NürnbergMesse, in an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has made the decision to cancel IWA OutdoorClassics 2021. The move—along with next year’s similarly canceled Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show—means the firearm industry’s traditionally largest trade shows and media gatherings will not take place during 2021.
The early announcement was an effort by NürnbergMesse to allow all participants to adjust their schedules well ahead of time. Rising infection rates, various quarantine rules and travel restrictions were cited in a press release as making it impossible for exhibitors and visitors to make firm plans. The next IWA OutdoorClassics will take place in Nuremberg, Germany, from March 3-6, 2022.
“Over recent weeks, we have received a lot of support and understanding from within the sector,” said Petra Wolf, from the NürnbergMesse Management Board. “The discussions we have had with our exhibitors have clearly shown that the IWA continues to be an essential part of the B2B community. Despite the challenging situation, more than 1,000 exhibitors had registered for the trade fair. It is therefore with even greater regret that we must now postpone this event till 2022. This commitment by exhibitors and their willingness to participate in the fair reinforce our conviction that the IWA still plays a significant role.”
The IWA team is already working on an interim program, with the kick-off a series of online and physical events and formats called “Road to IWA 2022.” They take place March 12, 2021, the first day of the planned IWA 2021.
“We want to offer the sector the opportunity to stay in contact during these turbulent times,” said Rebecca Schönfelder, exhibition director of IWA OutdoorClassics. “We are therefore working hard to develop concepts to allow us to bridge the gap until the next face-to-face gathering. We will miss the direct contact, that much is certain. It is therefore even more important to stick together as a sector and support one another.”
