Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, yesterday announced a shift in dates and venues for their twice-annual Connect buying show. Beginning this November, Grassroots Connect fall shows will be hosted at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo. The first Colorado Connect will be held from Nov. 4-7, 2018, immediately prior to Outdoor Retailer Winter Market (Nov. 8-11, 2018).
During that Connect show – and throughout Outdoor Retailer Winter Market – Grassroots member and vendor partner lodging will be centered at the Grand Hyatt, a premium hotel within short walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center.
“Bringing Connect to Denver is a strong step forward,” said Rich Hill, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “It simplifies the industry calendar, provides financial efficiencies for Grassroots members and vendors and delivers unquestionable value for those looking to do both buying and market discovery in a single location.”
Grassroots organizers emphasized that Connect would retain its distinct role in the industry calendar, remaining focused on the unique needs of independent specialty retailers by improving the buying process, delivering customized specialty retail education, creating a community of independent retailers, and facilitating strategic partnerships. At the same time, Grassroots organizers were supportive of Outdoor Retailer’s role as an industry-spanning event where its membership can discover hundreds of new brands, interact on sourcing, and communicate with the broader industry on pressing environmental and political topics.
