The Big Gear Show (BGS), the new outdoor industry trade show focused on hardgoods with an emphasis on paddling, cycling, climbing and camping gear, announced the appointment of Kenji Haroutunian to be its outdoor show director. Haroutunian, the former show director of Outdoor Retailer Summer and Winter Markets, joins long-time Interbike show director Lance Camisasca and Paddlesports Retailer show director Charles Conner to complete The Big Gear Show’s leadership team.
Haroutunian has more than 30 years of experience in the outdoor recreation industry. From 2007-2015, he served as group show director for the Nielsen Sports Outdoor Group (now Emerald Expositions), leading Outdoor Retailer, Fly Fishing Retailer, and numerous ancillary events. More recently he has contributed to a variety of initiatives, including Outdoor PressCamp, FOJT Climb Smart, Outdoor Media Summit, the Inclusivity Luncheon, and Outside Experience. Haroutunian also is board director for Access Fund, Friends of Joshua Tree, and the California Outdoor Recreation Partnership.
“Kenji’s appointment solidifies our team. We now have the former show directors of Interbike, Outdoor Retailer, and Paddlesports Retailer all working toward a shared vision for The Big Gear Show. No other show team in the industry brings as much experience and expertise to the table. With these new hires on board, we’re confident we will grow The Big Gear Show into the world’s premier hardgoods show.” commented Sutton Bacon, the show’s co-founder.
The Big Gear Show will be held in Salt Lake City’s Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center July 22-25, 2020. The show’s first three days will be reserved exclusively for retailer attendees, but uniquely the final day, Saturday, July 25, will be open to the general public.
“I am truly excited to be part of The Big Gear Show,” said Haroutunian. “Having an experienced team of retailers conceive and produce a fresh treatment for today’s ‘B2Both’ audience is a great opportunity to put learnings into practice with people I’ve known, worked with and respected for decades. The Big Gear Show brings the outdoor experience back to the center of the production—it allows a new platform to come to life focused on core activities that highlight innovation and discovery, while actively promoting healthy and responsible outdoor recreation.”
