Paddlesports Retailer 2017 Lays Strong Foundation, Builds Momentum for Year Two

September 18, 2017

MADISON, Wis. – Sept. 18, 2017 – The inaugural Paddlesports Retailer tradeshow debuted late August in Madison, Wis. with a strong showing from attending paddlesports brands and retailers alike. 125 paddling brands were represented across 70,000 square feet of sold-out show floor, which buzzed with activity from more than 275 unique retailers scoping out new products and writing orders.

“We’ve come together as a unified group across all paddlesports and we move forward together with this positive momentum,” says Taylor Robertson of Werner Paddles. “I remember when we were on a call less than a year ago and had questions about whether the show could happen. For so long, other trade shows had catered to other industries—we took a chance, and it feels right to have this new home.”

That sentiment was echoed by others throughout the week. Says Jeff Turner of Kokotat, “we set out to create an event that people would feel good about attending, and I think we achieved that. We are committed to the ongoing success of this show.”

In 2018, Paddlesports Retailer will take place in Oklahoma City, a venue that offers a central geographic location along with a new, world-class urban whitewater paddling center and an additional 90,000 square feet of exhibition space.

“We’re excited about the success of our first year,” says Show Manager Marcus Shoffner. “But we’ve already turned our eyes to year two. We have big plans in the works that will help us to continue to grow and improve upon the experience at the industry’s own tradeshow. We can’t wait to carry them forward with this community.”

For more detail on final attendance numbers and impressions, view the Paddlesports Retailer 2017 Show Report or contact Carly Fleming at carly@darbycommunications.com.

About Paddlesports Retailer

Paddlesports Retailer is a tradeshow designed for paddlers, by paddlers. Endorsed by the Paddlesports Industry Coalition as its official tradeshow, Paddlesports Retailer provides the premier commercial and cultural experience for exhibitors, retailers, media and industry advocates alike. For more information, visit www.paddlesportsretailer.com or contact info@paddlesportsretailer.com