DENVER (BRAIN) — Organizers of The Big Gear Show and the new (e)revolution e-bike show plan to run them concurrently at the Colorado Convention Center here next June 8-11.
The first two editions of The Big Gear Show, which includes bike and outdoor exhibitors, have been held in Park City, Utah.
The new venue for TBGS means the show does a swap with Emerald Exposition's Outdoor Retailer summer show, which has been held for several years in Denver. Next year, OR moves back to Salt Lake City, Utah, with a winter show in January and a summer show June 19-21.
The (e)revolution show took over OR's convention center dates in Denver soon after Emerald announced its departure in March.
The new concurrent events in Colorado will include two trade-only days and two consumer days.
Lost Paddle Events, the shows' organizer, said The Big Gear show will add new categories including overland equipment, trail running, and technical footwear and apparel. It will also continue to include outdoor, cycling, climbing, paddlesports, and camping gear.
"Our ethos has always been to embrace both retailers and consumers and we feel like now is the time to bring our industry to where the people are," said Kenji Haroutunian, the show director, adding "When we first announced The Big Gear Show in 2020, we envisioned it taking place inside an accessible center city location, designed to incorporate product demonstrations as well as consumer engagement; the pandemic necessitated moving the show outdoors and staging in a more open-air, intimate format and without consumers."
OR's move from Utah to Colorado and then back has been a hot topic politically, and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis was quoted in a press release about the new show coming to Denver.
"Colorado's outdoor recreation opportunities are not only a lot of fun; but the outdoor industry is a big part of our thriving economy, creating good-paying jobs, supporting our small businesses across the state, and connecting people to our world-class outdoors," Polis said. "As a business person, I am excited about the opportunity that The Big Gear Show presents for our entrepreneurs and for our state to expand and showcase our inclusive and booming outdoor recreation industry and products."
Lance Camisasca, director of the (e)revolution show, said, "E-bikes are the fastest-growing segment in the entire active outdoor lifestyle industry. With the surging popularity of e-bikes and the increase in cross-merchandising of e-bikes in more traditional outdoor stores, the co-location of The Big Gear Show with (e)revolution makes all the sense in the world. It exponentially increases the potential for discovery by retailers, the media, and consumers."
Camisasca noted that "the Big Gear Show will remain popular for all bike and accessory brands who wish to show their products to the growing number of outdoor retail stores with strong interests in cycling and crossover products."
"Colorado is excited to host The Big Gear Show and its forward-looking concept of an inclusive industry gathering of consumers and retailers," said Outdoor Recreation Industry Office Director Conor Hall. "Events like The Big Gear Show and (e)revolution are important components in our push to ensure Colorado is a national leader in outdoor recreation and remains the gathering place of the industry where brands, retailers, and consumers come together to learn, network, and celebrate the great outdoors."
Exhibitors can begin booking exhibit space starting now, with early bird pricing available through Dec. 15. Retailer and media registration will also be available, with consumer registration open in early 2023. More information at thebiggearshow.com.
