Outdoor industry leaders explored the big issues facing business at the 2024 EUROPEAN OUTDOOR SUMMIT (EOS) this month. The tenth anniversary event was held in Cambridge in the UK and delivered a two-day programme of speakers, discussions, workshops and networking. The summit was organised by the EUROPEAN OUTDOOR GROUP (EOG) in partnership with host national association the OUTDOOR INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION (OIA).
Founded in 2014, the EOS is a business-focused annual gathering of senior outdoor industry professionals. Each Summit addresses the major topics that concern the outdoor sector and other businesses, cultivating conversation and cooperation to confront challenges and open opportunities. For 2024, the agenda put a strong emphasis on core business topics with insights and contributions from within the sector and from wider industry.
Gore-Tex has been a major sponsor of EOS since it was founded. Other sponsors and partners include YKK, Bleckmann, EXPED, Outdooractive, IWA Outdoor Classics, Outdoor Trade Show, Sporting Insights, myclimate, Altra, EDM Publications, Outdoor i and Suston.
The 2024 EOS attracted 200 business leaders to the Cambridge Union Society, the oldest continuously running debating society in the world. Organisers worked closely with the faculty from the UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE JUDGE BUSINESS SCHOOL to develop the programme and the internationally renowned institution provided three keynote speakers for the event.
Other presenters included senior figures and experts from several sectors, covering topics including recommerce, putting nature at the heart of strategy, the drive for more equality and diversity in the outdoors, risk management and compliance, leadership in times of uncertainty and rethinking how to engage with AI.
Along with presentations, discussions and workshops, the summit provided numerous networking opportunities over its two days, including a dinner event sponsored by the European industry’s premier trade show, OutDoor. During EOS, delegates were presented with details of the ALL-NEW CONCEPT for the show for 2025.
There were also outdoor activities on both days, with two morning runs organised by Altra plus ‘walks and talks’ with #itsgreatoutthere, OPENING UP THE OUTDOORS and PROTECT OUR WINTERS. Those who wanted to clear their heads at the start of the day had the option of meditation sessions with the EOG’s Sophie Bulman.
Scott Nelson, EOG managing director said, “We really made an extraordinary effort to make this edition of the EOS memorable, and responsive to the feedback we have been receiving over the years. This is why there was an elevated focus on the economic as well as the ecological challenges and opportunities facing our sector. We set out to provide content that would stand up to the truly inspiring venue and weighty setting, and from the feedback we have received, it’s clear we were able to achieve that.
“A lot of hard work by many individuals and organisations made that possible. We’re grateful to all of them, to our great sponsors, and to the Outdoor Industries Association for helping us to bring EOS back to the UK. It was a great way to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the European Outdoor Summit and we’re excited about the future of this important platform for our sector. Watch this space for news soon.”
About the European Outdoor Group
The European Outdoor Group was founded in 2003 by 19 of the world’s largest outdoor companies; all recognised the need for a cohesive, cross-border approach to representation of the outdoor sector. In a world of increasing internationalisation, legislation, environment, the media and trade are all now multinational issues. The combined strength of the EOG’s 120 members provides the group with an extremely powerful force to represent the European outdoor industry in a constructive and positive manner.
Photos: Pete Webb