Sadly this past weekend our former show director of OR Peter Devin passed away. Many of you knew and respected Peter, as he was truly one of the nicest men ever, and was always positive and uplifting. The final adventure of his was his challenge with ALS, and it is truly amazing how he and his family stepped up to the challenge and shared and inspired so many (like me) during an epic situation that showed the very best of family, community and people. If you knew Peter or are just interested, visit his site http://www.peterhdevin.com/2010/?p=1824 . We'll miss you Peter, but your spirit will live on in our memories and shared stories of good times.
January 03, 2013
September 15, 2012
Just another outdoorsy picture...
Chad on the Grand by TO
This is one of those images (taken by Timmy O'Neill) worth a thousand words; something resonates about this image overlooking the Jackson 'Hole', taken from the summit of the Grand, Sept. 11, 2012. It's Chad Jukes, friend of the Outdoor Industry, Paradox Sports and the world. He's apparently hindered somehow by being a lower leg amputee, but I don't see much evidence of that here. Doesn't affect his trumpeting either, I can attest. But it does deepen the meaning and resonance of the image for outdoor professionals and for Americans that he lost it serving our country in Iraq. It's the ultimate expression of personal freedom, blowing his trumpet triumphantly from that lofty mountaintop perch.
It's way after the 11th anniversary of 9/11, but this shot is truly timeless. What does it mean to you?
Kenji
August 08, 2012
Summer 12 coverage
Some interesting links following the Summer Market 2012 show in SLC. The best attended and largest OR show to date. This will be updated and enlarged as more content flows from the industry...
AUG 10 UPDATE -
SNEWS take on the political tussle over public lands and the implication for OR
Gear Junkie 'Gear of the Show' awards - there was no shortage of truly innovative products at Summer OR. http://gearjunkie.com/best-in-show-outdoor-retailer-2012
AUG 9 UPDATE - This interesting article is well written, however our current contractwith SLC is through 2014 (not 2013 as is stated twice in the article).
http://www.firsttracksonline.com/2012/08/06/outdoor-retailer-summer-markets-a-wrap
Live From OR videos front and center on the OR home page http://www.outdoorretailer.com/summer-market/
Quick video treatment from H2O Overdrive of the Open Air Demo featuring a wrap by Billy Currington (country music superstar)
The Bike Culture at #ORShow... alive and thriving!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devakiananda/
From Abe Burmeister, design mind at Outlier
A somewhat off-kilter read on the politics of dancing with the show in SLC...
we'll add more as posts from around the world show up! Check back often...
July 27, 2012
It's 5 O'clock Somewhere
First, thanks to all for the valuable feedback on our decision to push serving time back from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the show. I just got back from Friedrichshafen (The OutDoor Europe show), in the heart of the German countryside on Lake Constanz. In this legendary country of brewing and imbibing, where young children are practically nursed on Hefeweizen or Spaten Boch, you would never guess what their industry show serving time is... yup, 5 p.m. Wouldn't kid you.
This is a topic that we have received more and more feedback on as the show has seen the expansion from a few booths serving beer in the 90s to well over 50 booths serving beer on any given day, or hour, of the show today. The celebration atmosphere of OR is both fun and functional, serving to rejuvenate and grease the wheels of networking for thousands of hard working industry business people toward the end of their work day on the show floor. I am, as show director of OR, no stranger to the celebration scene of the show... in fact, at my very first show attending as a retailer (before there was a Winter OR, in 1988), I quickly earned the nickname 'Mr. Vegas' for the pure zeal I put into that aspect of my work. Different story I can tell you, maybe over a beer...
OR has developed a reputation as a show that gets business done, but has a great 'vibe' at the same time. We know that the party scene each day of the show (and well into the evening, of course) is part of the cultural fabric of the industry, and we would not think to eliminate it or take the show into the 'dry' zone. Perish the thought. But as the celebration scene has, like order deadlines, crept earlier and earlier, exhibitors’ and retailers' voices have gotten louder and more frequent, telling tales of disrupted and rushed 3:30 meetings due to the change in focus brought on with tapping the keg and turning up the tunes. A few years ago we put in place a decibel ceiling of 85dB, which we know takes time and coaching to implement since most booth designers do not include a decibel-meter. Exhibitors understand this disruption and have started to book softer, 'unplugged' type music that is more respectful of neighbors wrapping up business meetings. In response to continued (and widespread) feedback, this year we did make the move to push serving time to 5 p.m. from 4 p.m.
