Following the cancellation of this year’s OutDoor by ISPO because of Covid-19, the Ispo Group has announced that the Outstanding Outdoor awards will still take place, albeit in a slightly different form. Owing to current regulations and travel restrictions, it is not possible to test the products under real “alpine” conditions. The Ispo Group plans to find a suitable location in the vicinity of Munich, where the products can be tested under the most realistic conditions possible. However, this will depend, to a large extent, on the legal regulations that apply at the time of the jury meeting. The composition of the jury is also subject to the applicable travel and health regulations and, therefore, not yet finalized.
To give the brands more time under the more demanding production circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic, a two-stage evaluation process will be implemented with the first round (June 3-4) being carried out digitally, based on theoretical facts and product specifications. The deadline for submissions is May 29. Only those qualifying for the second round need to submit a physical product by June 15. The final jury meeting will then take place on June 17-18.
Obviously, there is no price advantage for exhibitors this year. The registration fees are €225 for early birds or €325 for regular applications. Nothing has been changed regarding the communication fees, which are due in case a product wins an award. Ispo is planning a more extensive video and 360-degree photo production for every award winner, as well as extended communications on ispo.com.
The award ceremony will be held virtually between June 28 and July 1, the original dates of this year’s OutDoor by Ispo, with the framework still to be determined.
