The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association is assuming the day-to-day responsibilities of its trade show by bringing management of the SGMA Spring Market in-house, starting immediately.  Plans are now underway for the 2nd Annual SGMA Spring Market (June 9-11, 2008; Sands Expo and Convention Center; Las Vegas, Nevada).  The management company for the inaugural SGMA Spring Market this summer (June 11-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada) was Universal Event Management (UEM) which is based in Braintree, Massachusetts.


“While we appreciate the work done by UEM in launching the SGMA Spring Market, it’s important that we assume daily control of the event which will enable us foster the all-important relationships between our staff and our exhibitors – all of whom are members of SGMA,” said SGMA President/CEO Tom Cove.  “By organizing the trade show internally, we stay in closer communication with our exhibitors which represent a large percentage of our membership.  It’s also important that we establish one-on-one relationships with the buyers who attend the show.”


“We applaud UEM for overseeing the transition from the closing of The Super Show (last held in January of 2006) to the opening of SGMA Spring Market this June,” said SGMA Chairman Tom Rogge (President; Cramer Products; Gardner, KS).  “For a first-year show, it was a good start.  Without a doubt, we have a solid foundation to build upon for the future.”


In 2008, the SGMA will continue its very successful partnership with TAG, which attracted hundreds of team dealers to the show; increase floor activity with high-energy interactive events to showcase dynamic brands; attempt to attract more sports and active lifestyle exhibitors; continue its well-received conference program held on the show floor; and host a fun, industry social gathering such as this year’s event which was held at Rain inside The Palms Resort and Casino.


The day-to-day operations of the show will be coordinated by SGMA Vice President Gregg Hartley.  Exhibitor information and show sales will be directed by SGMA’s Director of Business Development, Chris Strong.