International
European Kayak & Canoe Exhibition 2004
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| The
international canoe trade met on the 23-26 September in the
upper Bavarian town of Rohrdorf. The trade had the chance to
see the newest gear, find out the latest trends and to make
new friends within the industry. |
View from the balcony to the back side of the hall
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The
"Kanumesse" is a small but very dedicated trade
show which is organised by the industry itself. It was
born out of the "Rosenheim Canoe Days" and has
very quickly advanced to be the most important trade show
in Europe for manufacturers, importers and dealers alike.
There were visitors from overseas, Europe as well as many
local dealers. |
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The
modern sports centre in Rohrdorf (near Rosenheim) was
completely sold out, with many exhibitors finding space
to exhibit with some of the local manufacturers.
On the nearby Simssee (Lake) there was a "Test Centre"
for kayaks and canoes. |
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| The
"Kanumesse" stands out for many reasons: |
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The extensive ranges of canoe products and the information
on new gear have helped to create growth in the industry
and have given it a new impulse.
- Canoeing
and kayaking are focused and are the centre of attention.
The canoeing trade stands on its own and is not a minority
industry stuck onto the back of some other show. It’s
all about canoeing.
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| Another
key to the success was the friendly ambience, the new
sports hall and everything being close at hand. The nearby
hotels were completely under the command of the canoeists.
The social highlight of this years "Kanumesse"
has to be the combined manufactures and trade evening
dinner in the traditional Bavarian pub "Wirt in Persdorf"
where all had an excellent time. |
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The
date for the "Kanumesse" 2005 has been set and
this should avoid any clashes with other events such as
the Interboot etc. For 2005 even more visitors and exhibitors
have made clear their intention to be there which will
in turn lead to the problem of space. This is a problem
that will have to be solved in the future. |
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| The
enormous success of the "Kanumesse" has not come from
an exhibition organisation but is the result of colleagues working
together. Everyone in the canoeing trade has recognised the
need for this show and have played their part to make it a success. |
- The
exhibitors, who put on a professional show and have
built an eye catching stand
- The
visitors, for coming and showing an interest in the
products.
- The
colleagues who put in hours of work for film shows,
the test centre and shuttle etc.
- And
of course to all the many helpers who made this show
possible.
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The
"Kanumesse" has shown in the true pioneer
spirit how an industry can help itself using its own
initiative to organise a successful exhibition. The
next chapter will follow in September 2005. |
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(Photos:
Holger Heuber;, Text Horst Fürsattel Sept. 29, 2004) |
