ASR Blog

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

 

 

 

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! 

Community Zones at Summer OR; the 'welcome center' for pros in Paddle, Running, Climbing, Design and Travel

I've been camping on this video for some time now (well about 10 months), and I've managed to get over the goofiness Michael exudes (certainly NOT moi, merci!)... also, I've made an even worse one recently, so suddenly this one doesn't seem nearly as bad anymore.  It's a good expose on the various community Zones at the OR Show, what the purpose is (never mind the beer) and it's got a few tech tips too for attendees.

 
In case our ramblings aren't super clear, here's a short list to prep for the show;

1) download a QR reader BEFORE you hit the show floor... many products, including ALL of the featured New Products in the EZ (Endurance Sports Zone) and the PZ (Paddlesports Zone) will use the QR technology to capture key product and contact info in your smartphone.
2) Download the ORShow mobile app, once it is released from the Apple store next week (July 11, hopefully).
3) Use the online show planner at http://www.outdoorretailer.com to see the live floorplan (including the must-see NEW EXHIBITOR PAVILION)m, plan your meetings in close clusters and avoid the cross-court hiking.
4) use the planner to incorporate the business ed. seminars you want to attend into your show planner. If you are registered, you have only to click the auto-link provided to you in a number of emails from us. Even if you didn't save them, just click 'forgot password' and follow the easy prompts to get in. See suggested products, brands, build your show plan and no spam or irrelevant messages.
5) Check the http://www.outdoorretailer.com site often as showtime approaches... many late-breaking elements will be announced in the coming weeks and the last thing you want is to get there and say "I had no idea that was going on!".

KH

SXSW and the future of events

UPDATE 4-19 - Here is an article that has some concrete takeaways from the SXSW experience... and yes SXSW was, as all good events need to be, an Experience. http://bit.ly/dTkhRV

and another review of the SXSW event.

 http://www.slideshare.net/christophercarfi/an-ants-eye-view-of-sxsw-2011-7274593

 

(original article below)

With Coachella staging now in SoCal, and South By Southwest (SXSW) just concluded in Austin, TX, the question lingers 'what are these events about?' and 'why do they draw so powerfully from the consumer base? 

Both events draw hundreds of thousands of people and major attention over the web as well, with live streaming content in the form of music concerts, parties, and other festival happenings.

What could OR learn from these consumer events functioning as quasi-b2b venues?  Is the culture of the outdoor industry in play at OR, and should it be?  Does it take from the strictly business attitude we foster?

My first time attending SXSW was this year, and my eyes were popped by the throngs of iPad-toting  twenty-somethings staffing booths and appearing to network like the gaming fiends they were in a previous life.  Brands like Gowalla and Blogworld were launched at prior versions of SXSW, and Coachella is following step as the 'arts gathering' to replace the failed Woodstock revival.   I wonder what really happened there (besides arson)...

Chime in.

KH

Tsunami help

As an island nation Japan has designed brilliantly over many centuries to handle both earthquakes and tsunamis, but this latest event, unmatched in recorded history, tops any of the computer model scenarios that could be anticipated even today.  Predictions have been ongoing for a west coast U.S. monster quake for over a decade, so Be Prepared fellow Californians...

Like New Zealand, the 'ring of fire' island nations are most susceptible to this 'one-two punch' of Quake into Tsunami.   No side of the islands are safe, really...... check out this 'max energy' wave power map of NZ. 

 

All we can do at this point is help electronically to put something in play right away... pick your favorite and be generous.  They need our help.  Take Ichiro's lead and put something forward. 

Here are some vetted options beyond Red Cross (not a terrible option) from our friend Felicia.  On this blog, written by an American aid worker in Japan, there are many orgs listed that already have operations on the ground in Japan.  Check it out if interested

http://www.toddswanderings.com/2011/03/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-tsunami-survivors.html

Spread the word and keep the support rolling... as First Responders all know, the initial shock masks the full effect of having your home and life torn away suddenly.  As that shock wears off and the hard work remains, support is the crucial ingredient that can make a huge difference in outcomes for individuals. 

MASSIVE thanks to all the brands reaching out with gear and support for victims of the Quake and Tsunami in Japan.

KH 

 

Virtual Design Center - Reloaded

What is a Virtual Event?  Is it, like, a tweetup, or a meetup, a mashup or a web conference, or what?  Can it be helpful to my business or just another distraction from my core business?

UPDATE!

One Day - December 7, 2010 for Live Cast

15 key brands supporting from OIA Eco-Index and Polartec to Bluesign Technologies and AAPN

90 days online and available in archive form

The OR Virtual Design Center focuses on education and latest material developments behind the branded products that are the focus of Outdoor Retailer shows.  This is a fast-moving and changing landscape (seen the price of cotton today?), and staying on top of the myriad technological, logistical and societal developments will help brands cement their leadership status, grow awareness and profits and 'do the right thing' to lessen environmental impact all at the same time.  

