Grassroots Connect surpasses pre-pandemic attendance levels for upcoming Knoxville event, June 6-9, 2022

March 17, 2022

Returning to Knoxville, Tenn. this spring, Grassroots Connect retailer commitments are 10% ahead of 2019 numbers, and vendor booths are at capacity for the Knoxville Convention Center.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE (MARCH 17, 2022)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this week announced that retailer and vendor commitments have met and exceeded pre-pandemic peak attendance for their spring 2022 event (June 6-9, 2022).

Returning to Knoxville, Tenn. this spring, Grassroots Connect retailer commitments are 10% ahead of 2019 numbers, and vendor booths are at capacity for the Knoxville Convention Center. With a full roster of retailers and vendors, Grassroots Connect organizers will begin their custom scheduling process for the June show beginning this week.

“This is a tremendous milestone to have an outdoor industry trade show back to 100% of attendance. This a big win for Grassroots Connect as well as the independent specialty retail community,  and something we will be celebrating in Knoxville,” said Dana Howe, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Director of Membership and Education.

The surge in attendee commitments for Grassroots Connect reflects the retail floor enthusiasm of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance members, which remains strong despite challenging conditions in the broader marketplace. After closing 2021 with a 29% growth over 2020, Grassroots retailers have seen a 13.2% bump in sales growth along with a 2.2 point increase in margin in the first two months of 2022.

The spring 2022 Grassroots Connect schedule will begin with Grassroots member education day and exhibitor set up (June 5), followed by four days of pre-scheduled retailer and vendor meetings (June 6-9).

Grassroots Connect is anticipated to continue its vaccine requirement as well as other health considerations which were instituted in 2021. Any updates to Grassroots Connect health and safety protocols will be posted at https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com/health.

ABOUT GRASSROOTS OUTDOOR ALLIANCE: 

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is an active, independent network of 102 independent retailers, with 206 retail locations, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is also recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry. For more information on Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, please go to www.grassrootsoutdoors.com.

ABOUT GRASSROOTS CONNECT:

Grassroots Connect is an ideally timed, invitation-only buying show for the specialty outdoor industry hosted by Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. Scheduled as early as possible in the buying cycle, Connect provides a highly efficient opportunity for retailers, reps and vendors to present, discuss, plan and collect pre-season orders. Cost-effective and simple, Connect is both an incubator and testing ground for the greater outdoor industry. Invited retailers receive a per attendee reimbursement to offset their travel costs. Grassroots Connect will continue its vaccine requirement as well as other health considerations which were instituted in 2021. Any updates to Grassroots Connect health and safety protocols will be posted at https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com/health.Upcoming Grassroots Connect gatherings include June 6-9, 2022 (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Nov. 7-10, 2022 (Kansas City, Mo.).

###