Not a normal tradeshow
FOR RETAILERS, BY RETAILERS
You can't purchase the right gear over a computer screen
The Big Gear Show 2021 confirmed our theories. Despite Delta, despite staffing issues, despite the supply chain mess, and despite the date changes of “other” outdoor events (you know who we mean), 206 outdoor brands and 421 retailers proved that they still wanted to gather in-person and they wanted to do it outside.
While perhaps some people love the fluorescent lighting of a convention center or hunching over a dimly-lit laptop, we found that the most productive business in our industry happens after a hike, a bike ride, or a paddle … and, over a beer and handshake in the mountains.
Retailers have told us over and over again that they want to test new products in the environment they were made for. 421 of the top gear shops in the nation came to Park City last year and did exactly that. Now is the time to hang up the Zoom call and get back out there!
THESE AREN'T NORMAL TIMES...
So who needs a normal tradeshow?
In today’s new normal, no one wants to go to mass gatherings in big city centers, cooped up indoors with thousands of people, only to walk through aisles of irrelevant vendors and startup brands with only one product that they’re hoping to “bring to market.”
Last year, we delivered a dynamic multi-category event designed for retailers, by retailers. We kept everyone safe with color-coded lanyards, providing masks and sanitizing stations and being, well, outdoors.
We’ll be in Park City again this year and plan to bring you an even better experience, allowing retailers to test the latest products and newest lines in the environment they were designed for.
When
AUGUST 2-3, 2022
Where
DEER VALLEY RESORT
What retailers said about BGS
By the numbers...
1
%
Want to be outside
1
%
Intend to return
1
%
Are decision-makers
WHAT MAKES THE BIG GEAR SHOW UNIQUE?
The Very Best Retailers
Put your brand in front of hand-selected buyers from all around North America. These are the best gear shops in the business. In fact, we even pay for some of their travel. If your brand is asked to attend The Big Gear Show, it’s because these retailers want to see you there.
WHAT MAKES THE BIG GEAR SHOW UNIQUE?
We're Outside, with a Fully-Integrated Demo
Showcase your products in the environment they were designed for. See, try, buy – all in one appointment. Let retailers use your gear, do some live testimonials on-trail or water, share with their community and staff, and change the way shows deliver value.
WHAT MAKES THE BIG GEAR SHOW UNIQUE?
We're Actually Affordable
We know that gear makers can’t afford expensive tradeshows. So our prices start at 50% less than other national events. Plus, no unions and expensive mark-ups. Leave your expensive booth behind and let your people and your gear tell your story.
WHAT MAKES THE BIG GEAR SHOW UNIQUE?
We are Small and Curated
We are a small event and our brands are highly-curated. That means you won’t get lost in the basement (well, there is no basement, but you get the point). We also respect your intellectual property and shun container dumpers and knock-off artists. We have no tolerance for those folks.
industry leadership on the big gear show
Why is The Big Gear Show Important?
“The National Bicycle Dealers Association is thrilled to be the Presenting Partner of The Big Gear Show. We see The Big Gear Show as a one-of-a-kind experience for our retailers to see their key vendors, gain exposure to retailers in other recreational industries, and join in cross-experiential educational content. We look forward to providing timely content to retailers via our super seminars, as well as hosting several peer-to-peer networking opportunities."
Heather Mason, President
National Bicycle Dealers Association
"Grassroots fully supports The Big Gear Show as our paddlesports buying show. The unique demo-centric format of the show allows our members to see, feel, and test gear in a way that allows them to be strategic in times of unprecedented demand and challenges that our retailers face."
Rich Hill, President
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
“PeopleForBikes works with The Big Gear Show and our other industry partners to grow bike participation and build successful bike businesses. We look forward to this opportunity to connect with new and current industry members, from all segments and channels of the bike and outdoor recreation business.”
Rod Judd, Director of Membership and Development
People for Bikes
MEET THE BIG GEAR SHOW TEAM
Not Our First Rodeo
The Big Gear Show is produced by the most experienced events team in the outdoor industry, with the former show directors of Outdoor Retailer, Interbike, and Paddlesports Retailer. You can count on us to deliver an unforgettable experience in Park City.
