In 2026, IWA OutdoorClassics will take place from 26 February to 1 March, i.e. over four days from Thursday to Sunday (here you can find initial information about IWA 2026 on all4shooters). From next year, the trade fair dates for the IWA at the end of February/beginning of March – which has been customary for decades – will now be postponed: IWA 2027 will take place over just three days from Tuesday, 13 April to Thursday, 15 April 2027. By moving the event to the middle of the week in April and shortening the dates, the organisers are aiming to meet more closely the needs of international exhibitors, who are becoming increasingly important for the trade fair. True to its current motto "Made for Trade", IWA OutdoorClassics continues to clearly position itself as the leading trade fair for the international firearms industry and emphasises its position as a B2B platform that focuses on the specialist trade and the industry.
The reasons for the more international orientation of IWA OutdoorClassics
Changes in social, political and technological conditions have led to lasting changes in the industry. IWA OutdoorClassics is responding to this with the aim of actively shaping the market as a leading B2B platform – through formats such as IWA Vision and IWA Expert. With the slogan "Made for Trade", it clearly places the international specialist trade at the center. The postponement is therefore likely to be just the first step in a long-term strategy.
“We have listened very carefully,” says Stefanie Leege, Exhibition Director of IWA OutdoorClassics. “The feedback was clear: the start of the year is tightly scheduled for many companies. With the new date, we create breathing space in the calendar and enable more efficient participation. We need a exhibition that is not only relevant but also efficient. With this change, we at IWA are now acting decisively to provide relief for the industry. At the same time, we always keep a global perspective on developments,” Leege continues.
So what is behind the new IWA claim "Made for Trade"? This emphasises the trade fair's claim that it sees itself as the ideal place for business deals, for cultivating existing and making new business contacts, and for strategic discussions. This required important impulses, such as a stronger B2B focus, more efficient offers for international exhibitors and visitors and a trade-oriented supporting programme. "For us, Made for Trade means creating conditions that strengthen the trade,” explains Leege, emphasising that the change of dates is a logical step in this development.
The decision to move the IWA to April from 2027 and to schedule it for three days during the week is intended in particular to make it easier for international exhibitors and trade visitors to travel to and participate in the event: exhibitors will have lower costs and travelling to the trade fair will be easier for visitors. “Three days are absolutely sufficient if the quality is right.We don’t expect any losses, but rather a stronger focus on what really matters,” concludes Leege on the new concept.
What the industry says about the new IWA dates from 2027 – initial comments are positive
Olaf Sauer, President of the Association of Manufacturers of Hunting and Sporting Firearms and Ammunition (JSM), sees the postponement as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the German industry in international competition: “From the perspective of the German industry, the change of dates is a decisive step to ease the overloaded start of the year. Many of our companies face the challenge of attending several trade fairs within just a few weeks – this ties up enormous resources. The new date gives us the opportunity to prepare products more thoroughly, manage marketing campaigns more strategically, and improve the quality of our trade fair presentations. We see this not merely as an organizational adjustment, but as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of the German industry in an international context. Especially for German manufacturers with a strong export focus, IWA remains an indispensable global platform.”
Tony Bernado, President of the World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA), welcomes the decision to move IWA to a new midweek date in April: "As the World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA), we strongly support the strategic evolution of IWA OutdoorClassics as the leading international meeting point for decision-makers in the hunting, shooting sports, and civilian firearms industry. WFSA plays a key role in global advocacy and policy dialogue, representing the interests of millions of hunters and sport shooters at the highest international level, including the United Nations. For us, IWA is not only a marketplace but a critical forum for discussing regulatory frameworks, promoting responsible practices, and ensuring that the voice of our community is heard worldwide. The decision to adjust the event dates reflects a forward-looking approach that strengthens IWA’s position as a hub for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. We welcome this development as an opportunity to deepen international cooperation and advance constructive solutions for the future of our sector.“
Michael Blendinger, President of the Association of German Gunsmiths and Firearms Retailers (VDB), recognises clear advantages and an important course for the future in the postponement of the IWA from 2027: “For the trade – both national and international – the rescheduling is a clear advantage. Due to the trade fair marathon in the first quarter, it had become difficult for exhibitors and visitors to follow all developments with interest. The proximity to the hunting season now opens up additional opportunities for in-depth discussions and product range renewals. Thanks to the prior breathing space, the industry can orient itself and give IWA the clear attention it deserves. At the same time, IWA remains the central venue for ordering and networking. This underscores IWA’s unique position as the international B2B key platform for the industry – clearly separated from B2C shows. As an association, we see this as an important course-setting for the future: IWA focuses on the needs of the trade and creates a platform that is more efficient and relevant than ever before. Now it is up to all of us to actively support this change and continue to develop the trade fair together.”
Further information on the trade fair can also be found here on the IWA OutdoorClassics website.