Before the pitchforks and torches come out, keep in mind this is only for free alcohol pouring from booths on the show floor. You can get a frosty cup of beer anytime from any concession stand, and at the New Exhibitor Pavilion – there is a new beer garden for those intrepid attendees getting their thirst on. At Open Air Demo we will also have beer gardens – yes, count them, two. That beer will be pouring earlier for sure, matching the more informal atmosphere of OAD leading into the main event.
Although the overwhelming feedback on this move has been positive, we know this doesn't make everyone happy; we've therefore pushed the 'hard close' of the Salt Palace to 6:45 p.m. to extend party time in the booths... the dogs won't get let loose until 7 p.m.
We are always actively looking for ways to improve the show experience for everyone involved in the business, so please keep those comments coming through all the feedback vehicles we have at our disposal: Twitter (#ORShow, @outdoorretailer); Facebook (Outdoor Retailer); comment on this blog post; put something up in the Collective Voice, email us, or send an old-school letter to show director Kenji Haroutunian at the address below. We'll take you seriously.
Seriously. Look forward to celebrating with you in SLC in just a few days!
Kenji
Outdoor Retailer
31910 Del Obispo #200
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(er, if you send a bottle, give me a heads up... thanks)
May 03, 2012
Lobbying for the Outdoors
*Originally posted on SNEWS Outdoor following Kenji's trip to OIA's Capitol Summit in Washington DC.
Of all the events I am invited to attend and participate in each year, the OIA Capitol Summit is a real highlight. Maybe it's because I'm such a 'Johnny Appleseed' about getting active outdoors, or maybe because I held three of four officerships in my elementary school student government and pine for the old days — I just really enjoy the process of democracy in its true form. Though there are monkey suits involved, there really is very little monkey business. We present a serious industry with serious concerns and serious firepower.
There is something so elemental about getting into a legislator's office in D.C., sitting down with them and explaining how important the Land and Water Conservation funding is to the industry we serve, or how supporting a particular House bill can support thousands of sustainable jobs, or how basic U.S. Forest Service or National Park Service funding support can help consumers learn about (and treasure) our natural national heritage. Often the lobbying call encourages the purchase of more active outdoors goods and services, as it turns out.
So when I feel like whining about the futility of our government, I stop and remind myself that 'hey, you can do something about this, y'know — quit whining!'.
Being a person in the events business, I can quickly imagine how much work goes into coordinating 6 or 10 squadrons of people in a one-day whirlwind tour making meaningful asks of our congressmen/women and showing ourselves as a serious, effective and potent business force in the world. My hat is off to OIA for doing such an amazing job each year with the Capitol Summit. I'm once again enjoying my two days of real activism for our industry and protection of the natural places we love to wear out our gear exploring.
Kenji Haroutunian
Vice President & Group Show Director
Nielsen Expositions
Outdoor Retailer
April 17, 2012
Canoecopia & Long Term Recreational Happiness
“Long term recreational happiness…” I think this may be my favorite line from James Mills’ piece on Canoecopia. Held in Madison, Wisconsin in February, Canoecopia is a consumer show that is seen as an early indicator for the paddling market. From the activity on the show floor, 2012 will be a good year.
The outdoor industry and recreation in general has been a bright light in an otherwise dim economy with strong growth throughout. And I think James is on to something with the notion of “long term recreational happiness;” when other investment option seem to be heading down, investing in ourselves seems to be a pretty safe bet.
Thanks to James Mills and The Joy Trip Project for sharing this piece:
Canoecopia: A bountiful start to the paddling season
The ice is only just off the lakes in Madison Wisconsin. But paddlers of canoes and kayaks are eager to get out on the water. Every year usually on the first warm weekend in March thousands from throughout the Midwest gather to celebrate the bounty of the spring paddling season. The local gear shop called Rutabaga hosts the largest paddle sports expo in North America, an event so big it can only be called Canoecopia.
Owner Darren Bush welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to Madison’s Alliant Energy Center for a full weekend of adventure slideshow presentations, wilderness skill seminars and an unparalleled display of the latest camping and paddling equipment. After an unseasonably warm winter Bush said his customers are pretty excite to get outside. And at Canoecopia they seem to have more than enough money to spend.
“There are lots of open to buy recreational dollars out there for people who didn’t buy skis this year,” Bush said. “That’s sad for skiers but it’s really good for us.”
Despite a brown Christmas with too little snow and flagging ski sales nation-wide outdoor retailers just might look forward to a bright and shiny spring. All that pent up purchasing power could be a true indication of the recovering economy.
“Yeah it’s a bellwether for sure,” Bush said. “People are interested and buying now. I’m seeing a lot of higher-end boats go out, a lot of Kevlar.”
Expensive watercraft made of pricey, lightweight materials are making their way to the registers. And Bush said his customers are buying new boats with a confidence that meets their demand.
