Our most recent trips were to industry shows in Friedrichshafen, Germany and Salt Lake City, UT. At these shows, manufacturers bring their next seasons’ product line to show existing and potential retail buyers. This is where retailers make most of their decisions as to what gear and brands they will be carrying for the next year. It’s a great place to see what the next trends and new products will be . It’s also a good place to get a pulse on the industry. While attendance was down, there were new companies displaying their products and a good shift in presence—some of the companies who have been sleeping for a few years were full of life. The NEMO booth was busy as usual. We expanded our size this year to handle the 10 new tents we’ll be adding to our line next year and we still didn’t have enough room for everything! Feedback from retailers was positive and we’re psyched for 2010. Gear editors also attend these shows to learn about the new products that they will potentially be reviewing for the next year. It’s a good opportunity to meet with these editors face-to-face and get initial impressions and feedback on the new models.
In Salt Lake, the positive energy flowed at the NEMO booth throughout the 4 days. With visits from top retailers, a happy hour with Sam Moulton from Outside Magazine presenting our Gear of the Year award and athletes like Steve Fisher, Camilo Lopez and Anna Pfaff, we were surrounded by some of the industry’s best. After receiving our award, we paid it forward by raffling off a Losi 3P™ to one lucky OR attendee. Bruce Weber from Backwoods Mountain Sports in Ketchum, ID was the lucky winner. And 5 others won a brand new (not yet released) Ditto™ Backpack.
~Kate
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