Bringing together over 270 delegates from the biggest names and brands within the outdoor industry in the picturesque Italian town of Treviso, the fifth annual European Outdoor Summit successfully concluded last week; once again proving to be an extremely popular, inspiring and informative event for the European outdoor industry.
The two-day programme was packed with exceptional keynote speakers and educational break-out sessions, as well as ample opportunities to network, sample the local food and wine and take in the stunning scenery and architecture.
Closing the Summit, European Outdoor Group General Secretary Mark Held, thanked delegates, speakers and sponsors and introduced the Scandinavian Outdoor Group, who announced that the EOS 2018 will take place in Malmӧ, Sweden.
The theme for EOS 2017 was looking at everything through the lens of the consumer. This year’s opening speaker, baseball coach and former player Brian Farley, kicked off proceedings with his presentation that looked at the importance of understanding the value and motivation of people. Founder of Fast Forward Trending, Haysun Hahn, shook up events by exploring the ongoing relationship and crossover between fashion and outdoor; with some trend forecasting that challenged delegates to think about the future of the outdoor lifestyle market and the real need to look at fashion for growth.
Having led the successful #ThisGirlCan campaign in the UK, Communications and Brand Consultant
Kate Bosomworth, inspired delegates by using impactful case studies and examples from the influential marketing campaign to look at how to grow participation among specific consumer groups, while Susan Viscon of North American outdoor retail co-op REI, spoke about the company’s #OptOutside programme and Force of Nature initiative to put the outdoors at the centre of American life.
Feedback on the event from speakers, sponsors and delegates alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Jean ‘JP’ Parker from EOS 2017 sponsor Myagi, commented: “The 2017 edition was the best yet. More delegates from a really diverse cross section of the outdoor Industry, enjoying great networking opportunities, whilst gathering around probably the single most important challenge we face today – the changing consumer. The EOS addresses major themes for our business, attracts world class subject matter experts and creates a really positive environment to learn and share. Myagi will be back for 2018 in Sweden for sure!”
“The event was brilliant,” stated Blockchain News publisher and EOS speaker Richard Kastelein. “The organisation was first class and it was a privilege to share this emerging technology to the European Outdoors community – and hopefully inspire them to embrace new technologies in the future.”
Comments from delegates on why they attended included: “The subjects and highly accomplished community attending. To make and support the future of the outdoors and hope to meet business partners interested in reaching to a new world.”
“A commitment to building a collaborative outdoor industry future.”
“To learn the latest within the outdoor industry in one of the nicest countries in Europe and to network with colleagues.”
Mark Held added: “This year’s EOS focussed on probably the single most important influencer of our industry – the customer, and the speakers really stepped up to share some extremely insightful knowledge and information for delegates to take away and create positive change, not only within their own businesses, but within the industry as a whole. The excellent feedback from delegates, speakers and sponsors is a testament to the organisational team’s hard work and to the continuing success and credibility of the EOS itself. We look forward to building on this success in Malmӧ next year!”
Further information about EOS 2018 will be announced in due course.
INFO: European Outdoor Summit
