Big Gear Show Adds Big Retailer Incentive

The Big Gear Show, the outdoor-industry’s new hardgoods-focused trade show, has unveiled a retailer lodging incentive program, carried over from Paddlesports Retailer, aimed to make show attendance more affordable for the show’s core specialty retailer attendees. Aside from this incentive, the show also features retailer-focused educational programming and an outdoor demo experience (details coming soon) designed primarily for retailers.

For a limited time, qualified retailers can earn up to $150 per night, beginning the night of July 22 through July 24, for a total reimbursement of up to $450. The deadline and the last day to register for a full reimbursement in The Big Gear Show’s retailer lodging incentive is Sunday, March 1, 2020. After this date, the reimbursement offer decreases to $75 per night (for a total of up to $225) until June 1, 2020, when the lodging incentive program closes. To participate retailers must:

  • Register to attend The Big Gear Show at this link by March 1, 2020.
  • Book lodging in The Big Gear Show Room Block by April 1, 2020 (details coming soon).
  • Send confirmation of lodging, including confirmation number, location and dates to info@thebiggearshow.com by April 1, 2020.
  • Attend the show, and pick up their badges in person at show check-in.

The show offers one reimbursement per shop, and reimbursement checks will be issued within 60 days after the show.

“As a retailer I know first-hand what it costs to take buyers to a show,” said show organizer Darren Bush, owner of Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, Wisc. “We’ve proven the model at Paddlesports Retailer, putting over 150 thousand dollars back in the pockets of specialty shop owners.”

“As shows are expensive to attend, not only in time away but in travel and lodging, it is extremely beneficial to receive some reimbursement. This allows you to take additional personnel as well,” said Ed McAlister of River Sports, who has attended Paddlesports Retailer for the past three years. “It’s important to be with like minded people with the product you need to see when attending any show.”