New Virtual Sportsman Show Gaining Momentum with Exhibitors
OutdoorHub 12.05.12
New technology benefits the outdoorsman in many ways, and starting in 2013 their Sportsman Show experience will be included on the list. Exhibitors like the virtual concept, a consumer sports show that highlights what outdoorsmen love about traditional shows at a convention center—and none of the down side of being confined to a specific location. For exhibitors that means NO days away from home, NO airfare or travel expense, NO meals in restaurants, NO worry about snow days and NO shipping of booth materials. It does mean tapping into avid outdoor-oriented show-goers from across North America without the constraints of geography. Tried and true consumer show-goers from across North America from dynamic expo towns like Harrisburg, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Spokane and Kansas City (just to name a few) will be able to attend. So will avid anglers, boaters and hunters from just about any town in North America.
The North American Sportsman Show, online at nasportsmanshow.com, will be a 90 day, 24/7 home to anglers, boaters, campers and hunters. The show holds everything outdoor folks love about “show season”—discovering hot new products and exciting show specials, even making boat shopping for new or used boats easier. This virtual show is accessible without traveling downtown, fighting rush hour traffic or paying high parking ramp fees. One ticket, costing less than most would pay for a one-day ticket at a convention center show, is valid for 90 full days, 24/7. Show attendees can come in as many times as they would like. Just like a traditional show, there are incentives for attending and walking the aisles and chatting with exhibitors, including winning a new Ranger Boat. Entering drawings is easy and there will be over $50,000 worth of prizes. Attendees can view the show directory via categories and visit the companies within areas of interest. Or another option is just to move around the aisles and find new tackle or other interesting products and travel destinations that make enjoying the outdoors even better.
The show is the brainchild of industry veteran David Gray of Kansas City, Missouri. “We are outdoor people creating this,” shared Gray as he recently returned from a hunting trip with friends. “We live this and we know what both sides of the aisle—exhibitors and attendees—want from the show. This virtual show does it all. You haven’t seen anything like it. Exhibitors are already telling us they love it, and attendees will too.”
Doug Warren, fishing guide and website builder agrees. “This is a natural progression of the traditional sports show in today’s fast-paced, web-based world. I am excited to be a part of the next big thing in the outdoor industry,” shared Warren, whose company—Up North Outdoors—will host the website. “David had a great idea developing this concept and it will be a big hit. Many companies are getting in. The price is a great value and there is no down side with travel and being away from home and office like a regular show. Plus folks can attend from anywhere – not just a 100 or 200 mile radius.”
Exhibitors can choose from booth space ranging in price from $1,250 to $3,500. In addition, sponsorships for large banners are also available for companies that want a bigger footprint outside of their booth. “We have a sales team in place calling on tourism, boat companies and dealers as well as tackle companies large and small,” shared Kristine Houtman, handling the marketing effort. “We’re seeing good traction and companies coming on as soon as they see the show sample. It’s a no-brainer for the cost to get in on the ground floor and have 90 show days. Many are thrilled they don’t have to physically stand in a 10×10 booth away from home. They get plenty of time to achieve ROI and the lead generation is even better than through a traditional show.”
For additional information on exhibiting contact Kristine Houtman at 612.710.5584 or email: khoutman@nasportsmanshow.com. The virtual doors will open on January 23, 2013 and run through April 23, 2013. See nasportsmanshow.com for more details.
