LOS ANGELES, CA (BRAIN)—Wattie Ink., led by Sean Watkins formerly of Triathlete Magazine, has entered into an agreement to handle future promotion and sales of North American event expos at Ironman and 70.3 events, as well as head up endemic sales for Ironman’s Web site sales.
Additionally, select event expos will now include “Demo Days,” as seen at the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship, an interactive experience that includes the latest in triathlon gear and apparel. The first event on the calendar is Ironman 70.3 California on March 27.
“I started the Demo Days experience in Kona two years ago," Watkins said. "The goal was to enhance the event experience for the participants and fans, while giving the manufacturers a platform to promote products and allow potential consumers to test them. The Kona experience has been extremely successful and as a result, the 2010 Demo Days expo in Kona is already close to being sold out. That success drove the decision to allow that experience to live beyond Kona."
The following 2010 events will include “Demo Days” within the expo:
Ironman events
June 27, 2010 Ford Ironman Couer D’Alene
July 25, 2010 Ford Ironman Lake Placid
Oct 9, 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, HI
Ironman 70.3
March 27, 2010 Ironman 70.3 California Oceanside
Aug 8, 2010 Ironman 70.3 Boulder
May 16, 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3
Similar to the Ford Ironman World Championship, all events will include a three-day expo area where consumers can test the latest in tri-bikes, aero wheels, running shoes and even take a dip in one of the on-site Endless Pools to test the latest wetsuit technology. Each expo will include a stage with vendors announcing the debut of new products, clinics, professional athlete signings and press conferences. In addition, each event will include a formal Bike Count with the Bike Count Championships to be at the Ford Ironman World Championship in October.
“Sean took the Ford Ironman World Championship Village in Hawaii from an expo to an interactive demonstration and testing ground for the athletes and spectators. We are excited to have Sean bring this new experience for the athletes to other Ironman races in the U.S.,” says Andy Giancola director of licensing and sponsorship for Ironman.
Booth space is limited so contact Wattie Ink. for immediate reservations at sean.wattie@gmail.com
