Press Release:
Los Angeles, CA (November 28, 2011) – On the heels of a successful alliance at its August show S.L.A.T.E. has announced that it will bolster its partnership with The Board Retailers Association (BRA), the non-profit trade association representing more than 600 action sports retailers in the surf, skate, snow, wake, kite, wind and stand-up paddle industry, for the upcoming February 2012 S.L.A.T.E. show.
In addition to an enhanced presence on the show floor, S.L.A.T.E. and BRA will also augment programs from last year, extending its educational seminar from one opening day seminar to a series of three with topics ranging from social search marketing to marketplace trends to driving retail traffic. An expanded BRA resource center will also be placed on the show floor, in an effort to provide educational resources and exclusive information. In its second year, BRA and S.L.A.T.E. will once again co-host an invite-only dinner honoring a key player in the action sports industry. Last Season S.L.A.T.E. and BRA honored Dave Nash of Sun Diego Board Sports for his ongoing contributions to the industry.
“We’ve been inspired by a successful collaboration in year one of our partnership with BRA and are intent on exceeding the expectations of the action sports industry through enhanced programming and resources come February,” said Andrew Pollard, Executive Vice President of Advanstar’s Fashion Group.
“Our partnership with S.L.A.T.E. allowed us to expand our reach within the action sports industry and the independent retailer community at the grassroots level,” said Michael Duncan, President of BRA. “In our second show, we’ll take things to the next level with even more educational seminars and offerings.”
Similar to last year, retailers who are not yet members of BRA are encouraged to stop by the BRA Booth at S.L.A.T.E. for more information about the benefits of joining their community: being privy to discounts and special benefits, the advice and mentoring by other members, and being kept abreast of the latest education and technology.
Duke Edukas, owner of Surfside Sports, said of his experience at the August show, “S.L.A.T.E. has done a great job assembling the action sports community in Vegas. The August show was very productive for us – buyers were able to spend quality time with key brands, discover great new lines, and place orders – all of which are things that keep independent retailers alive and successful.”
About S.L.A.T.E.
S.L.A.T.E. is a curated gathering of progressive brands and emerging talent within the street, skate and surf communities within MAGIC. Defined by an authentic vibe and unapologetically fresh perspective, S.L.A.T.E. spotlights the fashion of those inspiring the trends of tomorrow. Housed at the state-of-the-art Mandalay Bay Convention Center, S.L.A.T.E. offers the best of both worlds – the autonomy of a separate show with its own look and feel plus adjacency to The Project Global Tradeshow and the benefit of being a part of the largest fashion trade event in the world. The February 2012 S.L.A.T.E. will run from February 13–15, 2012. For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information please visit www.S.L.A.T.E.online.com.
About Board Retailers Association (BRA)
The Board Retailers Association (BRA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 3,500 action sport storefronts across the country. The association serves as the preeminent voice for independent retailers on a grassroots level with manufacturers, trade show representatives, and other associations. BRA also works to provide educational resources and exclusive discounts and savings from vendors on the day-to-day costs of business. For a complete explanation and description of Retail Member benefits, visit www.boardretailers.org.
