Nuremberg, January 8, 2026: For decades, IWA OutdoorClassics has been the international meeting point for the hunting and target sports industry. With the “Made for Trade” initiative, it has sharpened its focus on the specialist trade and industry. Starting in 2027, the exhibition will move to April and run from Tuesday to Thursday – a change designed to reflect its growing international reach. This move reinforces IWA’s unique position as a B2B platform and opens up new opportunities for exhibitors and visitors worldwide. The decision is the result of intensive discussions with exhibitors, associations, and visitors.
Strategic groundwork in challenging times
Societal debates, political decisions, global crises, and technological developments have fundamentally transformed the industry. For IWA OutdoorClassics, this means actively shaping the market as the leading B2B platform – through formats such as IWA Vision and IWA Expert, which open up market access and foster strategic partnerships. The “Made for Trade” positioning has underlined the ambition to place the international specialist trade at the center and to establish IWA as a workspace for business decisions. These initiatives are part of a long-term strategy that now takes its next step with the shift in dates.
The motivation: Why the change of dates opens up new opportunities
“We have listened very carefully,” says Stefanie Leege, Exhibition Director of IWA OutdoorClassics. “The feedback was clear: the start of the year is tightly scheduled for many companies. With the new date, we create breathing space in the calendar and enable more efficient participation. We need a exhibition that is not only relevant but also efficient. With this change, we at IWA are now acting decisively to provide relief for the industry. At the same time, we always keep a global perspective on developments,” Leege continues.
Made for Trade – More Than Just a Motto
Under the guiding principle “Made for Trade,” IWA consistently positions itself as a trade fair for the international specialist market. It’s all about ordering, networking, and strategic discussions. “Made for Trade means creating conditions that strengthen the trade,” says Leege. “The change of dates is a logical step in this development.” This positioning has set important impulses: a stronger B2B focus, more efficient offerings, and a trade-oriented supporting program.
What’s Changing in Detail?
Starting in 2027, IWA OutdoorClassics will take place in April and run for three days. The sequence of days will be midweek to make travel and participation easier. For exhibitors, this means lower costs; for visitors, better travel options – and a exhibition that marks the key business week of the year as the leading B2B platform. “Three days are absolutely sufficient if the quality is right,” says Stefanie Leege. “We don’t expect any losses, but rather a stronger focus on what really matters,” Leege adds.
Save the Date now: IWA OutdoorClassics 2027 – the most important event for the trade – will take place from April 13 to 15 in Nuremberg.
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