This season sees an updated Trade Show for the Winter Industry with Slide & OTS joining forces to create include Outdoor Brands in the Winter Show. Previously OTS was a Summer only show with no Winter option, so the collaboration makes a lot of sense to most in the Industry.
We caught up with Lesley from Rare Management to give us some insight into the upcoming show January 2022.
Tell us about Slide 2022, what’s difference & what to expect?
Biggest difference is now Slide & OTS Winter, a combined event for Wintersports & Outdoor. It’s something that has been discussed for a few years. Earlier this year in 2021 OTS members expressed their interest in joining Slide & therefore a bigger floor plan was designed. Subsequently the show is now bigger than it has been in previous years due to the addition of more Outdoor brands.
Due to the larger show & more brands there are more seating areas with an additional cafe to give more room to attendees. There is also the addition of more categories within the Slide awards, where both SIGB & OIA members will be able to vote for the best products in each category. One exception is the ECO award which will be judged & awarded by Protect Our Winters. Media from both industries will also be judging the products across all categories.
How many exhibitors are attending?
Approximately 90 exhibitors covering over 300 brands will be attending, which gives a huge range of products for retailers to look at.
This gives an increase of over 20% in terms of exhibitors, which given current circumstances is very positive.
Why should retailers attend SLIDE/OTS?
There is a fantastic range of key brands at the show who are fully set up for 3 days to showcase their products & give time to talk over their latest products. One place, 3 days & lots of brands to look at while Networking with lots of people within the Winter & Outdoor Industries.
There is a great opportunity to find new brands, find something different in store & discover new brands to entice their customers with.
How has the booking process been?
Usually the show is finalised early Winter, however this year there has been a lot more interest closer to the show. Partly due to the current climate, but also due to the positive start to the Winter season. We’ve seen lots of interest for new brands & some great commitment for new brands looking to showcase their products to the best retailers across Winter & Outdoor.
Is there anything that helped SLIDE/OTS?
The National Snow Show helped a lot in driving excitement for the season. Despite some of it’s challenges in it’s first year, which is to be expected, the Snow Show generated a lot of discussion & positivity within the Industry.
The cancellation of ISPO has possibly contributed to more interest in the Show too as there are no other major trade shows to attend for many of the brands to showcase their products to the retailers.
New Brands?
Every year new brands help to grow the show, this Winter there is a really exciting list of new brands. Here are all the new brands attending the show for the first time;
Lowa
Keela
Giraffe
Craft
Briko
Extremities
Paramo
FW
Uphill Socks
Ski Exchange
Snowtech Products
KT Tape
Poler
Osprey
Thermore
Kilpi
Vist
SunSki
Viking, Earth Spirit
Feet, Ussen
Dexshell, Boot Bananas
Kelty, Sierra Designs
UYN
Hot Sportswear
Where do you feel the Outdoor Brands can add to Slide & make this a long term successful show?
Especially the larger brands have a lot of pull power with retailers & this helps with generating more traffic. As more brands attend the show, the larger & more successful the show becomes.
What makes Slide a success?
Hardwear & Accessories has largely underpinned the show for a number of years, but the increase of apparel brands is encouraging. However, it’s a difficult juggling act to get the timing of the show right for everybody.
Final Words – Despite the current challenges in the market there seems to be some good excitement around the industry & we are hoping this is echoed at the Show in January.
What else is happening at the Show?
Sustainability breakfast – Opening up the sustainability conversation with speakers from Protect our Winters & Rab.
Slide Awards – The Slide awards are selected by retailers & other trade members to showcase the latest new innovations & products committed to being environmentally conscious.
SIGB AGM – Open to everybody to discuss the current situation around the SIGB. What has the SIGB been up to & what is happening going forward will be discussed openly with members.
For more information
Home – Slide & OTS Winter Trade Show :Slide & OTS Winter Trade Show (slideotswinter.co.uk)