Social Media and Email Manager
Cassie Pierson-Henshall
Don't take it from us
Testimonials from Brands
“Liberty Mountain is excited to be involved in an innovative new event where many great retailers can connect with a wide ranging, diverse group of the best outdoor brands and companies. We are enthusiastic to be involved in an inclusive opportunity that brings the specialty outdoor industry together. We believe The Big Gear Show will help find new ways to share our love of wild places and our passion to bring interesting, useful products and ideas to the marketplace. Thanks to The Big Gear Show Management who have reached out to businesses throughout the industry and listened to different ideas. This outreach, collaboration and diligent follow up has crafted a show that unites the crucial hardgoods category and the specialty retailers. We look forward to being together in person again with our industry in an outdoor, authentic, and supportive environment.”
Gary Heward
President & CEO, Liberty Mountain
“We’re looking forward to taking part in the first Big Gear Show and like that this event is taking a curated focus on more technical gear, along with an intimate and accessible format that allows for quality interaction with dealers. Following a year-plus of not being able to gather as an industry, we’re looking forward to being able to get back to that. And, as we continue to navigate the end of the pandemic, an outdoors venue like this one offers a safer way to gather for now. And it offers the opportunity for climbing walls and other on-site demos.”
Kim Miller
CEO, SCARPA North America
“The Big Gear Show represents a new approach to helping retailers, both buyers and key employees, better assess which products they want to get behind and support. The idea of providing retailers the chance to try products before they arrive in their store takes what the ski and bike industries have done for years and brings this confidence building program to the rest of our Outdoor Industry gear makers. Anyone who has ever tested a product prior to purchase knows the value of these experiences, and Petzl sees this as a unique opportunity to enable these valuable individuals to experience the Petzl difference well before the products arrive in store.”
Jon Rockefeller
Managing Director, Sport Division, Petzl
“Pandemic aside, we are really excited for the inaugural Big Gear Show. Speaking to equipment buyers in August perfectly bookends the Grassroots early summer show where the focus is apparel and footwear. And, we love the idea of the outdoor industry celebrating and learning together outdoors in the Park City!”
Philip Curry
CEO, Astral
“Though Zoom and other virtual meetings have been fantastic in 2020, we’re much more excited about seeing everyone outdoors in Deer Valley at The Big Gear Show this August. Yakima is encouraging our retail partners to do something both fun and productive and bust out of isolation to celebrate together.”
Ben Tindall
Sales Director, Yakima
“We are excited to return to an in-person trade show after two years. It’s been over a year since we’ve witnessed the user-product interface. Lacking this severely reduces our innovation and other “ah-ha” moments. In-person trade shows restore the opportunities of visual and social learning that electronics cannot replicate. Humans are social by nature and paddling is a hands-on experience. No amount of Google Duo or Zoom-n-doom can take the place of in person product discussion and interaction. Finally, we look forward to reestablishing personal connections with our dealers, sales teams, vendors and competitors who are integral to our networks and sharing of best practices.”
Bill Kueper
Vice President – Wenonah Canoe
Vice President – Wenonah Canoe
“For our brand, it’s vital to be able to get the product in front of dealers to be sure they can appreciate all the features, details, and ride. A well-attended in-person event is always preferred so The Big Gear Show caught our interest immediately. Deer Valley is a great place in so many ways and we’ve had great results there with Lance in the past so the opportunity to have more personalized sessions with retailers is exciting and we’re looking forward to seeing everybody.”
Steve Boyd
General Manager, North America Tern Bicycles
“We’re excited to be part of the Big Gear Show for 2021, we expect the Crew to pull together an A+ event. Lance’s years of experience putting together trade shows and events give us confidence that The Big Gear Show will be a great way to be front-and-center for potential dealers. 2020 was a tough year for everyone, so we are really excited to be back, in-person with our customers.”
Drew Esherick
Event Manager, Stan’s No Tubes
“Eddyline is excited to be part of the inaugural Big Gear Show. There’s never been a more important time to get together with brands and retailers to chart a course together for a post-pandemic world of outdoor recreation. We’re particularly excited to cross-pollinate ideas with other hard goods manufacturers.”
Scott Holley
President, Eddyline Kayaks
I want to go! How do I register?
If you’re an innovative hardgoods brand with a story to tell, we want to hear from you. We have limited availability for next summer, but click here to request an application.
