Gustavo Meyer
12 min read
So, What’s the deal with the European Outdoor Summit? Why was it such a big deal for MS Partners?
The European Outdoor Summit is like the Glastonbury Festival for the outdoor industry – minus the mud (hopefully). It’s where industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries converge for a couple of days to chat about the latest trends, tackle industry challenges, and figure out how to sell more rain jackets, backpacks, and thermal socks. Brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Ortovox, and Rab were all there, swapping stories and ideas with retailers, tech wizards, and service providers, including MS Partners.
For MS Partners, showing up wasn't just a case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out); it was crucial. The skills and expertise they bring to the table in Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Product Compliance, and Compliance Risk Management are pretty much what the outdoor industry needs to navigate today’s increasingly complex world.
The hot topics: what was everyone talking about?
The Summit was like a buffet of topics – from AI to leadership, from brand authenticity to product durability, and from diversity to risk management. It was the ultimate crash course on what’s trending in the outdoor world.
But choosing the most relevant topics was like picking the best trail snack – almost impossible! Different brands are at different stages in their journey, but one thing that stood out was the work The North Face is doing in the reparability space. They’re not just sewing up torn jackets; they’re stitching together new possibilities to expand their customer base and business opportunities. It’s the kind of innovative thinking that makes you go, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
How’s the Outdoor Industry doing on ESG topics? Are they ahead or still playing catch-up?
Great question! If you’ve ever tried to hike in sneakers, you know the importance of staying ahead of the game – and the outdoor industry seems to get that. Thanks to the unique demands of their products, they’re leaps and bounds ahead of the general fashion industry. But here's the twist: implementing ESG regulations is where things get tricky.
The EOG has been a rock-solid partner, helping the industry stay on top of the ever-changing regulatory landscape. But let’s face it – while the legal demands are growing faster than a mountain trail in the Himalayas, the resources being allocated to ESG and sustainability teams aren't quite keeping up. It’s like trying to climb Everest with a backpack full of bricks – possible, but far from ideal. The key challenge now is figuring out how to implement these regulations effectively, without collapsing from the weight.
Risk Management in ESG: why should outdoor brands dare to take more risks?
“Risk” – it’s a word that usually makes people as uncomfortable as wet socks on a long hike. But according to Gustavo, risk-taking is the only way to move forward in uncertain times. Instead of avoiding risk, brands need to manage it by understanding inherent and residual risks, implementing controls, and continuously improving.
But here’s the kicker: most brands are still doing this the old-school, qualitative way. Gustavo shared with the industry that there’s a more advanced method – a quantitative approach that’s like upgrading from a paper map to a top-of-the-line GPS. And the best part? MS Partners is ready to guide these companies through their compliance journey, just like a seasoned trail leader.
Gustavo Meyer talking about Risk Management in the ESG Environment at the European Outdoor Summit 2024
Top 3 takeaways from the Summit: Gustavo’s backpack of wisdom
- The European Outdoor Summit Is a Goldmine of Knowledge: There’s something magical about learning from an entire industry’s collective experiences. It’s worth its weight in, well, gold (or maybe Gore-Tex?).
- The Spirit of Openness: The participants weren’t just swapping business cards; they were genuinely sharing their experiences, mistakes, and successes. It’s refreshing to see such collaboration in a world that often feels like a competition.
- Don't Be Left Behind: Brands that skip the Summit are missing out on crucial insights, networking opportunities, and industry updates. It’s like trying to hike a trail blindfolded – not recommended.
Why you should join the EOG – like, seriously
If you’re in the outdoor industry and not yet part of the EOG, what are you waiting for? They’re not just a group – they’re a community that provides support, insights, and a platform to grow. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something bigger. After all, you wouldn’t go camping without a tent, would you?
How MS Partners can help you navigate the ESG wilderness
MS Partners is here to guide you on your ESG, Product Compliance, and Sustainability journey. With over 15 years of experience, they’ve got the skills to help you through the marketing, digitalization, ESG, and product compliance landscape. Think of them as your sherpa for climbing the mountain of sustainability – they’ve done this before and know all the shortcuts.
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