The VDC is anchored by a cluster of webinars (see finalized topics HERE) that last one hour each and are spaced out throughout a day.  The topics, panels and experts who are speaking on the issues are leaders in our industry and are full-time focused on creating sustainable options for designs of the future... OIA, AAPN, prAna, Zero-Waste-Alliance, Bluesign Technologies, Textile Exchange, Promostyl, etc... are all, in their own way, pushing the envelope on green design.   There are interactive brand displays ('booths') that feature sponsoring brand presentations with live interaction (on the Live day) and downloadable or viewable collateral available for interested attendees.  There are several ways for a supporting brand to configure their 'booth', including private room sessions, special timed events, and interactive engagement of visiting attendees. 

This interactive education event requires ZERO travel, ZERO housing, ZERO shipping or drayage and ZERO wasted time for both supporting suppliers/sponsors and for attending designer/developers.  Ideally, this online interactive environment will help tee up important business meetings at the OR Shows, and fuel even more value from our live, face-to-face events. 

Who is Attending?  This VDC version will focus on sustainability in the supply chain, and the target audience is the product design/development professional working for brands in outdoor, cycling, health & fitness, action sports and general sporting goods.  Through the reach of Nielsen (who owns over 40 pubs and shows that attract design professionals), this event will be able to draw thousands of working pros from other materials-intensive industries like hospitality, military, industrial, fixturing, general merchandise, etc... so the message of suppliers (and programs like eco-index, bluesign) can reach far beyond the wide world of sports. 

How Much $$?  The technology is expensive, but the platform is very reasonable for sponsors, and free to attendees.  For $2500 (about one 10'x 10' booth space at OR) a supplier/sponsor can easily upload collateral to an interactive brand display, which will then be visited by invited, interested attendees of both the live and archived event (3-month flight).   This interactive environment is flexible and can accomodate image galleries, video spots, quick time movies, pdf downloads, white paper research and messaging (instant and email style).  Higher level sponsors can get extra value from the event too... of course. 

How Do I Get Involved? - If you are a designer or product developer, save the date, register online when the time comes (about 3 wks out from live date), and plan to attend the same way you'd attend a webinar, or several in one day.  If you can't make Dec. 7, then visit the archived show online.  If you are a brand leader, consider supporting and showing off your latest fabric or solution in a cutting edge, dynamic two-way experience online.  Register here for FREE if you are interested.

How Much Work?  For sponsors, The Virtual Design Center is easy to use, much like uploading photos to flickr or having a facebook site for your brand... since design/developer types will be looking for sustainability options in their material choices, best to focus options there.  For attendees it's as easy as registering to attend a Webinar, except you'll get 4 and access to tons of relevant information around sustainability in the supply chain.  This information is helpful not just to designers but to retailers, media, marketers as well as consuming public who want to stay on top of latest trends in product development and sustainable business models.

What will the attendee walk away with? Lots of new concepts, tips, ideas, ways to measure, fabrics and solutions to incorporate in designs immediately.  Materials to tee up business and future design componentry.  Also a sense of who they need to know better come showtime in January. 

Like many live events, attendees have a virtual brief case or show bag that they can drop materials into for review later... paperless of course.  If I were an attending designer, I might take away a link to a keynote presentation, a few intro papers from new suppliers I didn't know about, some special programs from suppliers I did know about, and a coupon for taking advantage of a special offer on business services for my firm.   Oh, and a serious bump in my knowledge about cutting edge 'green' technologies and materials available for products of the future that I will have a hand in designing.

Virtual events can set up and enhance live face to face business, and empower your future customers with information relevant to their work in building more sustainable products that consumers want and that will be the hallmark of the active outdoor industry.   Doing events online in itself advances business without the cost of travel, or the environmental impact. 

What do you think?

Kenji

 

 

 

 

GUEST BLOG: Flying low to Outdoor Retailer - Motorcycling to the Show - Day 3

Day 3--July 31, 2010
240 miles - Arco, ID to Salt Lake City, UT

It's three in the morning. I am sitting on a concrete step outside the room of a motel that could have been in the movie "No Country for Old Men." The thunder woke me up. I moved outside to see the lightening now tearing across the sky every five seconds in long white branches. It's a huge storm. The wind is rising and now pushing over the small poplar trees across the parking lot. Thunder is continuous, rolling in like an artillery barrage on a nearby front.

We have to ride south later this morning - south, where the storm is now.  We will ride into the lava flows of the Craters of the Moon National Monument. The volcano that made these craters sounds like it's erupting. A four-inch vole appears from under my motorcycle, can't stand the tension, and makes a run for it to the promised safety of an E-350 van parked to the left. Rain is coming down in big, hard, spaced drops.

The motel lights flicker and go out, and I return to bed, hoping this thunderstorm has the good sense to do likewise.

At sunrise we pack the bikes and head out to the lava.  The storm has moved a little to the west, but it's still throwing bolts against the desert floor not far from the road out of town.  We get wet as we skirt the flanks of the visible downpour, but the storm, like a farm dog, can only bark at us as we speed by.

