Slide: UK Snowsports Trade Show Preview January 22-24, 2019
The UK’s snowsports trade show gets underway in Telford, England today and organsiers have upped the brand count from 94 compared to 84 last year. The show continues to attract key decision makers as it’s the only opportunity for UK retailers to see so many brands under one roof.
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New to show brands include Haago handwarmers, OneSkee onesies, Boot Doc boot-fitting, G3 skis, G-10 Gloves, Silverpoint Outdoor clothing and accessories, Grangers waterproofing materials, Gogglesoc goggle bags, Eider clothing, Zanier gloves, FAM clothing, Dinoski child-specific clothing and Red Bull SPECT eyewear. Returning exhibitor MaxTrax, distributors of Never Summer snowboards are at the show as they want to combine it with the successful SIGB Ski Test, which is now opening up to snowboard suppliers this coming winter. The latest exhibitors to sign up include Sartorial Supplies, showing a range of skateboard and surf products, as well as Arcade Belts, Horsefeathers, Electric, Kreedom, Salty Crew and Vans snowboard boots. So, plenty of exciting and new product showing up in the UK market.
One of the brands to have significantly increased their space at Slide is Bradshaw Taylor. Sales Director, Sonia Prior commented: “We made the decision to substantially increase our presence at Slide in recognition of our development in the market. For FW19 we will have more space to be able to exhibit more from our brands including some excellent innovation.”
As always the Slide Awards will take centre stage with awards up for grabs for Hardware, Software, Accessories and the Fresh Brand Award, for the best newcomer. All entries will be displayed throughout the show in a dedicated display area and specialist retailers, media and opinion-leaders will be voting for their favourites on the first day of the show. On the first evening at the end of the show, the SIGB are inviting all attendees to join them in the show’s central café for a drink. It’s a chance to network, meet friends, competitors and to welcome industry-newcomers in an informal environment. On Wednesday evening, the AGM of the SIGB (that owns and runs Slide) will take place including an open forum where all are welcome to have their say, followed by the presentation of the Slide Awards. On-site hotels mean visitors and exhibitors can easily walk from hotel to show and back. Telford is well served by the road and rail network meaning travel to and from the show is as easy as it gets. A free shuttle from the train station to the exhibition centre will help make the trip a seamless one. Drivers are offered free parking. Doors open at 9am and close at 6pm on the first two days and at 4pm on the final day. Visitors can take advantage of preferential hotel rates by booking on the Slide website. This year Slide is again the first trade show in Europe to exhibit the snowsports industry’s products for the 19/20 winter, and it gives buyers plenty of time to make their selections whilst meeting order deadlines for production. It’s still very much an order writing show, with brands holding back-to-back meetings. So for all key players in the UK snowsports market, Slide is the place to be.
Don’t forget the newly combined SIGB Ski & Snowboard test at Pila, Italy February 25 to March 1, 2019.
