Want to know where the world’s top paddlesports brands will be at the end of the month? Talking shop (and hopefully selling boats) and the 12th annual PADDLEexpo Sept. 28-30, 2014, in Nuremberg, Germany. Show director Horst Fürsattel has filled all of the 54,000 square foot convention center with 136 exhibitors, up from 121 in 2013, showing a total of 271 brands.
This year’s show will also include 40 new exhibitors, while maintaining its specialty focus on all variations of paddlesports, and is expected to draw up to 1,400 attendees.
“The folding and inflatable boat segment is growing enormously, and this makes paddlesports even more interesting for a new group of retailers from sport and outdoor specialty,” says Fürsattel. “Those customers spend their free time just as often on the water as do campers, RVers, and fishing fans. And those retailers haven’t targeted PADDLEexpo until now.”
Alongside the folding and inflatable boats will be traditional kayas, canoe and stand-up paddling (SUP) exhibitors. Fürsattel adds that this year will also see a wide offering of hardware exhibited.
Newcomers at PADDLEexpo 2014 include such companies as Spade Kayaks, which manufactures lightweight whitewater PE blow-molded kayaks; Vajda, a big name in competition boats; and U.S. SUP brand Boardworks. For apparel come first-time exhibitors Onda from Portugal, Stormm Ride from Poland, and On-Line from Slovenia, all SUP neoprene wetsuit brands. New accessory brands include GSB Electric, and Fasten Systems, which specializes in fishing rod holders. “You’ll also find OEM suppliers, which manufacture under contract various brands of boats and gear,” says Fürsattel.
The event also features a strong program course. Booth Parties the first night lead into the annual Industry Party the second evening, with buffet, music and paddling films from around the world. A variety of seminars and workshops will also be offered.
Info: www.PADDLEexpo.com
