Page 20 - BG2014-complet-28

>
paddleEXPO industry mag

EVENTS

GATHERING

A great way to help the growth of the paddlesports?

Over the past several years, the number of paddlesports gatherings of all kinds has
grown immensely: sea kayak symposiums, whitewater festivals, stand up races, ishing

contests. While these are not new in principle, they can be viewed as a good substitute for
people not visiting shops; they can still get information, make connections, test gear, and
seek professional guidance. Would you agree or disagree? From your own experience,

has organizing local events been a good decision?

Without question, from our end, events/

gatherings have increased. In 2013,

we received 35% more donation and
sponsorship requests than we did in

2012, and 2012 was up from 2011. I

agree that events are useful in helping
consumers get information , learn more

about the sport, test gear, etc. But the

best solution, one we encourage with
our retailers, is to have shops put on

their own demo and charity events.

That way the consumer comes back to
the retailer to return the favor for their

services.

Andrew Stern, Marketing Manager,

Branches, LLC. (Aqua-Bound and Bending O
EXP
Branches), USA
dle
Pad
er/
ntn
r Li
Pete
©:
to
Pho

Events are a great opportunity to meet the
people from the scene as well as potential

customers. It’s a great time to get feedback

about paddlers’ needs, thoughts and
comments on products. Events are the

time to show and explain what kayaking is O
XP
all about to people from outside the sport. leE
As long as we will have the time and the add
er/P
opportunity, we will be participating in such ntn
Li
events.
eter
©: P
Janusz, Communication Manager at Aquarius & o
Phot
Rebel Kayaks

20