SIA Features Rental World, Backshop and Uniform Gallery at 2014 Snow Show

There’s one constant for retailers, resorts and on-hill operations that helps ensure consumer satisfaction – service, service, service. During the 2014 SIA Snow Show (Jan. 30 – Feb. 2), SIA and presenting partner SAM Magazine will create Rental World, Backshop and Uniform Gallery showcasing the latest in tuning tools/technology, products, accessories, uniforms, helmets and rental software, which all factor into excellent customer service. 

“Rental World provides a comprehensive one-stop overview of alpine, snowboarding, and XC rental gear, making it easy to compare brands side-by-side and the Friday seminars will address trends in rental gear and operations that can help operators boost profits even as they improve service,” commented Rick Kahl, SAM Magazine.

Rental is becoming an increasingly more important element at both resort and retail. Consumers at the entry level use rental to help get them started, while more experienced skiers and snowboarders are using high-performance rentals to help guide their purchasing decisions. The backshop plays a crucial role in customer service and giving the consumer the best experience on well-tuned skis and snowboards.

“The Rental World/Backshop booth allows me to see all the new rental gear in one place. It makes it easy to compare brands and models, and it’s a great time-saver,” said Fred Seymour, Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area, Bloomington, Minn.

Featuring over 50 snow sports brands in three distinct areas, Backshop will highlight tuning equipment and services, Rental World will focus on the latest in rental equipment/accessories and the Uniform Gallery will showcase latest offerings in staff uniforms.

“Rental World/Backshop, Uniform Gallery allows us to show our dedication to the rental business amongst all other brands’ rental products so potential customers get a clear and concise overview of what the market has to offer,” said Lucien Vink, product manager of Flow Snowboarding. “The rental business is one of the core initiatives in attracting new customers and retaining them to snowboarding, and this exhibit is a great way to spread this message.”

“The SIA Uniform Gallery provides us with an ideal location to unveil the finished product and present our new outfitting strategy to potential resorts,” Robert Yturri, SVP Product and Brand Management, Sport Obermeyer.

Presenting partner SAM Magazine will play host to two panel discussions as well as a reception, details appear below:

 Friday, January 31
11A – SAM Magazine Rental Roundtable- Putting Performance Into Rental: In both snowboarding and skiing, performance rentals are hot items. Products in demand range from intermediate-level gear to specialty items such as splitboards and twintip skis. Come find out about the latest trends and how to profit from them.

1P – Kid’s Play: Making Rental Fun
Product and process contribute a lot to the success of kids’ rental and instruction programs. People rarely succeed unless they are having fun in what they are doing. Find out the latest about how to show young renters a good time.

5:30P – The Annual Rental World Reception: Come share a cocktail and some appetizers with industry peers before heading out for the evening.

“Rental World/Backshop gives buyers a chance to compare, side by side, all the new equipment and creates a home base for rental buyers and venders. Combined with SAM’s articles and insight, it’s a great resource before and after a visit to the manufacturers booths on the main SIA floor and helps simplify the decision making process,” Bill Irwin, sales manager, Alpina/Elan Sports.

For 24/7 updates on all things 2014 Snow Show, check back on SIAsnowshow.comandSIA’s Latestand follow SIA on Twitterand Facebook.We’ll be sending highlights before and during the Show to keep you in the know. Use #SIA14 and #SIA14Demo to join the conversation.

– SIA –

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2014, SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is a non-profit member-owned trade association with a long history of working to support the snow sports industry. SIA works year-round with North American snow sports suppliers, retailers, reports, reps and service providers to develop products and programs for their individual and collective business needs. With member support and industry participation, SIA annually hosts the industry’s largest core winter sports trade show, the SIA Snow Show, along with the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest and the Sourcing Snow supplier show. SIA also helps retailers and resorts connect with snow sports participants around the country through Snowlink.com. Learn more at Snowsports.org