Tim Rosenhan
President of Innova Kayak
Twitter: @innovakayak

GUEST BLOG #4 - Southbound off the Interstate to OR

"Thanks to the Interstate Highway system, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything." - Charles Kuralt.

 

Every two or three years I like to drive the 1305 miles from my home in Wisconsin to Outdoor Retailer. I haven't taken the long Ribbon of Boredom (a.k.a. Interstate 80) for years.

Son 1.0 is 17, and this is probably the last summer I'll have him at home.  We did the Epic Guy Trip five years ago, and it was time for another.  Instead of taking the northern route, we decided to go south.  Two days of driving, and we're halfway through Kansas. We have two more days to get to Salt Lake.  I really hope we make it.

I'm writing from a clean but cheap motel, greedily sucking down WiFi and charging every cell phone and camera battery I have.  The boy is still asleep: it's 5:45 AM somewhere, I'm not sure what time zone I'm in, not that it matters much.

We've seen a lot already on this trip.  We've managed to eat only at locally-owned, owner-operated restaurants, another benefit of not taking Flatline Highway.  We've seen the world's largest ball of twine, random English phone booths in front of a hardware store, and a swarm of dragonflies bird-dogging mosquitoes above a prairie cemetery.  We've eaten huge meals that cost $13.00 for two hungry adults and left $7.00 tips, always much appreciated.  We've seen the Barbed Wire Museum, the original American Gothic house Grant Wood used as his model (modern version attached), the Golden Dome of Pure Knowledge, and the Johnson County Fair.  All because we took the roads less traveled; sometimes the roads not traveled at all.  I've found fuel without ethanol, which means I'm getting really good gas mileage.

The time in the truck with Son 1.0 is precious.  He still likes to be around me, for which I am unspeakably grateful.  Even better, he likes to sing Gilbert and Sullivan at the top of his lungs.  Yesterday we got through Mikado, especially enjoying the duets.  Dang, the kid has good pitch, and can do patter songs.  Impressive.  We listened to the music from Star Trek.  We sang Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (he sang Dr. Horrible, I sang Captain Hammer - you do need to see this if you haven't).  When we got tired of singing, we listened to old radio shows of Gunsmoke on my iPod.

I have no idea where we're going today.  Son 1.0 expressed interest in Canyon de Chelly. I'm thinking that's a great idea, but it would be a tough stretch to get there without violating the No Interstate Rule, so we may settle for some southern Utah stuff instead.

Did I mention I have no idea where we're going today?

Starting this Monday morning at 7:00 AM, my schedule is booked solid until Friday at 9:00 PM.  I'm not exaggerating.  My life, once I hit the quarter mile radius around the Salt Palace, is planned for a week.  The contrast to my life today couldn't be more striking to me.  It comes home easily when I look at my Google calendar for next week and it looks like a Piet Mondrian painting.  This week, it looks like a template for a calendar...nothing on it but the automatic weekly appointments I didn't erase but could have.

It's a nice way to start a work week.  The freedom of driving around such beautiful places at 55 mph is addicting -- but the opposite of an epic adrenelin rush.  I'm becoming addicted to slow.  Not sloth, just slow, methodical semi-directional movement.  The only rule of navigation is to make sure we're sorta heading west-ish.  Ironically, my brain has been more active as a by-product of slowwwwwwww.

The closer I get to Utah, the more I anticipate the family reunion that is Outdoor Retailer.  I am a blessed man today.  I get to sing Pirates of Penzance (I am the Pirate King) with my boy while driving to see my family.

Respectfully submitted,

@Canoelover
Darren Bush
Madison, Wisconsin
Follow Darren's travel notes on Twitter

 

 

GUEST BLOG #3 - Flying Low to Outdoor Retailer

Day 1--July 29, 2010

421 miles

Burlington, WA to Sandpoint , ID

Yeah, they burn fossil fuel—about as much as a Prius, but unlike that battery-powered soup can, I am outdoors. I can smell it. I get cold, I get wet, I get hot, and sometimes I get scared. The sensations are remakably like the zen of a good climb or a stretch of whitewater paddling.

You have to be in the moment. If you are not—you get dead.

Maybe that’s why the smells are what you remember—the wet hay, the burnt forest, the roadkill deer, the fresh pitch from cut fir on the log truck in front. Your limbic brain, your reptilian brain, is fully awake, and that knows smells.

I cannot daydream, at least not about the coming show--the numbers, the business, the politics. All is suppressed while I am in the moment of boring a small hole in the air close to the ground, on a road that flows into the desert.

Tim Rosenhan

Introducing OR2010, our new Mobile App for Smartphones

Well after much research, many meetings, passaround sessions, and revising and refining, the OR2010 Mobile App is now a reality... Whew!

Get this on your phone now, and use it in planning, navigating, and getting the most out of your show experience.  This is the base version, usable on Droid, iPhone and Blackberry, and we will be upgrading the elements each show from here on out.

It's ready to download! Go to this page http://www.outdoorretailer.com/summer-market/show/mobile to download the OR 2010 smartphone app for web-based phones.

See the full press release here http://bit.ly/a7NomK