The Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (Grassroots) heads back to Ogden, Utah on June 10th for the thirteenth year of hosting the outdoor industrys earliest trade show. This is the third consecutive year the Grassroots Spring Early Show has been held in Ogden.

 


Having outgrown prior locations, 2013 will be the largest show to date. Forty-seven manufacturers and seven Value Added Business Services (VABS) will take over the Ogden Eccles Conference Center and give some of the first presentations of Spring 2014 product lines to the 46 specialty outdoor retailers who are booked to attend.

 

Were really excited for this years show in Ogden, states Roanne Miller, President of Grassroots. In our continuing quest to improve our shows, we have made some changes to this years show that both vendors and retail members have been asking for.  We have improved the booth space locations for all vendors attending the show. We will be working with two new hotels within walking distance to the Ogden Eccles Convention Center, and have continued to insure food and service is at its best for all attendees.

 

Nearly 300 attendees including 120 of the most iconic outdoor shops from every geographic region will kick off the spring 2014 buying season over the shows four days. As in prior years, many new products will get their first unveilings to the retailer community. Local and national press are in heavy attendance as the latest clothing and gear is revealed.
Seven attending Value Added Business Services will provide consulting, insurance, marketing opportunities, and other value-added services to attendees seeking to improve their profitability or provide a higher level of service to their customers and community.

 

Grassroots has added new seminars of interest for small and medium-sized retailers covering topics on a collaborative retail financial study, a retailer staffing and hiring best practices workshop hosted by an expert in the field, and Leisure Trends training for buyers and principals.

 

We are enthusiastic to deliver the largest number of seminars and studies in our history at this show. Plus, the quality of information that we are creating continues to be irreplaceable to our membership, says Mike Leffler, Chairman of the Grassroots Finance Committee.

 

Events kick off Monday June 10th with a welcome dinner for the entire Grassroots community. Mornings start each day with an opportunity for attendees to enjoy Ogdens ample local recreation. Retailers, reps, and vendors will have a chance to climb a Via Ferrata, enjoy daily yoga sessions with prAna, and hit the trail on a run with Vasque. Lunch and dinner are reserved for retailers and manufacturers to get to know each other a bit better over a great meal.

 

On Tuesday, June 11th, retailers and vendors will donate 55 Kent bikes to underprivileged youth in Ogden (ages 6-14). Recipients are part of the Boys and Girls Club and the YCC of Ogden (Your Community Connection). Donating vendors and retailers will help construct and decorate the bikes for the kids and fit them in helmets.

 

For youth a bicycle can mean anything -transportation to school or a friends house to a conduit for personal exploration and goal setting, said Summit Hut President Dana Davis .  Grassroots  hopes to open up new opportunities for adventure and growth by building, decorating and donating 55 bicycles to underprivileged Ogden youth during the Great Grassroots Bike Giveaway.

 

In an effort to support local community businesses, Grassroots has also added a new event called a Taste of Ogden. Trade show attendees will have a chance to stroll downtown Ogden on Tuesday, June 11th, supporting local retailers and sampling local restaurants.

 

We are honored to welcome Grassroots this June for their third consecutive Spring Early Show, says Mike Caldwell, Mayor of Ogden City.  The partnership between Ogden City and Grassroots is a great example of two entities that invest in and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle. The outdoor recreation industry is an essential component to Ogden. We continue to seek ways to expand outdoor opportunities for everyone.