SLIDE OTS, Telford, UK January 10-12, 2023 photo review
Slide OTS is back, a week earlier than last year. This is in line with a general move by other snow trade events to move to earlier dates more in keeping with order deadlines. The successful inaugural combination with OTS is continued with the joint show a must for all snow and outdoor industry participants.
As in previous years the show will be held at Telford and had by time of going to press attracted 92 exhibitors, an increase on the year before, with many of the major snowsports and outdoor brands represented. At time of going to press snowboard and outdoor brands included Db, Mons Royale, Sweet Protection, Artilect, Keen, Asolo, Barts, Berghaus, Black Diamond, Bollé, SPY+, Buff, Capita, Union Bindings, Crab Grab, Coal, Deeluxe, Colourwear, Craghoppers, Dakine, Dragon, Stance, Salewa, FW, Grangers, Head, Helly Hansen, Julbo Eyewear, K2, Ride, Kathmandu, Mammut UK, Mervin Manufacturing, 686, Nikwax Waterproofing, Noble Custom Ltd, Ortovox, Oakley, Odlo, Osprey, Páramo Clothing, Patagonia, Picture, POC Sports, Protest, Rab, Rossignol, Salomon, Saxx Underwear, Sun Bum, Ultra Sport, Volcom, Electric and Aphex.
Slide is the one opportunity for UK retailers to see so many brands under one roof, making it the key event in the UK snow industry calendar and an easy decision for specialist retailers. Slide is still very much an order writing show, with brands holding back-to-back meetings, so retailers should book ahead to make best use of their time at the show. This is the only opportunity for brands in the UK to showcase the latest product ranges and innovations and for snowsports and outdoor retailers to browse collections, make vital brand comparisons and place orders to guarantee delivery for Autumn / Winter 2023/24.
The Slide & OTS Awards will recognise the hottest, most talked-about products at the show, with the winners in each of the 6 categories; Snowsport Hardware, Outdoor Hardware, Softwear, Accessories, Fresh Brand and Eco all on display with the finalists in a dedicated area for the duration of the show. The fresh brand section is open only to new brands or first time exhibitors at the show and The Eco Award in partnership with POW UK is for the brand that shows particularly environmentally friendly credentials. Snowsport and Outdoor industry member retailers, invited media and industry opinion leaders will judge most of the Awards on the opening day of the show, except the Eco Award. The Eco Award will be evaluated by POW UK, using their interpretation of its overall environmental impact. Winners will be announced at the SIGB Industry Open Forum after the show closes on Wednesday 11th January.
The following side events are scheduled at the show: Tuesday evening at 6pm the SIGB invites all exhibitors and visitors to join them in the show café for a relaxed drink and nibbles; Wednesday morning at 8am Rab & Lowe Alpine will host the Sustainability Breakfast, sponsored by Rab & Lowe Alpine takes place in the ‘Newport Suite’, during which a light buffet breakfast will be served, followed by key speakers on the subject of facing up to the challenges of declining world resources, global climate change and how our industry can make a difference and on Wednesday evening at 7pm at the close of the show SIGB will hold its annual general meeting, followed by the presentation of the Slide & OTS Awards and an Open Forum, where all aspects of the industry are up for discussion.
Telford is well served by the road and rail network. A free shuttle from the train station to the exhibition centre helps make the trip a seamless one and car drivers are offered free parking. On-site hotels offer reduced rates for visitors meaning you can easily walk from hotel to show and back. Doors open at 9am and close at 7pm on the first two days and at 4pm on the final day and the show is free to attend for all visitors. The latest floorplan can be viewed HERE. Visitors are reminded that everyone will need to register to gain entry to the show. So for all the key players in the UK snowsports market, Slide is still the place to be, see you in Telford.
Additionally one for your calander, the SIGB Ski and Snowboard test is to be held at La Clusaz, France from 23-28 January, 2023, a couple of months earlier than last year More info here: https://sigb.org.uk/ski-snowboard-test/
