360 Adventure Collective Announces Summer 2023 Show Schedule

360 Adventure Collective, the trusted member association that has brought together focused, regional events for sales reps and retailers for over 40 years, is excited to announce its lineup of regional summer shows. This year’s schedule also includes a brand new 360AC Experience in April with an emphasis on camping, climbing, and hiking. Registration for the April show opens in February, while registration for the summer lineup begins in March.

The summer schedule for 360 Adventure Collective includes:

  • 360AC Experience: Camp, Climb, Hike – April 11-12 – Chattanooga, TN
  • Mid-Atlantic Summer Expo – June 6-8, 2023 – Edison, NJ
  • Southeast Summer Expo – June 19-22, 2023 – Greenville, SC
  • New England Summer Expo – June 20-22, 2023 – Manchester, NH
  • 360AC Experience: Paddlesports – September 12-13, 2023 – Charlotte, NC

“Our goal has always been to provide conveniently located, cost-effective expos, offering smaller regional alternatives to the larger national shows,” said Stacey Gellert, 360 Adventure Collective’s Executive Director. “That’s why we leverage a more intimate, open booth format and offer free registration online or on-site.”

New for the 2023 show season is the 360AC Experience: Camp, Climb, Hike in Chattanooga, TN. Designed to bring buyers, retail staff, and sales reps together to test products, learn new skills, and reconnect with the outdoors in a beautiful camp setting, 360AC Experiences emphasize authentic outdoor experiences over virtual simulations.

The Chattanooga event will take place April 11-12, 2023 at the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, where attendees will have the opportunity to camp, climb, hike, and run on the arboretum’s 300 acres, all while testing out the latest and greatest outdoor gear.

To learn more about 360 Adventure Collective, visit 360adventurecollective.org or email Stacey Gellert at staceyg@360adventurecollective.org.

About 360 Adventure Collective

EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Association) and NESR (New England Sports Reps) united in 2017 to create 360 Adventure Collective, a greater organization boasting a combined 40 years of success in connecting the most comprehensive offerings in outdoor and ski apparel, footwear, accessories and hard goods to the industry’s retailers who matter the most.  By hosting smaller, more conveniently located expos and markets than the national alternatives, 360 Adventure Collective is the traveling sales rep’s most trusted support system for maximizing connections with retailers and vendors. 360 Adventure Collective has over 675 members with 14 annual shows, and services over 2,900 retailers. For more information or to become a member visit 360adventurecollective.org.

    Matador’s New SEG28 Overhauls Award-Winning Series

    BOULDER, Colo. (Feb. 20, 2023) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel equipment, today launched the SEG28 Backpack, an innovative 28-liter bag designed for hyper-organized travel and everyday carry. The SEG28 overhauls Matador’s award-winning SEG series, offering the unique architecture the series is known for, with a multitude of new features for adventure travelers.

    “The SEG28 isn’t an update – it’s a completely new design,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “We listened to the feedback and spent years in the lab crafting this one. It not only incorporates better, more sustainable materials – but it also offers more features designed to meet the needs of travelers.”

    Made with recycled bluesign® -certified materials, the SEG28 features four external-access segmented pockets which allow users to organize contents by type, day or size. A clamshell undercarriage offers separation for large or dirty items like shoes and laundry. Designed for the daily or the long-haul, the SEG28 includes a breathable back panel and shoulder straps, plus a sternum strap and removable hip belt. The bag also offers an array of useful features including:

    • Top-access padded laptop pocket
    • Top-access essentials pocket with organization options
    • Concealed stash pocket hidden behind back panel
    • Luggage pass-through
    • Water bottle pocket
    • Dual V-compression straps (two per side)
    • Carry handles on top, bottom, back and side
    • YKK® PU-coated sealing zippers with zipper security loops on all external pockets.
    • Hypalon tether loops

    At a 28-liter volume, the SEG28 is carry-on compliant and is also an ideal size for everyday usage.

    “Coming hot off the heels of our Globerider45, the SEG28 offers a nimbler option that’s ideal whether you’re headed to the office or out on a weekender,” continued Clearman. “Our SEG series just got better – and there’s more coming.”

    The Matador SEG28 (MSRP: $249.99) is available now at select retailers and online at http://www.matadorup.com/.

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    About Matador Travel Equipment

    Matador designs high-performance travel equipment designed for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit www.MatadorUp.com.

