Running Industry Association Announces Virtual Trade Show

Source:China Sport ShowRelease time:03-Jun-2020Clicks:

Article From：SGB Media

The Running Industry Association (RIA) said that due to COVID-19, it is replacing their in-person trade show, which was scheduled to occur in Denver, CO earlier this month, with a virtual show.

RIA KICK On-Demand, will feature video product presentations from the top footwear, apparel and accessory brands in the specialty run channel. RIA retailer members can participate in live presentations via Zoom, Brandlive or otherwise, or simply watch pre-recorded sessions at their convenience.

“Our entire focus has shifted to help the channel continue doing business,” states Terry Schalow, executive director of RIA. “With our physical show out of the question, and 90 percent of brands reporting the pandemic will impact their sell-in process, we pivoted to an online platform. This will enable brands to do a single presentation that will reach a host of retailers across the country, and retailers will have a platform to buy effectively for the spring 2021 season.”

RIA KICK On-Demand will honor the event’s philosophy as a true working show where retailers get in-depth product information from the product developers. Brands are highly encouraged to present live to best replicate the interactive experience of last year’s in-person show. The schedule will be promoted to retailers who will register for individual sessions.

This year flexibility will be a key factor with brands being able to present over the course of six-plus weeks to accommodate the 48 percent of brands that expect Q3 product release delays and 57 percent that may be delayed in spring 2021 as well, according to the RIA COVID-19 Brand Survey.

The RIA has also partnered with PlumRiver Technologies’ Elastic Suite as its preferred B2B ecommerce platform to create an immersive, online sales experience through KICK On-Demand. RIA brand members can create digital catalogs to use during the show and the entire next year. Retailers can use it alongside video presentations to create product assortments and ultimately orders.