Well in the middle of the ski season all of us shop owners get together in Las Vegas. Wierd I know, but that is the location of the yearly Snowsports Industry trade show. This is the first time we will see all of next years clothing, gear, and accessories. Actually, we have seen bits and pieces already, and have been given some hints but this is the total candy store (see Jan. 8 post). I have always thought that Las Vegas is a strange place to have the show and next year after many years of Vegas we will be moving it to Denver. So this is the last hurrah. Casinos, smoky rooms, short pants at night, and beer cups around your neck with a string one last time. I always look forward to it. It is a great chance to spend some time with the distributors and sales reps in a casual environment. All thats missing is skiing. Next year all that will change. Next year instead of slot machines we will have the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. So Martin and I will be going down one last time. Martin is racing at Mammoth this weekend and will drive to Vegas. I will fly in Monday and meet him.
Having Martin with me has opened up a lot of opportunities. Being the Swiss Ski Meister that he is, he knows most of the company presidents from when they were sales reps or junior racers, and everybody loves Martin. The only drawback is that it is hard to make progress down the rows of vendors when every fifth person you see flags us down and wants to tell old skier war stories with Martin. Not a bad trade off though as I get introductions to all and a friend of Martins is a friend of thiers.
Another aspect of this years show is that there has been some shuffling of sales reps. We will have a new rep for Head, Fischer, Goode, Nordica and others. I will not know who our new Fischer rep will be until I get there. I had to make an appointment with the National Sales Manager to see the line. This may or may not effect my buying decisions from these companies. My attitude is that the product speaks for itself and a good rep only strengthens the brand. Overall I think my reps are a good bunch. Actually I think that ski company reps are all generally in it for the right reasons. They are not getting rich but they are passionate about their trade.
Anyway, that's my week upcoming. I wish I could enjoy the new snow in Tahoe but it will have to wait. Enjoy it for me please if you can make it up. Shortly after the show we will be trying to aggressively test all the new skis and come up with a lineup for next year. Not a bad part of the job. Actually a great part of a great job. Ski demo days, trade shows in Vegas, and days at the shop helping customers choose new toys and I have very little to complain about. I will try to bring back some juicy news for you on new products when I get back. Untill then wish me luck at the gaming tables!
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