Following its successful debut in 2024, the joint stand organised by IWA OutdoorClassics on its own initiative at SHOT Show 2025 (21 to 25 January) will not only be present in Las Vegas for the second time, but will also be sold out for the first time and have an even more international focus. Before we present you with further details, we would like to take a brief look at the history of the still relatively new "IWA Pavilion" project.
The "IWA Pavilion" was launched by NürnbergMesse GmbH at the SHOT Show 2024 after the "Green-led" German Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection cancelled its support for the joint stand known as the "German Pavilion" at the most important trade fair for the hunting and shooting sports industry in the USA. We have already reported here on all4shooters about the Geman Ministry of Economics' reasons for cancelling the sponsorship, which are probably more ideological than factual. From our point of view, the commitment of NürnbergMesse should be valued all the more highly. With the IWA Pavilion at the SHOT Show, which is organised completely independently from an economic perspective, the participation of German and international companies in the USA under the umbrella of the IWA is also a clear commitment to Germany as a business location and to German industry. This is something very valuable that politicians were no longer willing to do and for this the IWA and the exhibitors involved deserve our respect.
As it quickly became apparent that the German Ministry of Economic Affairs would no longer provide funding for this purpose in the future, NürnbergMesse launched the second round of the "IWA Pavilion" at an early stage, so that there will also be a joint stand with a total of 19 exhibitors at the SHOT Show 2025. In addition to a more international focus, the Pavilion 2025 will also be twice as large as this year in terms of exhibition space, at 352 square metres. The exhibitors at this meeting point at the trade fair in Las Vegas, which is particularly important for European industry representatives and trade visitors, come from Germany (Ballistol, Hans Wrage, Hoernecke Defense Technology, Ramfelt, Schmidt & Bender, Spohr, STP. Bender, Spohr, STP by Prommersberger, Theissen Training Systems), Italy (Cervellati Exsto), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Igman, Unis Ginex), Estonia (Eemann Tech), Switzerland (IVF Hartmann), the Netherlands (Double-Alpha Academy), the USA (Zollern North America), Austria (FBT - Fine Ballistic ToolsSteyr Arms) and Turkey (Armed Guns).
What does the IWA Pavilion 2025 offer exhibitors and visitors in Las Vegas and what significance does it have for IWA OutdoorClassics?
To find out more about the background and aims of the IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show 2025, we spoke to Georg Loichinger, PR Manager at IWA, and asked him a few questions about this exciting project.
all4shooters.com: What makes the IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show 2025 so special and why is it so attractive for the participating companies?
Georg Loichinger: First of all, the IWA Pavilion offers participating companies a lucrative platform to present their products to the American market. But it's not just the SHOT Show itself from which they can benefit. An advantage that should not be underestimated is the placement in one of the highest quality halls of the SHOT Show, which is not a matter of course due to the placement procedure of the trade fair. This prime location gives exhibitors increased visibility and attracts a broad international audience. In addition, the companies will of course benefit from the strong IWA brand – the Pavilion will already incorporate the trade fair's new brand design. Participation in the Pavilion offers companies not only efficient participation in the trade fair, but also the opportunity to make valuable business contacts and strengthen their market presence.
all4shooters.com: What role does the IWA Pavilion play for the IWA OutdoorClassics itself and how does it contribute to the positioning of the trade fair?
Georg Loichinger: The history of the Pavilion is well known, we didn't choose this situation in the first place. Nevertheless, it has become an important image project for IWA OutdoorClassics. It emphasises our role as an international industry driver and demonstrates our commitment to offering our exhibitors new and valuable opportunities. The Pavilion strengthens our presence on the global market and promotes dialogue between international players in the hunting and shooting sports industry. This helps us to position IWA OutdoorClassics as a leading trade fair. The Pavilion also shows that we are able to successfully implement innovative concepts and offer our exhibitors real added value.
all4shooters.com: What expectations do you have for IWA Pavilion 2025 and what goals would you like to achieve?
Georg Loichinger: We expect the IWA Pavilion 2025 to be a great success. This year we have already seen how well the Pavilion has been used as a meeting point by various visitors and partners from Europe – and that's exactly what we want to build on. Our aim is to offer the participating companies an ideal platform to showcase their products and innovations. At the same time, we want to promote networking and dialogue within the industry.
all4shooters.com: Thank you very much for the interview, Mr Loichinger.
IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 will also promote young and innovative companies in the industry by expanding the Newcomer Area on its own initiative in future
Due to the negative decision by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, there will also be no resumption of support for young, innovative companies from Germany as part of a joint stand at IWA OutdoorClassics 2025. As at IWA 2024, this is to be compensated for by expanding the Newcomer Area. The Newcomer Area is a shared area for new exhibitors that is intended to enable smaller companies in particular to take part in IWA OutdoorClassics at a favourable price. This area offers trade fair visitors a very good opportunity to find out about new products and innovations.
Stefanie Leege, Exhibition Director of IWA OutdoorClassics, comments on the Ministry of Economic Affairs' decision as follows: "We very much regret that young German innovators from our sector are still not being supported accordingly. We are aware of the situation and are trying to step into the breach as a sponsor and bridge builder through our commitment. With our Newcomer Area, we offer both exhibitors and visitors an attractive solution."
IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 will take place in Nuremberg, Germany, from 27 February to 3 March, 2025
If you would like to take part in the world's leading trade fair for the hunting and shooting sports industry as a trade visitor or exhibitor, you should save this date for 2025. The product portfolio presented at IWA OutdoorClassics from 27 February to 3 March 2025 in Nuremberg includes hunting, sporting and airsoft guns, clothing and high-quality outdoor equipment, as well as personal safety equipment.
Further information for visitors and exhibitors can also be found here on the IWA OutdoorClassics website.
