Grassroots Outdoor Alliance relocates Connect show to Denver for fall shows beginning in 2018

January 4, 2018

Beginning this November, Grassroots Connect fall shows will be hosted at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo

DENVER, COLO. – Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, today announced a shift in dates and venues for their twice-annual Connect buying show.

Beginning this November, Grassroots Connect fall shows will be hosted at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo. The first Colorado Connect will be held from Nov. 4-7, 2018, immediately prior to Outdoor Retailer Winter Market (Nov. 8-11, 2018).

During that Connect show – and throughout Outdoor Retailer Winter Market – Grassroots events as well as member and vendor partner lodging will be centered at the Grand Hyatt, a premium hotel within easy walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center.

“Bringing Connect to Denver is a strong step forward,” said Rich Hill, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “It simplifies the industry calendar, provides financial efficiencies for Grassroots members and vendors and delivers unquestionable value for those looking to do both buying and market discovery in a single location.”

The five-year plan was celebrated by Grassroots Connect organizers – who praised the strong industry support of Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Industry Association as integral in the process.

“As the outdoor industry’s premier national gathering, Outdoor Retailer is continually evaluating and developing ways to bring the industry together,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer Show Director. “We’re truly looking forward to a closer relationship with the independent retailers of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.”

Grassroots organizers emphasized that Connect would retain its distinct role in the industry calendar, remaining focused on the unique needs of independent specialty retailers by improving the buying process, delivering customized specialty retail education, creating a community of independent retailers, and facilitating strategic partnerships.

At the same time, Grassroots organizers were supportive of Outdoor Retailer’s role as an industry-spanning event where its membership can discover hundreds of new brands, interact on sourcing, and communicate with the broader industry on pressing environmental and political topics.

“Our industry is always more powerful when we come together,” said Amy Roberts, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “Bringing Grassroots Connect and Outdoor Retailer another step closer is a welcome opportunity for the industry to refocus, recommit and re-acquaint ourselves with the shared values that continue to support our industry health.”

ABOUT GRASSROOTS OUTDOOR ALLIANCE:

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is an active, independent network of 66 independent retailers working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail.  With 133 storefronts across 36 states, Grassroots member retailers currently total approximately $325 million in annual sales. 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:

Efficient, affordable and effective for every attendee, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Connect is the only national show designed specifically to improve retail buying results. Scheduled as early as possible in the buying cycle, the growing Grassroots Connect show is now in its 20^th year, and attracts nearly 1,000 independent specialty retailers, vendor brands, media, and members of the outdoor industry community to each show. 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. Future confirmed dates for connect include Denver, Colorado (Nov. 3-7, 2018) and Knoxville, Tennessee (June 14-17, 2018). To request a retailer or vendor invitation, please go to https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com/exhibitors/

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