“I walked in yesterday; the first women came in the door and said “I want to buy two canoes. What should I get?” Twenty minutes later she had two canoes.
A high-end Kevlar boat can range in price from $1,500 to $5,000 or even higher. But Mike Cichanowski owner of Wenonah Canoe & Kayak in Minnesota said business is brisk and his dealers are buying: “You know we have our winter production set and we’re shipping a lot of boats and you know all the dealers that I see here, and I have a lot of dealers stop buy and say hi just as they’re passing through and almost every one of them has said that they think that spring is starting to show now,” Cichanowski said. “And they’re getting a few more sales than normal and think it’s going to be a particularly good spring this year.”
The turnout for Canoecopia could be an indication of purchasing trends nationwide. It seems that many consumers like Dann Hekman have been saving up their money for a new boat this year and now they’re ready to buy.
“Cash is cheap so I could either have my money sitting in a savings account or something like that making no interest,” Hekman said. “Or I can spend it while the opportunity costs are low.
Consumers are putting their extra cash into purchases that make them happy and supports their active lifestyle. Just ask this economics major and he’ll tell you that a new kayak is money well spent.
“Well it’s not going to have a great return on investment if that’s what you’re asking in terms of like financial benefit,” Hekman said. “I mean I love kayaking. It gives me a lot of tangible utility and benefits. So in that regard I think so. In terms of just mental sanity and dealing with stress at work and stuff, it’s great.”
And first-time boat buyer Alexandra Larsen said she’s making an investment in her long-term recreational happiness.
“It’s something that I think will do really well for me in the long run. You know it is a big purchase but I’m hoping to have this boat for many, many years,” Larsen said. “So I may as well get something that I’m going to be happy in for a long time. So that’s kind of my feeling. It’ll pay me back over the years, I hope.”
The Joy Trip Project is made possible with the support of sponsor Patagonia.
January 07, 2012
UPDATED Friday 13th; Quick Links for WM12
In case the navigation on our site isn't as intuitive for you as we'd like, this blog will serve as an FAQ link lineup for those planning their OR Winter 12 experience and those who just want to know all that is happening in SLC in the outdoor biz the week of Jan. 16 (also MLK Holiday!). BTW for you way-ahead planners, next year (2013) MLK bumps to Jan. 21, and our show continues to stage just afterwards Jan. 23 (AMDemo) thru 27.
More future dates (and show hours)
Registration (badges/credentials to attend)
Download the Winter '12 Mobile App
Your show planner login - (registered attendees and exhibitors only) (password is your badge # or customer #, or auto login from prior emails you've received from us)
All Mountain Demo at Solitude - (Jan. 18, Wed, before show)
Business Ed./Seminars - schedule
Exhibitor List/Floorplan - over 1000 exhibitors! Plan well...
Entertainment/Party 'OR ROCKS!' Schedule -
Student Design Competition 'Project OR' -
and... for good measure, a good basic short article on buying at a tradeshow... we know you already know, but basic reminders always help before entering the fray.
See you in the aisles!
KH
November 30, 2011
Yvon throws the Gauntlet
Last year about this time, I attended the Textile Exchange annual symposium in NYC, where Yvon Chouinard keynoted the event with a bold proclamation... he would market Patagonia products going forward with a new message: 'DON"T BUY THIS UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED IT'. Well he has made good on his word... this ad (running in the NY TIMES) is the latest environmental gauntlet thrown to raise the bar across the industry.
At the TE event in 2010, Yvon also made a few key observations on his 'Most Reluctant Businessman In The World' quest... (does he drink Dos Equis?) one that every time there was a problem to solve in the business, the solution was to Increase The Quality. A second axiom came in a dour message about Sustainability; basically he said there isn't such a thing and we should stop pretending there is. Maybe more delicately put, it's a direction, but not a destination. This address was to a crowd with some of the most thoughtful business leaders in the global supply chain, including design and sourcing executives from Nike, TNF, and many other fashion and non-outdoor brands.
In any case this latest statement by one of the industry's iconic leaders comes at an auspicious time when it is difficult for leaders in business and government to stay focused on an environmental agenda.
So what do you think?
November 01, 2011
Burton, Billabong and the rise of 'action sports' at OR
This is a topic that could use some airing out, and the time is right with the recent announcement that Burton has joined the show with a sizeable presence. There seems to be a prevailing impression that OR has been the windfall recipient of dozens of brands whom, when ASR went dormant, suddenly found themselves with nothing to do in January and August and in need of a trade show to spend their lonely marketing dollars. Absurd? The launch of a new fashion show in L.A. (Santa Monica) that parallels the Agenda format indicates more than one person thinks there is a void to fill.
