13 February 2023 - The comments of the operators in the 5 pavilions of EOS were really flattering: 37.598 visitors is a number close to the Italian record in the sector, over the 3 days of the fair. But it is not only the high number of visitors that should be emphasized and framed. «The quality of the EOS audience is remarkable: true and competent enthusiasts», confirmation Daniele Piva, Beretta sales manager. «The intent of our "system" was to create an important moment of aggregation and so it was: the companies invested to present themselves at their best, the services of EOS and Veronafiere were really up to it». It is the same opinion as Martin Boucquey, Marketing Director of Browning: «We were impressed by the infrastructure, organization and services. The audience asked us the right questions and demonstrated competence. We will definitely come next year and ask for a larger space». Frédérik Colombiè of the Italian branch of the Belgian group he declared himself surprised: «Never seen so many hunters and shooters: we appreciated their education and shared the happiness of a dedicated event after the pandemic. I give 5 stars to EOS!».
«We at the Consortium of Italian gunsmiths have always supported the importance of a fair aimed at consumers», declares Pierangelo Pedersoli owner of the homonymous company and president of Conarmi, «so we can only be satisfied with the choice to be a partner of the EOS organization. As a manufacturer of muzzle-loading replicas, I find that these are now seen as complementary both for shooting and hunting». Rino Chiappa, president of the international group Chiappa Firearms also shows interest in a business-only fair: «EOS Show has ample room for growth and I hope for greater aggressiveness also at an international level. The Italian market is a small slice of our business, but I can't help but notice the positive turnout and good organization».
"I've only heard positive reviews", declares Bruno Beccaria, commercial director of Benelli. "Very good for us: we saw many gunsmiths and also foreigners, we recorded good humor and dynamism, the exhibition center proved to be up to par".
"We made a breakthrough after the covid phase", he notes Francesco Gazzetta, Italy sales director of Fiocchi ammunition. «This shows that the passion remains alive in the Italian public. We are proud to have presented a series of "green" products, because aiming for the sustainability of our activities seems to us the right choice». All the hunting associations were very active during the show. «We supported the #FirmaPerLaCaccia initiative launched by the European Federation FACE, to support hunters' requests and to ask Europe not to work against hunters», explains Massimo Buconi, president of Federcaccia. «The large turnout of Italian hunters here at EOS can only please us, considering the fact that we have met many young people».
Many hunters, but also many shooters, according to the wide angle of view of Achille Berti, sales and marketing director of the distributor Bignami: «We were afraid that the combination with dogs and fishing could be distracting, but it didn't and we are very satisfied with the result». Satisfied too Luca Sarnataro, global sales director of Crispi sport: “Lots of people in the corridors even today. The passion shines through in the public, which I also found very knowledgeable and competent: they know what they want». Tiziano Poli, owner of the Poli brothers, represents the quality craftsmanship of the weapons and has received positive sensations: «We have worked much more than in the past year and we expect to materialize in reservations and orders. I've also seen many thirty-year-olds, which doesn't hurt."
Massimo Tanfoglio, owner of the homonymous company specialized in sporting handguns, evaluates the turnout positively: "The more people the better: now we'll see if this movement will bear fruit."
Basically on the same wavelength Giorgio Guerini of Fabarm and Caesar Guerini: «There is no denying the decisive step forward compared to last year and also the quality of service from EOS. We have measured the desire and interest of the public after the pandemic, we will evaluate the results in terms of turnover".
As far as fishing is concerned, the influx of visitors has also positively surprised Edy Donà of Flytiersworld: "Beautiful, really beautiful! After complicated years, finally meeting all together was exciting. As far as I'm concerned, I'm very satisfied.".
He echoes it Francesco Ruscelli, general manager of Colmic Italia who did not fail to highlight how the EOS Show was a precious opportunity to return to trade fairs after a few years of absence «We have met many customers, old and new, who have shown great interest in the many innovations we have proposed».
«The period is really the right one and I must say that the organization has always been present and very quick to meet our every need». the words of Orazio Gatti from "Puss in Boots" they leave no room for interpretation. Also Roberto Trabucco of Trabucco International he did not fail to highlight how the choice of this moment of the year is really spot on: «I expect the EOS Show to grow again next year».
And finally, Stefano Sammarchi, owner of the Italian Molix, commented on his experience at Eos Show as follows: “The number of enthusiasts I saw exceeded my expectations. I was very impressed by the enthusiasm that was breathed among the stands and I must say that the path taken seems to me to be the right one».
The next edition of EOS Show will take place at Veronafiere from 17 to 19 February 2024.
EOS-European Outdoor show is a major trade fair, in its second edition, organized by the Consortium of Italian Gunsmiths (Con.Arm.I) and by Pintails Srl. On the website eos-show.com news and exhibitor list, all calendars and more information are available.