A Brand New Event
The Inclusive Outdoor Industry Event and Consumer Festival
A Multi-Category Event Bringing Outdoor Enthusiasts Together
The Big Gear Show is an exciting new event that showcases up-and-coming gear for specialty retailers and the media, then transitioning to a welcoming platform for consumers to learn about brands and gear that get them outdoors. The Big Gear Show serves the specialty retailer, the media, and the consumer interested in learning and experiencing gear firsthand. The show is not a selling platform to consumers, but rather an educational and experiential opportunity for those looking to learn and try before they buy.
The Big Gear Show will start off on days 1 and 2 as a retailer and media B2B trade event providing a First-In-The-Country look at next season’s gear. Retailers and the media can meet with new and existing brands and discover new resources to serve their customers. Additionally, attendees will have access to education and networking as well as an opportunity to explore the adjacent (e)revolution show and learn about the dynamic and relevant e-bike category.
Days 3 and 4 of the show launch a First-Of-Its-Kind consumer festival, with access to both The Big Gear Show and (e)-revolution for one reasonable entrance fee. Consumers will learn about new technologies, new products to enhance and power their outdoor adventures, and new places and ways to recreate outdoors. The Big Gear Show will also donate a portion of consumer ticket proceeds to organizations focused on protecting the wild places we all enjoy.
We are realizing the original vision for The Big Gear Show by creating a new and exciting ‘B2B2C’ event where brands have the opportunity to meet with both specialty shop owners and buyers, and then their ultimate end-users over the weekend. In this new dynamic format, The Big Gear Show delivers a two-in-one opportunity for brands to work with their specialty retail shops and then pivot to tell their stories in real-time to highly motivated consumers looking to invest in outdoor equipment. Co-locating with the e-Revolution show creates a must-attend experience powered by the excitement and innovation of the e-bike category and the opportunity to cover all the outdoor gear insights in one place.
Welcoming consumers into a big city center accessible to millions is what the industry needs Now! We love our mountain towns and gateway communities, no doubt… but our opportunity to grow rests in reaching more people where they are and redefining what access to the outdoors means. The Big Gear Show is leading out on this crucial pitch to drive interest and industry health for the future.
Show Dates and Hours
A Two Day Trade Show and Two Day Consumer Show
B2B Trade Show Dates & Hours
Thursday, June 8, 2023 10 AM – 6PM
Friday, June 9, 2023 10 AM – 4PM
B2C Consumer Show Dates & Hours
Saturday, June 10, 2023 10 AM – 6PM
Sunday, June 11, 2023 10 AM – 4PM
Exhibit Hall Layout
The Big Gear Show will be in Exhibit Hall B2 of the Colorado Convention Center. (e)revolution will be in Exhibit Hall A. Demo and Testing will be in Exhibit Hall B1. Education sessions located in meeting rooms on level below exhibit halls. Exhibit space layout and exhibitor locations available in spring 2023. View Downtown Denver on Google Maps.
Why Did We Move To Denver?
Large Population of Active Outdoor Consumers
The Big Gear Show intended from its inception to integrate the consumer voice and experience with the trade aspect of conventional show platforms. We needed to go to where we could attract consumer attendees. By locating the show near a more accessible location like a city center allows us to bring it to people in an inclusive and welcoming venue.
Going to where the people are is the single most important change our industry needs and Denver is a perfect destination for that. The greater Denver metropolitan area is home to over 3 million people and nearly 80% of Colorado’s population lives within 90 miles of the city. Based on industry outdoor consumer market research, approximately one-third of the regional population between the ages of 18 & 65 can be considered outdoor enthusiasts.
That’s a lot of potential outdoor consumers!
That’s not all! In addition to the nearly 3 million potential consumers, There are over 200 businesses and organizations that are actively engaged in the outdoor recreation industry within the region near Denver.
Denver offers an amazing urban adventure destination near the Rocky Mountains. Downtown Denver combines the convenience of easily accessible urban amenities with access to nearby outdoor recreational assets such as trails, crags, and waterways where visitors can partake in their favorite outdoor activity. Additionally, access to the Convention Center from the airport, hotels, and surrounding communities is excellent due to readily available light rail and other public and private transportation services.
Our Team
The Big Gear Show is produced by Lost Paddle Events, founder of (e)revolution and owner of Sportshows.
Sutton Bacon
SHOW COFOUNDER
Sutton is the CEO of Lost Paddle Events and cofounder of The Big Gear Show and its predecessor Paddlesports Retailer. He is the former Chairman & CEO of the Nantahala Outdoor Center and currently sits on the board of directors of several outdoor industry and hospitality companies.
Darren Bush
SHOW COFOUNDER
Darren is the Owner and Chief Paddling Evangelist for Rutabaga Paddlesports and cofounder of The Big Gear Show and its predecessor Paddlesports Retailer. He also launched and directs Canoecopia, the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world.
Kenji Haroutunuian
OUTDOOR SHOW DIRECTOR
Bringing over 25 years of show creation and management experience, Kenji is the Lost Paddle Events Outdoor Show Director, leading The Big Gear Show’s outdoor and paddle segments. He is the former Outdoor Retailer Show Director and founder of Kenji Consults.
Lance Camisasca
BIKE SHOW DIRECTOR
Bringing over 25 years of show creation and management experience, Lance is the Lost Paddle Events Bike Group Director, leading both (e)revolution and The Big Gear Show’s bike segment. He is the former Interbike Show Director and founder of PressCamp.
Dave Petri
SHOW MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Dave is an outdoor industry veteran bringing 15 years of marketing and over 30 years of leadership experience as Lost Paddle Events Group Marketing Director. He is the founder of Cynosura Consulting and the former VP of Marketing for Farm To Feet.
Tod Alberto
CONSUMER SHOW MANAGER
As the General Manager for our Lost Paddle Consumer Show Division, Tod has been producing Consumer Sport Shows for 12 years in major metro markets including Chicago, New York, Boston & Philadelphia that attract over 50,000 consumers annually.