But that's L.A. - a better place for Outdoor than most think, but that's a tale for different thread.
There are two main points to remember when engaging in the 'actions sports at OR' discussion that is rising in the industry;
1) 'Action Sports' has been part of the fabric of OR for decades - Brands like Dakine, Reef, Patagonia, Smith and Hobie all have the AS/surf lifestyle at their core, over two decades at the show, and are staples in the industry. Quiksilver, Surftech, Havaianas, IPath, and other core AS brands have been at OR over 5 years... in hargoods, footwear, accessories and apparel. What I've seen over the years here is more like a "Natural Progression' than a recent trendline or explosion. That said, the full suite of 'Action Sports' is not represented at OR, for example BMX or Moto elements. The 'Natural' part speaks to the foundation of the activity... which brings us to the second main point when considering the topic.
2) A Shared Platform - all Action Sports happen outdoors on the natural (and public) land and waterscapes we in active outdoor use... therefore the resource at our very foundation is shared. Whether we are talking the waves at Trestles, or the single-track trails at the Syncline, or the gazillion flatwater lakes perfect for kayakfishing and wakeboarding, we share the same access platform. This is why BMX, Moto and even resort skiing/boarding, is somewhat less relevant to the world of OR than Surf, backcountry boarding and Mountain Biking. It doesn't happen on a primarily open space platform; when it does, it's on modified land and is more closely tied to the real estate and development business. Is that important? It definitely affects the cost of access, for one thing.
So what are your thoughts on the situation as traditional Action Sports comes into Active Outdoor (or 'Action Outdoors' as Andy Palmer calls it)? Is this a new opportunity for differentiation among specialty retailers, a power play by the big action sports brands to dominate the Universe, a desparate act by a sector afraid of becoming irrelevant, or the 'natural progression' mentioned above? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thx
KH
August 12, 2011
UPDATED Aftermath Summer OR 2011 & Review Link lineup
How about just a stream of consciousness phrase-fest of bytes I heard while in SLC this past week? That's about all my addled brain can put forth at the moment, and I'll follow with links that can tell the story more in-depth. Guess I'm still in 'space-efficiency' mode.
#hyperlocal BestORShowever #notallfunandgames - O.R.D. - OutsideBestOfShow #ProjectOR Bucking the economic Trend #consolidation #rebooting Lots of Newness #allstarjam Making Things In America #novelconcept Eco-Index rising, Influencers/Thought Leaders/Top Talent #showgoeson After Hours, Sierra Nevada beer, 'Granola Disneyland', belly laughing, outdoorretailerhub.com, SLC tight fit, SLC hospitality, OPE Photo Expo, Sustainable Business, Sustainable Living Roadshow, Sustainable everything, Gear Junkie #bestinshow, Diversity initiatives (or not), OIA, OIBIZ, #outdooruniversity, See you at Rendezvous, Epic Brewery, Missed seeing you at OR, No Reported Thefts?, Reunion breakfast, Paddlesports Advisory Council, orders written, Recess is Back, #thisisntanorderwritingshow, launch successful, Guinness Book record, #SUPZilla, #actionsportsatOR, Growth strategy, #ecotone, Pavilion exhibitors - NEPV, #BSAatOR, IMBA #cyclingatOR, Uncle Archie, where's Beckey?, #fishingatOR Hey Laird, Hey Conrad, Climb Smart, TEDx-style, GearThatDoesn'tSuck Awards, New Product Preview, putthatcameradown!, Letmeshowyouthis, #justtakeasecond, Red Iguana, #Bombara, Park Cafe, Blisters On My Fingers, Curleigh-fried, No Bouldering Comp? #TimmyONeill, #Sharma, OR Daily online
SNEWS recap, with links to many OR Daily articles
http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_Retailer_Summer_Market_2011_recap_081011.html
Get the full social media suite experience here(still jamming like the show is still on!)
http://www.netvibes.com/outdoorretailer#Outdoor_Retailer_Social_Media
And for levity...
http://www.trailsedge.com/blog/how-to-drop-your-outdoorsiness-into-any-conversation/
from the bike industry http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/5801.html
from the Action Sports industry http://business.transworld.net/70332/features/outdoor-retailer-summer-market-day-1/
from the Fly Fishing viewpoint http://www.anglingtrade.com/2011/08/12/lively-discussions-follow-fly-retailers-visits-to-outdoor-retailer/
we'll keep updating as reviews, blogposts, image galleries and video keep rolling out to reveal the heart and soul of our industry today. Keep up the energy, and spread it to our customers!
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