Grassroots Outdoor Alliance taps Devaki Murch as Director of Events

January 12, 2023

The newly created position reflects both the organization’s steady growth as well as an evolution in how they approach the opportunities provided by Grassroots Connect, their industry-gathering buying show held every June and November

JANUARY 12, 2023 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (www.grassrootsoutdoors.com), the national organization working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this week named Devaki Murch as their new Director of Events.

The newly created position for Grassroots Outdoor Alliance reflects both the organization’s steady growth as well as an evolution in how they approach the opportunities provided by Grassroots Connect, their industry-gathering buying show held every June and November.

“Known for her professionalism and positivity, Devaki has been an asset to Grassroots Connect since she joined the group. This new role will enable her to lean in a bit more on the strategic side of our gatherings, and at the same time will open a space for a new Connect-focused team member that we’ll be hiring in early 2023,” said Gabe Maier, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.

“As the Grassroots membership continues to grow and evolve,  it’s natural that we’re also strengthening our approach to events, gatherings and discovery opportunities in order to meet the changing needs of our community,” said Murch.

Murch joined Grassroots Outdoor Alliance in 2016 as the trade show producer for Grassroots Connect. Previously, Murch worked as an Outdoor Retailer attendee coordinator (2012-2015), and athlete and community manager for prana (2003- 2007). Murch’s energetic longevity in the outdoor sector was recognized in June of 2022, as she was named to the list of “The 20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry” by Outside Business Journal.

The next Grassroots Connect will gather the specialty outdoor community in early June for the 21st consecutive year (Knoxville, Tenn.; June 12-15, 2023).  While exhibitor attendance is by invitation only, potential future exhibitors are encouraged to submit their interest through this simple form (LINK) before the contract and registration process begins for brands in January.

The most recent Grassroots Connect (Kansas City, Mo.; Nov. 7-10, 2022) attracted 149 exhibitors, a record tally that included 112 brands on the main show floor, as well as 37 additional brands that were invited to participate in the Grassroots Discovery Marketplace: a showcase held during the evening of the pre-show Education Day. Grassroots also held a “Disco(very) Happy Hour” on night two, bringing the opportunities of discovery to the main show floor.

ABOUT GRASSROOTS OUTDOOR ALLIANCE:

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned active network of 101 independently owned outdoor retailers and 69 vendor partners, 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 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 EVENTS:

* Connect by Grassroots is our twice annual legacy show experience that spans 4 days offering an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct their pre-season line showings and business conversations. Connect appointments are scheduled well in advance of the show which supports brands that already have established business with our retail attendees. Connect is focused and efficient and allows retailers and brands to conduct business together at the right time in the buying cycle, while also incorporating opportunities to celebrate the outdoor industry and retail community. The next Connect will be held June 12-15, 2023 (Knoxville, Tenn.). For more information, please visit https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com.

* Discovery Marketplace by Grassroots is our exploration experience aimed at introducing our attending retailers to new, niche, and exciting brands in a 3-hour unstructured open format offered at the beginning of Grassroots. The Discovery Marketplace is about making introductions and building new relationships between retailers and emerging brands. The next Discovery Marketplace will be held June 11, 2023 (Knoxville, Tenn.). For more information, please visit https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com/discoverymarketplace.

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