IWA Postponed Due to Coronavirus Concerns

by
posted on March 3, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
iwa-cancels-outdoor-classics-trade-show-coronavirus-f.jpg
IWA Outdoor Classics, the firearm industry’s largest trade show in Europe, has been postponed to later in 2020 due to novel coronavirus concerns. The announcement came last week, with the doors scheduled to open March 4, reflecting the growing apprehension and urgency to address the fact that large gatherings in high numbers—particularly those with international attendees—promote transmission of the virus. NürnbergMesse organized its first IWA show in 1974 and its growth mirrors that of the United States-based SHOT show, attracting more than 45,000 people last year to the Nuremberg, Germany, venue.

"We hope that the industry will understand the decision to postpone,” said Petra Wolf, Member of the Management Board of NürnbergMesse. “The aim of every exhibition has to be to create a special experience for exhibitors and visitors likewise and to enable networking and expansion of existing business relations. Unfortunately, this goal cannot be achieved under the current circumstances.”

IWA attendees come from nearly 200 countries every year and the trade show attracts more than 1,500 exhibitors. “We are aware of the great importance of the IWA for our exhibitors and visitors, all the more reason for us to put high pressure on the task to find the best possible alternative date for such an important event for our customers," Wolf said.

In addition, the date for Enforce Tac/U.T.SEC 2020—another NürnbergMesse annual that traditionally opens its doors on the heels of IWA—is also moving to an as-yet-to-be-determined date. Unlike IWA, which showcases enthusiast goods and services, its focus is the security equipment and products tailored for official agencies, law enforcement, armed forces and security. This annual trade show was established in 2012.

Original dates for the shows were March 4 to 5 and March 6 to 9 for IWA and Enforce Tac, respectively. New dates have yet to be announced.

Latest

Liberator Aircraft Crew
Liberator Aircraft Crew

"Clay Pigeons That Shoot Back:" Aerial Gunnery Training & Combat In WWII

"Even though slated early in my training period to be a photographer, I had to go through the "firing mill" as intensively as the others. For months, we burned up so much powder, I began to be afraid there wouldn't be enough for the boys who were really slugging it out at high altitudes ..."

Preview: Vietnam Combat | Firefights And Writing History

In May 1968, 1st/Lt. Robin Bartlett, originally ordered to the 101st Airborne, was reassigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), a helicopter combat assault unit.

New For 2025: SIG Sauer P211-GTO

SIG Sauer introduced its first hybrid-frame, 2011-style pistol at its 2025 NEXT product launch event, and the P211-GTO blends features from the M1911 with design elements from the P320.

Sellmark Breaks Ground On “Verdexium” Project

In an effort to reduce reliance on international supply chains and bolster domestic manufacturing, Sellmark Corp.—parent company of the Sightmark, Pulsar, Inforce, Kopfjäger, Firefield, BulletSafe and Dark 30 brands—has broken ground on a new manufacturing complex in Mansfield, Texas, that it calls a “transformative force for American-led growth and innovation.”

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Manufacturing 92

American Rifleman staff are on the range with one of the most iconic lever-actions ever created, except this one has a bit of a plot twist—it is a model made overseas and imported by Heritage Manufacturing.

The Armed Citizen® July 25, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.