SIA announces new demo dates for 2019

Come next January, Colorado’s Copper Mountain will be bustling with retailers, reps, media and brands on the Monday and Tuesday after the gathering in Denver for Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show.

Today, Snowsports Industries America (SIA), the non-profit trade association for the winter sports industry, and Western Winter Sports Representatives Association (WWSRA) announced the new dates of the 2019 SIA/WWSRA on-snow demo.

The dates are Feb. 4 and 5, 2019.

Historically, the on-snow demo has taken place on the two days immediately following the snow show. However, with the trade show ending on Friday, Feb. 1 next year, the weekend dates conflicted with the ski resort’s busiest days.

The new dates give OR-goers a two-day break after the show.

“We polled our members and last year’s demo attendees for their input while we thoughtfully considered the optimal dates for this year’s demo, giving special consideration not to conflict with the buying group show,” said SIA President Nick Sargent in a news release. “We’re excited about the new dates of the demo and the opportunities it presents for all of our members as we continue the tradition of this important event in one of most legendary and accessible resorts in our sport.”

The dates are as follows:

• Winter Sports Market 2019: Jan 27 to 29
• OR + SS 2019: Jan. 30 to Feb. 1
• Demo Days: Feb. 4 to 5

When asked about if he is concerned members will not show up, Sargent said, “I wouldn’t say we are worried about people skipping out, but more importantly the feasibility of our travel members to spend the weekend in Colorado prior to the demo.”

He continued,” We know the dates are tough considering a weekday OR/Snowshow. We also get that the resorts biggest days are on the weekends. Moreover, we know there are other conflicts like ISPO, Stratton, Buying Groups, etc. For us to continue to partner with WWSRA on the demo and be good partners with the industry, we had to do what is best, and Monday and Tuesday, Feb 4 and 5 were the best options. It may not be ideal for all, but it’s as good as we could do with the current schedule.”

Cami Garrison, director of WWSRA, said the association is looking forward to partnering with SIA again for the national on-snow demo.

“Over the years, our partnership with SIA has given WWSRA the opportunity to create an industry demo like no other in its scope, size, excitement, and inclusion of products rarely seen at other demos,” Garrison said in a news release. “While our Colorado sales reps take the weekend to recover and prepare, we hope our retailers and industry partners will take the time to explore Colorado and then head up to Copper on Sunday night after the OR + Snow Show refreshed and excited to test the latest in products and technology for the 2020 season.”

SIA/WWSRA will publish registration deadlines, lodging information, and the event agenda soon.