Retailers, Manufacturers, Industry Types

[Jason Harris 31]

This non-scientific poll is more for the folks in the industry.

You may or may not know that the IHIA (International Hockey Industry Association) suspended its existing arrangement with Let's Play Hockey, although it's possible they may work together again. Additionally, many companies have let it be known that they're tired of having the expense of two tradeshows -- Canadian and American shows.

The IHIA had asked its members for suggestions on where to hold the show and when. They'd like to hold it in a traditional hockey city, possibly on a rotating basis between Canada and America. They'd also like to ultimately hold it earlier in the year, since they believe booking orders are occuring in the fall, plus new product samples are arriving then.

I received an email today from Let's Play Hockey, who intend to hold a show in Vegas next January, but I have no idea what other manufacturers plan to do. It got me thinking that nobody appeared to be asking the retailers what they think. I think most of us would agree that you can't sell hockey equipment without touching it, so perusing a website doesn't cut it. So, where would you like the tradeshow to be held? When?

My vote is Toronto, but for selfish reasons. Salming is the Official Equipment Supplier to the Hockey Hall of Fame, so I thought it would be cool to invite the industry to a coctail party at the HHOF on one of the nights of the show. Perhaps some of the HHOF Members could be in attendence. And, if they really want to move the tradeshow earlier, then I'd vote to coincide it with the Induction Weekend in early November, but I don't have any problem with after the holiday season.

If you're in the industry, please give your vote and why, and I'll forward it to the IHIA. It might not do anything, but it will inform them better.

Thanks,

Jason

[prenny207 1]

its been in toronto, hasn't been very successful...

with regards to earlier... NO GOOD.

dealers are already not pleased with having shows in january. they haven't done end of year sales numbers, inventory, or even began to think about next season. the major manufacturers want to move the show up so they can change production schedules.

heres a thought.

show: early to mid feb.

booking season: jan-mid april

delivery: june-july

sales: june-december

do it all over again.

this was the way of the industry for a long time, and was very successful. then importing happened... changing products ever other year instead of 3-4 years. over production, closeouts, etc....

this industry used to be fun and profitable... and i stress USED TO BE!!!

the hockey world will never agree with one location for the show... my thoughts would be chicago, or somewhere of a central location, or as much as possible. make it easy for everyone to get there.

and NOT before the dealers have had a chance to sell what they already bought!!!!

[Chadd 916]

I like having it in January, too much earlier and you're going to have closeouts during the holiday season, further killing the small shops. I have no problem with rotating between the US and Canada every year but you see what happened this past year with the CSGA and others forcing a second show.

If they want to go to one show only, it's going to have to be Toronto because of the Canadian retailers. I just don't see them accepting only one show on US soil. Personally, I liked Vegas a lot more. Maybe it was the 75 degree increase in temperature but it was certainly more pleasant and more convenient.

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

Bring it down to O-Town...I'll be the host...show y'all how we do it down South...

[UMWhockey 0]

I liked vegas. but then again, why not DC. make life easy for me :D

[Chadd 916]

I liked vegas. but then again, why not DC. make life easy for me :D

90 minute drive for me as long as I avoid rush hour. I just think Vegas is so easy to get around. Traffic is a major pain in most of the other realistic options. Orlando and New Orleans aren't realistic options if they don't want to do Vegas. Those cities have some of the same drawbacks, as well as some of the same perks for travelers.

Even with the big dig complete, Boston is a major pain, same with NYC. Both are fairly expensive as well. Detroit might work as a compromise but isn't much of a destination city, Chicago would be fun but suffers from some of the same problems as Boston and NYC.

Toronto is a great city but not in the dead of winter, at least they prefer to speak English there though. Montreal is a wonderful place to visit but it's not convenient for very many dealers and you have the language issues.

[Jim A 4]

Here's my caveat with a trade show nowadays..

by the time the actual show has come around..I've seen the gear ..touched it..felt it.tried it on..read about it in Rennies and THN etc.its old news... even running a small pro shop in TX a couple years ago..i had my closeouts,etc ordered before the show from some companies..

I totally understand reps holding pre-show stuff so that they can just book at the show and that its a way for the industry to get together..but for the retailer.it accomplishes little anymore...

Vegas is cheap.that's why it works..last year I booked 3 days from the show..and got a RT from Dallas and 3 nights at the Rio for a little over 200 total..

[Chadd 916]

Here's my caveat with a trade show nowadays..

by the time the actual show has come around..I've seen the gear ..touched it..felt it.tried it on..read about it in Rennies and THN etc.its old news... even running a small pro shop in TX a couple years ago..i had my closeouts,etc ordered before the show from some companies..

I totally understand reps holding pre-show stuff so that they can just book at the show and that its a way for the industry to get together..but for the retailer.it accomplishes little anymore...

Vegas is cheap.that's why it works..last year I booked 3 days from the show..and got a RT from Dallas and 3 nights at the Rio for a little over 200 total..

