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Behind the scenes: the Paddlesports Retailer show & demo day in Oklahoma City, 2018

9/8/2018

4 Comments

 
A whitewater group at Riversport Rapids in Oklahoma City
   So, yeah, I've been a little MIA over the past few weeks. I've been traveling, working, and running (not jogging, fleeing!). Back at the end of August I had the pleasure to attend the Paddlesports Retailer industry trade show in Oklahoma City. Now it's already September and I'm currently inland from my home on the coast of North Carolina, running from #HurricaneFlorence! More on this adventure in a later post - it's much nicer to think back about the Paddlesports show. Over the past few months I've been working with my favorite inflatable kayak company -Innova Kayak (parent company Gumotex in Europe). They asked me if I wanted to join them in OKC, meet some of the Innova team, help with the show, and learn about all of the exciting things happening with the company in 2019 and beyond.
The Hobie booth at the Paddlesports Retailer Show 2018
The Innova Kayak booth at the Paddlesports Retailer Show in Oklahoma City, 2018
Kayaks along the river at demo day at this year's Paddlesports Retailer Show.
   This trade show isn't open to the public - it's for vendors and retailers. It's a way for buyers from large and small stores to walk around, talk to companies, make orders for the new season, and check out new products.
   After I arrived in OKC (which is a great city by the way), I helped Innova set up their booth at the downtown convention center (middle pic above). We settled and prepared for 'demo day' along the river at the a-maz-ing Riversport Rapids whitewater center. 
Whitewater testing at demo day during the Paddlesports Retailer Show in Oklahoma City, OK
Paddlesports Retailer demo day at the whitewater center in OKC
Inside the Riversport Rapids dining/restaurant building
Hanging out at the Coop Ale Works booth at Riversports Rapids at the Paddlesports Retailer demo day
Innova Kayak at demo day at the 2018 Paddlesports Retailer Show
Serious whitewater paddling at the whitewater facility in Oklahoma City
Whitewater, bikes, and bars at the Paddlesports retailer in Oklahoma City
Whitewater in the boathouse district in Oklahoma City
   Demo day is a way for buyers to try out boats on the actual water (instead of just imagining inside the dry convention center). It seemed like there was minimal chatting around most vendors, but lots of paddling, laughing, talking, and relaxing since we all made it and the booths were pretty much set up back at the convention center.
Retailers browsing kayaks at demo day at the Paddlesports Retailer Show in Oklahoma City, 2018
The sun setting at Riversport Rapids whitewater facility in Oklahoma City
Live music, beer, and good times at Riverwport Rapids in Oklahoma City
   With the sun set on demo day, it was back to the air bnb to rest. The first day of the show at the convention center was a bustle with activity. At Innova we got to talk with several retailers and as I walked around I got to talk with several more. It was cool to be around such a thriving paddling industry event. It was also great to visit Oklahoma City, a place I never imagined would be so cool.
The downtown Oklahoma City river walk.
Lighthouse on Lake Hefner near Oklahoma City, OK
SUP on the whitewater at the Riversport Rapids facility in Oklahoma City
A super compact Innova Kayak bag at demo day at the Paddlesports Retailer Show in OKC
Horses in downtown Oklahoma City
   So that's the update for now. We hope to return to normal (from #hurricaneflorence) soon! Maybe we should take a vacation back to Oklahoma City!?!?

~Paul   everyonestravelclub.com 
4 Comments
Marina link
1/28/2022 01:49:38 pm

Very interesting article. Many beautiful photos, you can understand the atmosphere of this event through photos. An interesting idea is to create such an exhibition, where the manufacturer can directly communicate with the purchasing company.

Reply
Juliana Wilson link
7/4/2024 01:46:15 pm

Your blog is very nice
Wish to see much more like this. Thanks for sharing your information!

Reply
Bruce Harris link
7/5/2024 07:31:10 am

At Innova we got to chat with a few retailers and as I strolled around I got to converse with a few more. Being around such a flourishing rowing industry event was cool. It was likewise perfect to visit Oklahoma City, a spot I never envisioned would be so cool.

Reply
Keith Matheny link
7/5/2024 12:37:20 pm

It's for vendors and retailers. It's a way for buyers from large and small stores to walk around, talk to companies, make orders for the new season, and check out new products. Thank you for sharing your great post!

Reply



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