The Big Gear Show unveils plans for summer 2021
New dates, new venue, no consumers, but same core mission: to be the place where hardgoods-centric retailers can see, try, and buy product all in one place
Darren Bush
Darren Bush is a longtime veteran of the outdoor and paddlesports community.Courtesy Darren Bush has a long resume, but his self proclaimed official title is “owner and chief paddling evangelist” of Rutabaga Paddlesports.Bush says he’s one of the only shop owners in the country who gets hugged every day by his customers.Bush is also the founder of Canoecopia, the world’s largest paddlesports consumer show, and co-founder of Paddlesports Retailer. He is also a former board member for Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Foundation.
Most recently, Bush co-founded The Big Gear Show.
Virtual events will become the new normal—for now
As coronavirus spreads event organizers are scrambling to create meaningful, efficient ways to conduct business virtually.
Podcast: Founders of The Big Gear Show talk about why their show is different
Sutton Bacon and Darren Bush say "There's a lot at stake. Main Street gear shops are struggling and the world is evolving...faster than the speed of trade shows and associations."
The outdoor industry is split on The Big Gear Show concept
Some are in, some are out, some are still on the fence. With budgets locked in for 2020, exhibitors and retailers are still considering whether or not it’s worth attending another summer show.
A "big" new trade show is launching in summer 2020
The Big Gear Show will premiere paddling, camping, climbing, and biking hardgoods in July, three weeks after Outdoor Retailer.
How to drive sales in your paddlesports department
5 tips to make your paddlesports department a family adventure hub
YETI ends plans to go public; slashes retailers
Earlier this year, the luxury cooler maker dumped several specialty outdoor stores.
Hot/Not | What outdoor gear is trending this week at Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, Wisconsin
Get a real-time snapshot of what's selling like crazy (and what's destined for closeout) in outdoor retail shops around the country...right now.
Innovation Project | Rutabaga
How do you turn your customers into a family? In The Innovation Project's 17th episode, Rutabaga's owner Darren Bush talks about fostering his huge community of paddling die-hards.