      DIN SPEC 4872 to assess impact of textile microfibers

      Testing service provider Hohenstein has worked with partners to create a new standardized test method for detecting and classifying the environmental effects of textiles during washing. DIN SPEC 4872 combines analysis of fiber release, biodegradability and ecotoxicity.

      The test method according to DIN SPEC 4872 shows how many fibers are released during textile laundering, how well these fibers degrade in wastewater and how harmful the fiber residues are to the environment.

      Studies have shown that washing textiles releases microfibers into the wash water, which cannot be sufficiently retained by wastewater treatment plants. Synthetic fibers pose the greatest risk to the environment because of their longevity and inability to biodegrade. However, Hohenstein project manager Juliane Alberts does not give the all-clear for biodegradable fibers and natural fibers: “Biodegradability alone does not mean that pure natural fibers, for example, are completely harmless to the environment. They, too, remain in ecosystems until they completely degrade and can also have a negative impact. In addition, additives, auxiliaries or finishes used in textile production can further slow the degradation process and leach into the environment.”

      The new standard enables textile producers and suppliers to test, evaluate and compare products for fiber release during washing and environmental impact. Juliane Alberts sees this systematic evaluation as an opportunity for the textile industry to take the initiative on environmental impact: “Our reliable data can be used as a basis for more targeted product development. This is a way to actively and consciously control further environmental pollution.”

      Detailed information is available at Hohenstein.US/microfibers

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      About Hohenstein

      With more than 40 offices and laboratories, Hohenstein is an international partner for independent testing, certification and applied research around the human-textile-environment interaction. They develop science-based methods and standards that consider the user in real life, not just in the lab. Through standard or customized testing, and interpretation of the results, Hohenstein experts solve problems, verify claims and help partners bring better, safer products to market – more sustainably. Hohenstein is a founding member and leading provider of the OEKO-TEX® portfolio of services, and is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC ID #1058) as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification. Hohenstein.US

        2023 Sea Otter Classic Summit to Host Can’t-Miss Outdoor Industry Event

        The Sea Otter Classic Summit produced by Life Time, is set to host an industry-exclusive dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on April 19, 2023 – the final day of the renowned Summit. The Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for this unique networking event, offering attendees the opportunity to build new connections and strengthen existing relationships in a relaxed and beautiful setting. The event offers a memorable conclusion to the Sea Otter Classic Summit and kicks off the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, which begins the following morning.

         

        New this year, Monterey Bay Aquarium Dinner tickets are available for purchase separate from the full Sea Otter Classic Summit. Registration is available at seaotterclassicsummit.com/register.  

         

        The dinner will feature locally-sourced cuisine over multiple courses, providing a truly gourmet experience. In addition to the delicious food, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the full Aquarium and its various exhibits, making the event an incredibly unique and memorable affair. 

         

        The Sea Otter Classic Summit also is thrilled to announce the partnering brands helping to make this event possible, including Baird; Bosch Group; Mazda; Outside; Perkins Coie LLP; SRAM, LLC; and Alvarado Street Brewing. Each of the 2023 Summit sponsors bring a unique perspective and purpose within the outdoor industry.

         

        Baird, an employee-owned financial firm, offers a wide range of services, oversees more than $360 billion in assets, and employs more than 4,800 associates. The firm handles wealth management, investment banking, asset management, institutional sales and trading, public finance, and private equity in more than 200 locations worldwide. It has been named one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For since 2004. 

         

        Bosch eBike Systems is a division of the Bosch Group—a leading global supplier of technology and services. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.  For over a decade, Bosch has offered innovative eBike drive systems of outstanding performance and quality. Its award-winning motors, highly efficient rechargeable batteries, modern displays and control units, and new eBike Flow app, ensure a personalized eBike experience, whether it’s an electric mountain bike, hybrid, city or cargo eBike. 

         

        Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through approximately 780 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at News.MazdaUSA.com

        Outside is a destination for active lifestyle enthusiasts and home to leading brands in endurance sports, outdoor and healthy living spaces. Each month, it reaches 70 million active consumers across 30+ media, digital and technology platforms, catering to both experienced and new adventurers. Outside+, the brand’s premium membership service, offers storytelling, meal plans, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more.

         

        Perkins Coie LLP, an international law firm, provides high-quality legal services to clients in various fields, including corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory. The firm’s clients include leading companies and public and non-profit organizations. Perkins Coie has more than 1,200 attorneys in offices across the United States and Asia.

