SIA President Responds to Outdoor Retailer Show Announcement

SIA seeksĀ to engage in constructive dialog on how best to serve the entire winter outdoor industry.

Published: November 11, 2016 Press Release

As the official trade association for the winter industry, it’s SIA’s job to look out for our membership’s best interest and the industry as a whole, including the support of any actions taken to reduce stress on the industry. SIA applauds any effort to consolidate shows, however we are concerned that, starting in November of 2018, there will be four winter-specific national trade shows within the span of one year, with three being produced by Emerald Expositions. We feel that this will result in unnecessary stress and economic duress on the suppliers and retailers – not only for SIA members, but across all winter outdoor stakeholders.Ā 

We are all part of one large industry eco-system and the lines are increasingly blurring between winter snow sports and the general outdoor market. Therefore, it’s crucial that we work together to find a way to minimize the number of national shows, while better supporting the regional shows.

As a member-dedicated trade show, SIA’s priority is to facilitate business and our industry’s overall success. The Snow Show has continually provided the lowest price per square foot to exhibit. We collaborate with rep groups and buying groups to facilitate retail business and provide tools and research with the Industry & Intelligence education. Being located in Denver, Colorado, the heart of the outdoor industry and a leader in outdoor activism, the SIA Snow Show also recognizes the importance of the value of advocacy and stewardship when it comes to climate change, environmental concerns and accessibility to the outdoors.

For well over 50 years, SIA and the SIA Snow Show have served the winter industry, providing resources to its members, enabling them to make the best possible business decisions. A consolidated trade show landscape that not only speaks to the current buy-sell cycle, but also better addresses the financial constraints faced by suppliers and retailers will ultimately help to unite and strengthen the industry.Ā 

SIA welcomes Emerald and OIA to engage in constructive dialog on how best to serve the entire winter outdoor industry and the invaluable role that the SIA Snow Show plays.

Nick Sargent
President

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series