ASR Moves 2010 Dates
The Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo announced it will shift its 2010 dates in an effort to better accommodate exhibitors’ production and selling schedules.
The new dates for ASR, which traditionally held its shows in January and September, will be Feb. 3–4 and August 14–16, 2010. Class @ ASR, a new contemporary-focused collaboration between ASR and Jason Bates’ Class trade show that debuts in September, will run concurrently with the new 2010 dates. The new February and August dates will permanently replace the January and September editions, said Andy Tompkins, ASR’s group show director.
“The January show has been between the Spring/Summer and early Fall selling seasons,” Tompkins said. By pushing the show back into February, ASR’s first show of the year will become a more Fall-focused show. “That’s important because the Fall season is becoming increasingly important to the action sports market,” Tompkins said. Another change for the February show is a shortened two-day schedule.
The move to the new August date is less grounded in what is happening right now in the action sports market and more about positioning the show to better serve the industry in later years, Tompkins said. “There will be an adjustment period, but this is a repositioning for the next 10 years,” he noted.
ASR’s date changes will not affect the show’s location. It will continue to be held at the San Diego Convention Center. ASR isn’t the only show servicing the action sports market that has announced date changes.
Agenda, the boutique show that grew up in ASR’s shadow and now focuses on streetwear and action sports brands, announced new dates for its biannual events. The show is leaving San Diego to exhibit in Huntington Beach, Calif. The next show will be held July 22–23. Agenda is planning a January 2010 show in Los Angeles. —Erin Barajas
