The snowsports industry’s annual show, SIA, which kicks off this Thursday in Denver, is the one time each year when the entire industry joins together to support, grow and even reimagine the winter sports we all love. Once you enter the Colorado Convention Center, you feel the energy. It goes beyond the immaculately merchandised booths, athletes, sales reps, exhibitors, media and retailers walking the floor.
So what is it that sets SIA apart? I’ve come up with five reasons – in no particular order – SIA is unlike any other tradeshow.
1. Community
All it takes is a look around the show floor to notice the difference. This is an industry built on community and collaboration. Companies view each other less as competition and more as partners in the effort to grow and maintain the snowsports industry.
2. Fun
When you hear the word tradeshow, you think 10x10 booths with a graphic backdrop and people flipping through iPad displays. It’s so the opposite at SIA. The show reminds you that sometimes the cliche that work can be fun is true. People are laughing, smiling, reconnecting and yes, selling. And the fun spreads beyond the convention center doors through group dinners and industry parties. In fact, come check out the Bern happy hour at 5 p.m. Thursday, booth #2645!
3. Passion
SIA attracts people from across the globe to purvey their passion for one common thing. You find people like Klaus Obermeyer (booth #2203), who’s been to every SIA since it’s inception 60+ years ago and you find young employees who are just beginning a career around their love for the sport. It’s pure passion that drives each and every person inside the building to be working in the industry.
4. Innovation
Where would the snowsports industry be without innovation? SIA offers a few days to look ahead at the future of skiing and snowboarding. It’s where ideas are incubated. It’s invigorating to look around and realize how people and companies you’re rubbing shoulders with at SIA are responsible for where the industry is at right now and pushing the limits towards what it can be.
5. Intelligence
With the vast amount of people attending SIA, the show is an exciting time to share your knowledge and learn from others. One thing SIA offers are ongoing panels and speakers designed to stem ideas for the greater development of the industry. In fact, we’re hosting a panel Thursday, 1/29 at 4:30 p.m. on the topic of styling ski and snowboard styling. Our panel includes experts with different lenses to their approach of on-slopes style, including fashion, technical wear, traditional alpine and more.
SIA takes place Thursday, January 29th through Sunday, February 1st at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.
- Alex / @aaberman1
Photo credit: SIA Snow Show/Chris Schneider
Tyler Wilcox : February 10, 2015