I think that goes to Prenny's point of slowing down the cycle. There is no reason that the first samples need to be out in November. The only thing that does is make it easier to use the NHL as a marketing tool. The sticks the players start using in the fall would be available a little sooner to the consumer. Move the show up a little, move back the booking cycle a little and it works for everyone.

[Jason Harris 31]

Thanks to whomever pinned the topic.

And thanks also for the responses. They've been far more in depth than I was expecting. Enough so that I'm going to send emails to all my contacts among retailers and industry folks asking them to vote, and I'm hopeful that those who have already voted might do the same.

Who knows what will result from this information, but it's interesting that there appears to be a disconnect between the supply side and the buy side.

[thunderbirds_are_go 0]

For international buyers, Vegas is a good option. Ideally you'd want a Vegas equivalent with an NHL franchise. By Vegas equivalent I mean relatively cheap, easy to get around, warm, and has other attractions. What is LA like for conventions? It's warm, and has two NHL franchises. I don't know much about the place, so maybe there are good reasons not to have it there though.

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

I have no qualms with Vegas - it's fun, you get to unwind, and everything is accessible. It's just that the industry needs to get their act together.

[Chadd 916]

Thanks to whomever pinned the topic.

It seemed like the kind of topic that deserves more discussion, I didn't want to see it slip away.

[Jason Harris 31]

I just received the following email from the IHIA:

News Release

For Immediate Release Montreal, Quebec, Canada

June 3, 2005

HOCKEY INDUSTRY RALLIES BEHIND “ONE GOALâ€:

IHIA Organizes One Goal Trade Show to Unify the Industry

and Support Growth of the Sport

The International Hockey Industry Association (IHIA) and the Canadian Sporting Goods Association (CSGA) today announced that they have signed a three-year agreement to present an international trade show for the hockey industry. The new show will be called “The One Goal Hockey Showâ€. Proceeds from the show will be used to support One Goal, a new initiative designed to get more kids involved in the game, which has received overwhelming support from all facets of the hockey community, including the National Hockey League, the NHL Players Association, Hockey Canada and USA Hockey, as well as hockey suppliers, retailers, and rink owners. The first One Goal show will be held in Boston from Saturday, January 7, 2006, through Monday, January 9, 2006. The second One Goal show will be held in Montreal in January 2007. The location and timing of the third show will be decided at a later date.

“The purpose of the One Goal Hockey Show is to bring the entire hockey community together under one tentâ€, said IHIA President and Chairman Robin Burns. “We hope and expect that the revenue from the One Goal show will provide a substantial portion of the funding we need to get the hockey community’s One Goal program off the ground and get more kids involved in the game. This deal will benefit everyone from the five-year-old picking up a hockey stick for the first time to the guy driving the Zamboni.â€

“The Canadian Sporting Goods Association is delighted to have been selected to work with the IHIA to manage the One Goal Hockey Show and to be part of the One Goal initiative,†said Dave Foxcroft, CSGA Chairman and COO of Fox 40 International. “Hockey is a significant sport in Canada and the United States and we are pleased that the CSGA will be providing its many years of show experience and expertise towards making the One Goal Hockey Show, and the whole One Goal concept, an integral part of the ever changing needs of the hockey industry.â€

“One Goal has our full supportâ€, said Mike Whan, CEO of Mission-ITECH Hockey. “It’s fantastic to see the industry coming together to benefit the growth of our game. I’m excited to see that the proceeds from our industry trade show will help fund such a worthwhile program. You can count on Mission-ITECH being involved and supportive in any effort that supports One Goal.â€

“Bauer Nike Hockey is committed to growing the game and we look forward to supporting the One Goal initiativeâ€, said Chris Zimmerman, CEO of Bauer-Nike Hockey. “At this critical time for our sport, it is important for the entire industry to come together to generate excitement and participation at all levels. We look forward to working closely with our partners throughout the hockey community to help drive One Goal and the future of our great game.â€

“There has never been a more important time for the hockey world to come together for the good of the gameâ€, said Matt O’Toole, President and CEO of The Hockey Company CCM-Reebok. “One Goal is dedicated to our most important constituent--kids. The One Goal initiative and the trade show that will help fund it have the enthusiastic support of The Hockey Company.â€

“One Goal is an exciting concept,†said Tom Farkas, President of Great Skate Inc. “It is so important that we reach out to younger players. In doing so, we spur new growth and generate renewed enthusiasm for the game. Particularly at this pivotal time in the sport, this can only be a win - win situation.â€

“’One Goal’ will play an important role in the NHL’s on-going commitment to increasing participation and interest in hockey around the world,†said Brian Jennings, NHL Group Vice President, Consumer Products Marketing.†The League is proud to join our fellow industry stakeholders in this innovative program designed to introduce kids to the game and instil the core values of our sport -- courage, respect, sacrifice and honor.â€

“USA Hockey is elated to see the hockey industry leaders combine their efforts to benefit the growth of hockey,†said Mike Bertsch, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs for USA Hockey, the U.S. national governing body for amateur and Olympic hockey. “We are proud to be a part of the One Goal initiative and look forward to attending the One Goal show. The beneficiaries will be the new players who experience the thrill of our game.â€

The IHIA is a Canadian not-for-profit corporation based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Its members include Bauer-Nike Hockey, Reebok-The Hockey Company, Mission-ITECH, Easton Sports, TPS Hockey, and Sher-Wood, among others.

