Registration for the OutDoor Industry Awards is now open. In its fourth year this prestigious award is given in recognition of innovation in the outdoor sector. Entries will be accepted in the following categories: Apparel/Helmets/Shoes, Backpacks/Travel luggage, Mountain-climbing equipment, Camping equipment, Sleeping bags and Accessories. Two additional categories have been introduced for the first time: products with high ecological and sustainable value and material innovations. The “Concepts” category is restricted to students who would like to submit experimental drafts of yet to be realised products and studies. Participation for students is free of charge.

The Awarded products are displayed during the OutDoor fair, July 16-19, Friedrichshafen, Germany. The jury will also name additional “GOLD award winners” for the most innovative products. The winners of these special awards will not be announced until the Awards Ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on July 16 during the show in Friedrichshafen.

The “OutDoor Celebrity of the Year” will also be selected once again this year, in 2008 the award was presented to Rolf Schmid, CEO of the Mammut Sports Group and President of the European Outdoor Group.