to describe more affluent backpacking for normal travellers: flashpacking. The term refers to traditional backpacking only with flash, or style, i.e. adventure travellers who desire style and comfort. Travelers in this growing segment prefer to sleep in their own hotel room, hire a car instead of using overcrowded coaches and plan ahead using modern communication devices rather than going with the flow and improvising.

"Backpacking used to be the exception, something for adventurers only. Nowadays, it‘s a common way of travelling,“ comments Thomas Groeger. Young people in particular prefer to travel in a simpler manner. "The gap year - young people wanting to work and travel abroad - is a definite trend,“ adds Gerold Ringsdorf.

Modern travel equipment is designed to meet people’s requirements regarding performance and security. Backpacks and bags have anti-theft slashproof straps to stop bag slashers and RFID-blocking pockets to keep personal information and data safe. Travel apparel is often made of insect-repelling fabrics or has UV protection suitable for tropical sun, plus moisture management and odour control. In addition, today‘s travel wear is lightweight, easy-care and takes up little space in your backpack.

Modern travel wear also offers significant crossover potential for outdoor and everyday use. UV protection and protection against mosquitoes or ticks is also useful in central and northern Europe. "Of course urban outdoor, outdoor lifestyle and travel wear styles often look pretty similar,? says Wolfgang Jahn, sales manager Europe Royal Robbins, while Oliver Robens, sales director Europe Craghoppers adds, "it’s possible to look good both in the jungle and about town.? However, real travel apparel sets itself apart through its functional characteristics and extra details. And this is exactly why specialist providers have been so successful over the years.

To find out which new trends and products innovations will be shaping the industry in 2017, visit the international OutDoor trade show in Friedrichshafen. OutDoor 2016 is open to industry visitors only from Wednesday, July 13 to Saturday, July 16 (Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For more information, please visit: www.outdoor-show.com.