The CSGA is also a Canadian not-for-profit corporation based in Montreal. It has served the sporting goods industry in Canada for over 60 years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Bill Hattem at (514) 342-0366 or bhattem@ihia.net

[Chadd 916]

So much for the Vegas show, the dates conflict.

[Jason Harris 31]

So much for the Vegas show, the dates conflict.

If the dates had been far enough apart, I would have considered doing two shows, although I obviously would have placed a higher priority to the show that The Big Guns are committing to.

Now, the decision has been made for me.

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

Ugh...

LPH's show had so much potential.

I've never been to Boston though.

[whbd18 0]

do you have to work for a hockey store to go to the trade shows or are they open to the general public?

[Jason Harris 31]

do you have to work for a hockey store to go to the trade shows or are they open to the general public?

This particular show is geared toward the retailer. There are consumer shows, such as the Let's Play Hockey Expo which occurs during the MN State HS Championships, or another one that I know is being planned for New England during the Frozen Four regionals.

If you wanted to see the upcoming equipment, it's probably best that you try to go to a consumer show, since there's limited time during the retail tradeshow for retailers and manufacturers to meet.

[whbd18 0]

or another one that I know is being planned for New England during the Frozen Four regionals.

do you know where in new england that is going to be

[Jason Harris 31]

or another one that I know is being planned for New England during the Frozen Four regionals.

do you know where in new england that is going to be

It's not etched in stone, but they're working on the DCU center in Worcester during the Frozen Four.

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

LPH strikes back - lol we all know why Sande supports Vegas :P

Since the announcement of the CSGA produced hockey show in Boston, the response that we have received for our show has been nothing short of outstanding. The support we have received from exhibitors and buyers has been genuine and sincere and totally supportive of our continued effort in Las Vegas this January.

We are committed more than ever to continue to produce the best hockey show in the world, in the number one convention destination in the universe. For the past seven years, we have produced the most progressive and exciting show in the industry.

People have attempted to duplicate our success, but they have been unable to match our loyal buyers and exhibitors. Our focus has always been to treat the buyers and exhibitors in a first-class manner.

Leading the way at our show in January in buyer support is The Hockey Group. They stand behind our effort in Las Vegas and is the show they support. “The show for us this January is the Let’s Play Hockey International Expo in Las Vegas,†stated Larry Davenport, President of The Hockey Group.

Las Vegas is truly the number one convention destination in the world. With its low cost airfares, lodging, entertainment, dining, and weather, this is the place people want to go. Why not go to a destination you want to go to as opposed to a location you are forced to go in the winter months?

There will be no northeaster, wind chill, blizzards – which will not affect your plans in Vegas, where temps average around 60º F/15º C in January. You will not need snowshoes or a parka at our show.

Our surveys have shown that people want to go to a fun, warm weather destination and get a short relief from the cold climate they find themselves in each January, and the opportunity to take a break after their stores’ busiest time.

We will continue to update you as more and more buyers and exhibitors sign up for the show. As we move closer to our exhibitor registration deadline of June 15, we’ll release the names of the companies who have committed to exhibit.

Buyers, please support these companies who are supporting our show. Watch for future emails for additional supporters:

Pure Sport

Rebellion, Inc

Renfrew Hockey Tape

Riedell Skates

Sande Hockey

Under Armour

Your support has been truly appreciated and is the inspiration for our ongoing commitment to put on the best show. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Please pass this email on to your sales reps, employees, and other interested parties.

Thank you,

Doug Johnson, President

J & P Hockey Ventures, Inc

Let’s Play Hockey International Expo

[Jason Harris 31]

Any predictions?

Since I grew up outside of Beantown, my prediction is I'll be staying with my buddy while attending the Boston show. :P

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

The IHIA has some heavy hitters in their lineup but it is true - Vegas is cheaper, it's easier to get around, it's convenient. Who wants to do a pub crawl in freezing weather?

[whbd18 0]

It's not etched in stone, but they're working on the DCU center in Worcester during the Frozen Four.

nice thats only like an hour an 15 minutes from my house

[Jason Harris 31]

The IHIA has some heavy hitters in their lineup but it is true - Vegas is cheaper, it's easier to get around, it's convenient. Who wants to do a pub crawl in freezing weather?

One thing that might be fun is if the IHIA could coordinate future years with an NHL game in that city. Maybe buy up 100 seats and make them available first-come.