The combined shows provided a bigger show experience for exhibitors with the added benefit of consumer engagement.
[Denver, CO]: Lost Paddle Events announced the successful execution of The Big Gear Show and (e)revolution e-Bike show at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The combined show had over 250 exhibitors and attracted close to 4000 attendees during the four-day event, including two trade show days and two consumer show days. Many exhibitors appreciated the unique B2B2C show format in which they engaged with retailers and consumers at one show.
Yamaha Staff demonstrating an e-bike on the test track.
Photo Credit: Billy Michels
In its inaugural year, (e)revolution showcased over forty global e-Bike brands across categories like commuter, cargo, and mountain e-bikes. A significant feature of the show was the 28,000-square-foot e-Bike demo track. It offered every attendee the opportunity to test any e-bike on display at the show and experience the power-assist features on inclines and various rollers, ramps, and zigzags. Many brands worked directly with local retailers to assist riders on the test track, allowing retailers and brands to collaborate on developing potential consumer sales leads.
“This has been a fantastic show,” said Ryan Spinks at Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles, discussing (e)revolution. “We loved the mix of the B2B and consumer aspect; we had really good conversations with all our retailers, and then we had our local retailers assist at the demo track where we have been able to feed them leads all day long.”
Now in its third year, The Big Gear Show demonstrated its leadership in producing an inclusive outdoor industry show. The show featured companies and gear representing a wide range of outdoor activities from several well-established brands and numerous innovative startups, like supporting sponsor Acacia. As one of the newer overland brands at the show, they exhibited their new 3-in-1, portable, modern outdoor dwelling system.
“The show helped put Acacia Outdoor on the map,” said Ryan Hayter, president of Hayter Industries, Acacia’s PR and marketing firm. “The fledging brand was inundated with partnership and retail inquiries. The level of interest in the product helped shed light on new and creative opportunities within the industry that will ultimately shape the brand.”
Among the many startups were companies led by underrepresented communities within the outdoor industry, including Tough Cutie, Northside Bags, and over two dozen young companies hosted by the show’s inclusivity partners. For many of these new brands, The Big Gear Show was their first time to experience an industry trade show, offering them the chance to be discovered by retailers and consumers.
Muna Mohamed of Kalsoni agreed, stating, “What I really loved about this event was to network and connect with folks during the industry days, share my story, and showcase my products.” Arwen Turner, founder of WNDR Outdoors added, “As an entrepreneur at The Big Gear Show, I was not only able to meet with people interested in my product but also network with other businesses. It was spectacular.”
Muna Mohamed, founder of Kalsoni, showing her technical apparel line to a customer.
Photo Credit: Billy Michels
In addition to access to retailers and consumers, the dual show event provided exhibitors access to local media leading up to and during the show. On day 2 of the industry trade show, local TV stations WDVR FOX 31 and KWGN CW 2 broadcasted eight times from the show floor, highlighting many brands at both shows.
Many exhibitors appreciated this exposure and acknowledge it was an added benefit of attending. “During the B2B days, the thing that really stood out to us was the media exposure. We met with all types of media from many platforms.,” said Aaron Cupps, customer experience manager at Lifestraw. ”We were able to showcase many of the new products we just released.”
The show wrapped up on Sunday after the two-day consumer show in which many brands reported positive experiences, from gaining new customers to product sales that ultimately covered their show costs. Adam Saplin from Handlestash exclaimed, “We had a lot of consumer sales during the two days, which helped us pay for the show.”
