ORBDAYS: a continuous growth with an international pace

The 2025 edition of ORBDAYS ended with record-breaking numbers, reaffirming its status as the leading trade show for the outdoor and running market, even beyond Italian borders. With over 3,000 registered professionals, 130 exhibitors and 200 brands, 1,600 retailers representing 600 stores, and 80 buyers from more than 10 countries, the event showcased its growing international relevance

The 11th edition of the Outdoor & Running Business Days concluded with record numbers, marking a decisive step forward in its internationalization process. On May 25 and 26, Riva del Garda welcomed over 3,000 industry professionals, including 1,600 retailers from 600 store brands, more than 130 exhibitors, and 200 brands. Buyers, media, and foreign operators confirmed the event’s new global direction, with countries represented including Germany, France, the United States, Mexico, Japan, Romania, Slovenia, Austria, Moldova, Ukraine, Spain, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece, and Brazil.

A CONSOLIDATED AND INCREASINGLY STRATEGIC FORMAT
ORBDAYS confirmed the strength of its format, which combines product testing, workshops, networking, and training. A dynamic ecosystem where professionals and companies meet to do business and exchange ideas, projects, and insights on trends and strategies.

THE NEW EXHIBITION CONCEPT
Over the years, ORBDAYS has evolved into a true trade show while maintaining its experiential spirit. In 2025, the event adopted a fully exhibition-style layout with pre-furnished stands—clear evidence of its maturation and growing importance. ORBDAYS is now a trade hub where brands can preview their collections and retailers can place orders in a functional and inspiring setting, with meaningful interaction as the driving force for growth.

AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT
One of the major highlights of 2025 was the official opening to foreign markets: more than 80 international buyers and distributors attended the fair, engaging in B2B meetings and product testing sessions. This was the result of coordinated efforts by MagNet, the Italian Outdoor Group, and Assosport, strengthened by an ICE-led foreign operator hosting program. On the afternoon of May 26, the delegation also joined a special outdoor activity and a strategic networking retail tour in Arco. A key presence at the fair was the Scandinavian Outdoor Group, including its president David Nordblad, as well as representatives from the European Outdoor Group, with whom MagNet initiated promising discussions for future partnerships.

A RICH LINE-UP
The exhibition brought together the best of the Italian and international outdoor and running sectors. Long-time main partner Polartec strengthened its presence with an impressive setup: a branded relaxation area, hot-air balloon, igloo, and a timeline narrating the brand’s innovation journey. Institutional partners Trentino and Riva del Garda Fiere Congressi also played an important role. Numerous companies attended, representing the cream of the crop in both Italian and international markets. The rich line-up underscored ORBDAYS’ role in attracting both major industry players and emerging brands seeking visibility and meaningful connections.

ORBDAYS GAMES: BUSINESS AND GAMIFICATION
Another 2025 novelty was the ORBDAYS Games, which turned networking into an even more dynamic and engaging experience. Retailers earned points by visiting booths, attending workshops, placing orders, or testing products. Top scorers will win exclusive prizes such as trips, hospitality packages, and special entries to industry events and races.

SYNERGY WITH THE ITALIAN OUTDOOR GROUP
The long-standing partnership with the Italian Outdoor Group of Assosport was confirmed again in 2025. The IOG Plaza was a central hub for relationships and innovation, hosting meetings between companies and retailers, product presentations, and institutional moments like welcoming international operators.

VISION: THE WORKSHOPS
Two highlights stood out: a talk in collaboration with Sterrato focusing on run clubs and new trends in the running world, featuring renowned guests such as Marco De Gasperi, Maurizio Torri, and Filippo Canetta, who offered valuable insights on industry evolution. The second was the presentation of the research study “Sustainability: Are Italian Outdoor Companies Ready?”, promoted by MagNet and Green Media Lab with support from the Italian Outdoor Group. The results—exclusively published by Il Sole 24 Ore—were discussed in a panel with key figures including Günther Acherer (CEO of Panorama Diffusion Srl), Thomas Aichner (GM of Sportservice Erwin Stricker), Andrea Maggiani (founder of Carbonsink), Elena Colombo (Commercial Manager at LaMunt), Alessandro Perseo (Global Marketing Director at Polartec), and Vittorio Forato (Marketing Manager at AKU).

TRAINING: PRESENTATIONS
In 2025, ORBDAYS continued to dedicate space to training and presentations across a range of topics, from product news and technology to exclusive previews, data, and strategic insights. Popular presentations took place in both the conference room and the IOG Plaza, with contributions from Ulysses, Dolomite, Under Armour, Salewa, Dynafit, AKU, La Sportiva, Joma, and ATOM. A special mention goes to the emotional presentation of the KOM (Kulture of Mountain Experience) project by Karhu and Ferrino, featuring a beautiful and intimate live music performance by singer-songwriter Alberto Bianco.

EXPERIENCES AND SPECIAL GUESTS
Although the event is becoming increasingly business-focused, it retains its experiential soul, continuing to captivate participants. The event opened with a run by Ulysses, followed by a hike with Salewa, and various trail sessions with brand collaborations like i-eXe, Merrell, Julbo, and Leki. Highlights also included the Social Sunset Trail Run by Altra, Smartwool, and Vibram; morning (trail) runs with La Sportiva and Dynafit; the Joma trail with Julbo and Gabel; a run with BV Sport and Merrell; and the Gravel Run by Salomon.

Climbing enthusiasts tested gear from Wild Country, Evolv, and Petzl on one of Arco’s iconic walls alongside brand ambassadors such as Federica Mingolla and Laura Giunta. The bouldering area within the fair, managed by Spaghetti Boulder by Rock Experience athletes, was also a big hit. Among the most anticipated guests was Moroccan athlete Elhousine Elazzaoui, NNormal ambassador and recent winner of the Basque marathon Zegama, the third stage of the Golden Trail Series, which he won in 2024. The short film The Nomad was screened during the event.

THE ORBDAYS PARTY BY POLARTEC
As always, the unmissable ORBDAYS party was held at Spiaggia degli Olivi in Riva del Garda. It started with a lakeside dinner—another key moment for networking—followed by a thrilling DJ set by DJ Aladyn from Radio Deejay. His live performance and electrifying music mix got everyone dancing, making this a highlight of the event.

A SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE EVENT
ORBDAYS calculated and offset its carbon footprint thanks to a partnership with Climate Partner and Green Media Lab, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to ethical, social, and environmental responsibility. This journey led MagNet to become a Benefit Corporation in 2020 and obtain the B Corp certification in 2022.

THE FUTURE IS ALREADY UNDERWAY
ORBDAYS’ internationalization will continue in 2026 with even more strategic actions, including the addition of new product categories and a possible extension of the event over multiple days. The challenge will be to maintain a dual focus: both Italian and global. And many more exciting developments are on the horizon.