San Diego has often been noted as the soul of the action sports industry. Its beautiful backdrop, laid-back attitude and youth-focused culture provide the perfect environment for surf, skate, snowboarding and motocross companies to grow and thrive. With San Diego’s prevalent influences and industry history, it only makes sense that this SoCal city hosts one of the largest trade shows in the action sports industry.
The Action Sports Retail tradeshow, known as ASR, will be held at the San Diego Convention Center from Sept. 8 through 10. This year’s show will feature more than 430 exhibitors and showcase the newest trends and products for its 18,000 attendees. With athlete appearances, fashion shows, seminars and skate competitions and demos, the lineup is more loaded than ever.
“ASR provides product, community and education for those in the action sports industry,” said Andy Tompkins, show director. “It provides an opportunity to see the industry at one glance. It is a unique meeting of the minds, where retailers can get a sense of where the industry is going to go.”
One of ASR’s newest features is the Goldbox Mission, sponsored by Boost Mobile.
“Goldbox Mission is designed to give the younger and up-and-coming brands a chance to showcase their product,” Tompkins said.
This specialty showcase and lounge area, which has grown three times since its debut last year, provides a concentrated area where retailers can explore fresh, edgy brands that they might not find elsewhere. The 36 emerging labels accommodate the needs of buyers looking to veer away from the mainstream and try something new.
To complement the edgy urban-focused direction of many of exhibitors, ASR has invited streetwear brands to participate in this year’s show.
“There is a synergy between surf and skate fashion and streetwear ” a shared urban theme between them. It seemed like a natural extension,” Tompkins said. “It will continue to be a growing section as the two markets combine.”
So what upcoming trends can attendees expect to see at this year’s ASR?
“A marriage of fine art and fashion,” Tompkins said. “There is a lot of art being used; the colors and designs will transcend normal lifestyle apparel.”
Also expect to see innovative alternatives in design. Brands are consistently turning to new material to create longer and smoother rides.
While the tradeshow is not open to the general public, ASR will feature an opportunity for skate fans to experience a piece of the action. On Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m., the public is invited to attend eS’s Game of SKATE. The competition will first feature an amateur round in which skaters from around the world will go trick-for-trick to gain a chance to compete against the pros. The winner of the amateur round will skate against 32 of the world’s top pros, including Eric Koston, P.J. Ladd, Darrel Stanton, Paul Rodriguez and more, for the title of King of Skate and $10,000 in cash prizes.
In its 25th year, this September’s ASR has expanded square footage, added even more exhibitors and produced the most jam-packed event lineup yet. Also watch for streaming live Web broadcasts on the tradeshow’s Web site.
For more information, visit www.asrbiz.com.