Updated 5:52 p.m. with comments from ASR’s Andy Tompkins.
Professional skater and Black Box Distribution founder Jamie Thomas answered some questions today about his Crossroads trade show partnering with ASR.
Why team up with ASR?
With the simple goal of creating the best possible retail show for the skate industry. We’re constantly trying to figure out how we can make the show better. We feel that teaming up with ASR on the same dates as their event across the street from the convention center will be more convenient and accessible for exhibitors and retailers.
Why hold it in the parking lot at Petco?
Being outdoors is part of what makes Crossroads feel the way it does, there are few rules and it’s self policing. Petco is close by ASR and the parking lot is smooth with plenty of room for a street course, so it’s the best case scenario.
Is this a long term deal?
We’ve agreed to work with ASR for the February and August shows for consistency sake, but I want to make sure all the exhibitors and retailers feel good about the partnership before we agree to anything outside of 2010.
Why not hold it at the Convention Center?
Crossroads is a skate show and no matter how you slice it, it feels more like skateboarding in a parking lot. The goal is for everyone attending to feel comfortable like it’s their show.
What do you think about The Berrics partnering with Agenda?
It’s cool the skate industry is finally getting so much support, and in the end the retailers win and that’s the way it should be.
Editor’s note: Here are some comments from Andy Tompkins of ASR regarding the deal with Crossroads.
Do you hope this will bring skate brands back to ASR?
Crossroads has established itself as the global event with the most definitive collection of relevant skate brands, so by co-locating Crossroads with ASR retailers will be able to see a complete selection of skate, along with surf and fashion brands all in the same location.
Would he prefer to have Crossroads in the Convention Center?
One of the most important aspects of this partnership is to remain true to the environment and vibe that Crossroads has created, and over the last two years Crossroads has established this in an outdoor setting. So it is important to continue the outdoor aspect of Crossroads and co-locating with ASR just adds retail buying power to the Crossroads event without taking away from its unique atmosphere. We both feel it is important not to change anything that has worked so well at Crossroads so the focus is on adding to the experience.
Is it a good counterpoint to Agenda’s move with The Berrics?
We completely respect what The Berrics is doing with Agenda and are excited to see the skate category getting so much attention. But we also feel that Crossroads is a unique event that has provided a platform for the skate industry to conduct business in a manner that no other event producer has been able to accomplish.
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