The program of presentations and supporting events at IWA OutdoorClassics 2024: A look behind the scenes of the industry

IWA OutdoorClassics is more than just a presentation of products. As the world's leading exhibition for the hunting and target sports industry, it offers a diverse specialist program that answers relevant questions on various key topics and trends. In particular, the focus is on coping with new legal framework conditions, trade challenges and global trends.

International meeting at the highest level: The WFSA visits Nuremberg

It is a gathering of international opinion leaders from the industry: this year, the World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA) once again hosted its annual plenary session in Nuremberg. The event is open to all members, industry representatives and the press. Various topics are addressed and discussed in panel discussions led by outstanding experts. The WFSA Dr. Vito Genco Shooting Ambassador Award was also presented by the WFSA at the IWA OutdoorClassics. “The WFSA believes that the general public needs to develop a better understanding of the many benefits of shooting sports,” explains Graham Downing, President of the WFSA. “At IWA OutdoorClassics we can do just that, and engage with key industry and trade representatives in the best possible way,” Downing continued.

Focus on Germany: Association work of the Association of German Gunsmiths and Gun Dealers (VDB)

As honorary sponsor of IWA OutdoorClassics, the Association of German Gunsmiths and Gun Dealers (VDB) plays a key role in shaping the supporting program. At the SHOOTING EXPERTS' Stage, the association offered insights into current topics and challenges in the industry. Ingo Meinhard, Managing Director of the association, emphasized the importance of the trade fair as an information platform for German dealers. The discussions on the reform of the Money Laundering Act (GwG), which presents the specialist firearms trade with new due diligence obligations, as well as the latest developments in the NWR gun book and a report on current market developments were particularly exciting and met with great interest. “Specialist personnel need continuous training and information opportunities,” explains Meinhardt. “In addition to our communication opportunities during the year, IWA offers us the best conditions to network with German and international specialist retailers and to inform them on stage about current challenges facing our industry,” Meinhard continues.

In-depth look at firearms law

The tightening of firearms legislation in the European Economic Area poses new challenges for industry and trade. Christian Teppe, legal advisor to the VDB and legal expert, gave trade visitors an overview of the current legal situation and pointed out the risks involved in handling weapons and ammunition: “The demands on employees and company owners are constantly increasing. The risk of losing their reliability under firearms law and thus their firearms trading license is becoming ever more dramatic,” warned Teppe, referring to his presentations at the SHOOTING EXPERTS' Stage.

Thinking outside the box: IWA OutdoorClassics as a bridge builder

A trade fair promotes interdisciplinary dialog between experts from different sectors. In addition to current topics in the hunting and shooting sports industry, an interdisciplinary exchange also took place. The new outdoor stage format in Hall 4 offered trade visitors a wide range of presentations with top-class speakers such as survival expert Vanessa Blank and hunting expert Christine Fischer.

An important insight: connections between the hunting and outdoor industries

The events at IWA OutdoorClassics create new connections and expand the reach of the industry. Christine Fischer emphasized the importance of the exchange between the participants for the protection of nature and wildlife through sustainable use: “Nature users and hunters are natural allies. In order to strengthen their partnership and ability to act, the two sectors should focus on shared social and ecological responsibility in the future. This includes defining and shaping the content of a comprehensive range of topics that focus on the considerate treatment of nature and the preservation of habitats. Mutual support, joint agenda setting and continuous knowledge transfer are the cornerstones of promising collaborations.”

Specialist program at the IWA OutdoorClassics 2025

The next IWA OutdoorClassics will take place from 27.02.-02.03.2025 in Nuremberg. The technical program will be published in autumn.