         

        SRAM® is a manufacturer of bicycle components founded in Chicago, Illinois, in September of 1987, with the invention of its first product, Grip Shift®. Throughout its 37-year history, SRAM has focused on innovative product development in all cycling disciplines. SRAM has also acquired some of cycling’s most exciting brands, including RockShox®, Zipp®, Quarq®, TIME®, and most recently adding Hammerhead®, and Velocio®. With 5000-plus employees, offices, and manufacturing in 16 countries, SRAM is one of the largest manufacturers of bike parts in the world.

         

        Alvarado Street Brewery was founded in March 2014 by the father-son duo John and J.C. Hill. It began as a neighborhood brewery restaurant in downtown Monterey and has grown to three locations. In 2016, it opened a production brewery and tasting room in Spreckels Junction, Salinas. In early 2018, it opened an R&D pilot brewery and bistro in Carmel-by-the-Sea, known as “The Stro.”

         

        For more information about the Sea Otter Classic Summit, visit www.seaotterclassicsummit.com.

        About the Sea Otter Classic Summit

        The Summit takes place just before the largest consumer cycling event, the Sea Otter Classic. This next-level executive gathering is designed to equip and inspire attendees to drive growth and impact through their businesses and brands at a pivotal time of growth and opportunity in the outdoor recreation industries.

        https://seaotterclassicsummit.com/

        About Life Time, Inc.

        Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

          Outdoor Industry Welcomes Re-Introduction of Outdoors for All Act

          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

          February 16, 2023

          BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) interim Executive Director Kent Ebersole today released the following statement commending the re-introduction of the bicameral, bipartisan Outdoors for All Act:

          “Regardless of location, background, or income, all Americans deserve parks and green spaces that are within walking distance to their homes. Unfortunately, more than 100 million Americans live without suitable access to the outdoors. We are thrilled to see Congress prioritizing inclusive outdoor recreation programs in low-income, urban communities across the nation.

          “This legislation will provide traditionally underserved communities with the resources they need to revitalize their neighborhoods and invest in new green spaces, which in turn will provide countless economic opportunities and mental and health benefits.

          “Addressing outdoor equity in our country must be a priority and we applaud U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Susan Collins and U.S. Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán and Michael Turner for leading the way to provide sustainable and accessible outdoor experiences for all – regardless of zip code.”

          The outdoor industry — which contributes $862 billion outdoor industry and supports 4.5 million employees — is committed to ensuring each person the opportunity to enjoy outdoor spaces in their own community by supporting public-private initiatives to create more close-to-home infrastructure projects in communities that have been traditionally underserved and lack many of the amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. These projects include accessible walking and bike paths, “parkifying” underpasses, beautifying alleyways, redesigning green space in industrial buildings.

          The outdoor industry and its partners are working with policymakers to focus on increasing protection and accessibility to natural areas near cities, especially those with historical ties to nature-deprived groups. By increasing the voices and representation of our diverse populations, more people will be encouraged to participate in outdoor recreation.

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          About Outdoor Industry Association 

          Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

          Sierra Designs Announces Reach Out Partners for 2023

          In 2020, award-winning camping equipment manufacturer Sierra Designs launched Reach Out, an interdisciplinary initiative to increase participation and accessibility in outdoor recreation. Since the program’s inception, Sierra Designs has donated nearly $60,000 in both gear and a percentage of web sales to several nonprofits dedicated to improving economic, societal, and education access for underrepresented groups in the outdoors. Further committing to its mission of a more inclusive and attainable outdoors, Sierra Designs is honored to announce Reach Out partners for 2023: Women’s Wilderness, LGBT Outdoors, Outdoors For All, and SoulTrak Outdoors.

          In addition to $2,000 in product donations and 1% of web sales per quarter, Sierra Designs pledges to provide education, event support, and a unique awareness campaign for each participating partner. The brand will use its platform to share each organization’s mission via social media, email newsletters, and media opportunities. “Sierra Designs was founded with the vision that all people deserve to have good gear for exploring the outdoors, regardless of their background or experience level,” says Alexandra Black-Paulick, Marketing Manager for Sierra Designs. “Our Reach Out program helps us fulfill that mission by partnering with organizations that are increasing access to the outdoors,” she adds.

          Based in Boulder, Colorado, Women’s Wilderness strives to support girls, women, and LGBTQ+ people in accessing their power and improving their health through connections to the outdoors and community. With chapters in the USA, Canada, and Italy, LGBT Outdoors encourages and enables members of the LGBTQ+ community to get outdoors and connect with nature and the world around them while breaking down stereotypes towards LGBTQ+ people. Founded in 1979, in the Pacific Northwest, Outdoors For All  is a national leader in delivering adaptive and therapeutic recreation for children and adults with disabilities. SoulTrak Outdoors is a D.C.-based nonprofit organization that connects communities of color to outdoor spaces while also building a coalition of diverse outdoor leaders.

