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34,000 Visitors Made It To The IWA Outdoor Classics 2023

Gungho Cowboy

IWA Outdoor Classics 2023 Post

Next year, the IWA Outdoor Classics will be celebrating 50 years of bringing people together as they seek out the latest in hunting, shooting sports, equipment for outdoor activities and security each year. As the world emerges from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic, the trade event which also sees a big airsoft representation has confirmed that it has turned around from lesser business garnered in the Covid-19 years, to having a big number of foot traffic to the various halls of Nuremberg Messe.

The organisers put the number of visitors at 34,000, whilst below the 2018 and 2019 numbers (46,562 and 45,476 respectively) is already a substantial number given that 2022 was the year that large indoor gatherings have been allowed by governments and people have just started getting to used to such given 2 years of being forced to isolate and do social distancing to minimise the spread of the coronavirus.


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It was also our first attendance at the IWA for this decade, having decided not to attend the 2021 edition as we were still very much cautious in attending big events. We’re glad to attend this year as we get to see friends and partners at IWA after three years. With the participation of the big portion of the Taiwan airsoft industry, this means the airsoft is back, and will be back as much a stronger presence in 2024 given this year’s success.


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For the 50th year of IWA Outdoor Classics, I guess it’s time for the airsoft community to prepare its own celebration of this trade event which has a special place in our hearts  since apart from doing business, it’s also fun and laughter that makes come back for more year after year.

Press release from the organisers below:


Turnaround confirmed: IWA OutdoorClassics 2023 makes its mark, attracting 34,000 trade visitors to Nuremberg

An entire sector is on the rise: IWA OutdoorClassics 2023 can confirm a notable turnaround during the past four days, with bustling activity and an inspiring atmosphere in a total of nine exhibition halls. Approximately 1,100 exhibitors attracted 34,000 trade visitors to Nuremberg from 119 countries. In the process, IWA OutdoorClassics impressively confirmed its position as the leading trade fair for global trade in the fields of hunting, shooting sports, outdoor activities and security. The conditions could not have been better for the start of the jubilee year for IWA OutdoorClassics, which marks its 50th anniversary next year.

“Four wonderful days.” That was the initial feedback from Thomas Preutenborbeck, Member of the Executive Board of NürnbergMesse GmbH, immediately following the last day of the trade fair. “The entire sector, which has supported us throughout the years and thus safeguarded its home ground, can collectively be very pleased with this powerful and successful return by IWA OutdoorClassics!” he adds, directing specific thanks to everyone who held fast to the concept of IWA OutdoorClassics and helped to make it all happen. Preutenborbeck is especially pleased with the many “positive feedback discussions with the exhibitors and the large number of satisfied trade visitors”. He is confident that “the foundations for a successful future are now in place”.

Winners of this year’s IWA Knife Award

Three winners of the IWA Knife Award were selected at the new BLADE Demo Area this year. Manufacturas Muela is very pleased with its win in the “Trade visitors’ favourite” category. Top place in the “Innovation” category went to Laguiole en Aubrac. And the title in the “Classic” segment went to Otter Messer. A total of about 20 products competed in each category. The winner in each case was selected by a six-member jury.

Jubilee: IWA OutdoorClassics celebrates 50 years!

All eyes are already on the future: Next year, manufacturers, dealers and opinion leaders from the entire sector will gather for the fiftieth anniversary of IWA OutdoorClassics in Nuremberg. “IWA has reached Gold status,” says Preutenborbeck. “We will build on the wave of euphoria to work with our customers and partners to put together a programme that is fitting for the jubilee.”

Save the date: The next edition of IWA OutdoorClassics will take place at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 29 February to 3 March 2024.

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