Rep and retailer member association 360 Adventure Collective announced its 2021 Winter Show Schedule in the New England and Southeast regions. After multiple show cancellations in 2020 due to concerns for COVID-19, the team at 360 AC is eager, but also cautiously optimistic, to return to in-person events in 2021.
“Planning ahead during the current pandemic crisis is not easy, but we are hopeful to be able to conduct safe trade shows in January and February next year,” noted executive director Stacey Gellert. “360 AC will be reassessing every month for any shifts in COVID-19 cases or state regulations that would preclude the shows from continuing.”
The Southeast Winter Expo kicks off January 21-24, 2021, at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, S.C. New England Winter Expo follows up shortly on January 27-29, 2021, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. These events provide a private, yet safe setting for reps and retailers to transact pre-season orders for winter equipment and clothing, said the group. The New England Winter Wrap-Up show will take place February 22-24, 2021, at the Doubletree Hotel Expo Hall in Manchester, N.H. This show provides retailers and reps a chance to complete all preseason orders.
While 360 AC is “very excited to move ahead with these winter shows,” one of 360 AC’s largest winter events will have to wait until 2022.
“Unfortunately, we were forced to cancel our premier Winter Hardgoods Show in Providence, RI,” said Gellert. “The convention center is being used as a temporary hospital and testing facility for COVID-19 and the timing just wasn’t possible.”
Though the team has been challenged with postponements and eventual cancellations, the association continues to forge ahead with a creative show plan. In addition to the regional winter shows, expect to see more of 360 AC’s successful On-Snow Demos on the 2021 event calendar. These shows provide buyers with an opportunity to “See it, Try it, Buy it.” Additional information including dates and registration will be provided soon.
For a full schedule of events visit their online calendar.