          Throughout 2023, Sierra Designs will also provide gear donations to several other like-minded nonprofits committed to achieving a more equitable outdoors. For more information regarding Reach Out and how you can get involved, visit www.sierradesigns.com/reach-out or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

          About Sierra Designs:

          Born in California and bred on the trail, Sierra Designs has been on a mission to redefine how people interact with the outdoors since 1965. Today, that means creating equipment and apparel that is functional, beautiful, and most importantly, attainable. Our team believes that adventures should be within everyone’s reach because it’s not only about the destination—it’s about the journey you take along the way. Find more information at www.sierradesigns.com.

            Big Agnes Honors Authentik Sales with Sales Agency of the Year Award

            The Canada-based sales agency drove impressive growth in Eastern Canada for the brand

            STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 15, 2023) – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, recently announced that Authentik Sales was awarded its annual Rep of the Year Award, which celebrates the brand’s top-performing sales group. Authentik Sales’ JP Ouellet and Matt McCormick are credited for the award, with outstanding performance in the Eastern Canadian territory.

            “Many of our sales groups performed at an incredibly high level in 2022, and we’re proud of all the hard work – but Authentik rose to the top,” said Craig Hatton, director of North American sales for Big Agnes. “JP and Matt have dedicated themselves to building our brand in Eastern Canada. They faced many challenges yet still saw impressive growth across all categories in 2022. We’re so proud to recognize Authentik after such a strong year.”

            Big Agnes’ Rep of the Year Award honors the brand’s top-performing sales group, based on regional growth and overall performance. Authentik grew the brand’s Eastern Canada region by 65%, while opening several new dealers and working diligently to secure strong bookings for 2023. Additionally, Authentik initiated a partnership to establish Big Agnes’ Amazon business in Canada. The agency is also recognized for its responsiveness within internal teams and its utilization of reporting tools and other sales tools for optimizing sales and business.

            Ouelett and McCormick teamed up in 2019 after several years of working as sales reps in the outdoor industry. They have built a strong team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts that provide outstanding service to the markets they serve. Collectively, they have an incredible amount of experience in the outdoor industry at the brand level and at retail. They have cultivated strong relationships with their dealer base and have earned the respect of all they work with.

            “Authentik not only saw exceptional sales growth but also stood as industry leaders for their strategies and responsiveness,” continued Hatton. “We’re so thrilled with the strong year from all of our reps across the world and we look forward to a strong 2023.”

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            About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and now backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

            For more information, contact:

            Calvin Bond, Backbone Media
            Calvin.bond@backbonemedia.net

              Bacon & High Fives: A Sizzling Partnership!

              Tender Belly Bacon announces sponsorship of the High Fives Foundation

               DENVER, CO – Tender Belly, the bacon brand that sizzles breakfast anytime and anywhere, has partnered with the High Fives Foundation to give back to the adaptive action sports community. For every package of their mouth-watering bacon sold, Tender Belly will contribute a portion of their profits to the non-profit organization that supports athletes who have suffered a life-altering injury.

              But that’s not all! Tender Belly is also throwing a bacon bash, donating a whopping 1000 pounds of their premium bacon to support High Fives events. Because, let’s be honest, everything is better with bacon!

              “We’re beyond excited to team up with the High Fives Foundation and do our part to help fuel the amazing work that High Fives does!” exclaimed Shannon Duffy, Founder and CRO of Tender Belly. “The organization’s mission aligns with our company values, and we are proud to be partners and make every moment that much more delicious!”

              The High Fives Foundation is all about supporting adaptive athletes, promoting safety and accident prevention awareness, and always having a FUNdraising time. And Tender Belly? Well, they’re all about making the world a happier, more bacon-filled place.

              “This is proof that the universe is listening! Our team at High Fives is passionate bacon lovers and we are fired up about this partnership with Tender Belly,” said Roy Tuscany, founder and executive director of the High Fives foundation. “Their monetary and cured meat donations will directly help us to continue to develop programming for our athletes. And now our athletes, our teams, and our volunteers’ pockets will always be full of bacon!”

              So next time you’re stocking up on Tender Belly bacon, know that you’re also supporting a great cause. Bacon and high fives for everyone!

              For more information on Tender Belly, visit www.tenderbelly.com. For more on the High Fives Foundation, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.