Footwear Insight

Rich Hill, President, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance The specialty-oriented Grassroots Connect show, open to members and select guests of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, announced in March that it was canceling the June edition of the show originally scheduled for June 12-15 in Knoxville, TN. On June 2, the GOA opened its new virtual resource, ConnectHub, that will host sales tools, product images, workbooks and links to other B2B sales platforms to serve as a resource for retailers looking to plan their Spring '21 buys. It also announced that it would be opening the process to select brands and retail- ers outside GOA membership. Did you consider hosting a virtual event, or was it evident from the start that something more like the Hub was the way to go? In the weeks after our Connect trade show in Knoxville was canceled, we certainly evaluated the pros and cons of a virtual event versus a resource tool like the Connect Hub. During that time, almost every company we talked with — whether retailer, brand, rep, or third- party servicer — was dealing with a reduction in cash, reduced staffing, and increased chal- lenges. With so much uncertainty still on the horizon, it was clear to us that the limited and time-constrained approach of a virtual event would unintentionally have excluded far too many from the community we wanted to sup- port. How much interest have you had from brands and retailers not in GOA to participate? We just opened the Connect Hub to "non- Grassroots" brands a few days ago, and in the first 24 hours we had more than 30 vendors begin the upload process. Retailers will be invited in another couple weeks, so it's too early to tell how much interest there will be. That said, we believe that open accessibility for the greatest possible number of vendors and retailers is of utmost importance to the specialty outdoor marketplace. The Connect Hub provides that range of access, as it is built from the ground up to support our members and our industry at whatever level they are able to come to the table, and whenever it works best for them. The conversations about what role trade shows play in the industry has taken on a new dimension. When the COVID crisis has passed, do you think the role of the trade show will have changed? Without a doubt, we are super grateful for all the modern tools and innovative thinking that is being put forth during this incredibly challenging time. These tools are going to deliver some remarkable and truly needed benefits in a time when we could all use some help. At the same time, we're also con- fident that even with a ton of digital support, the outdoor industry is going to find them- selves deeply nostalgic for many aspects of the pre-COVID way of doing businesses — for the personal connections, for the random discoveries, and for the engagement that only a physical gathering can provide. When it's safe to reconvene, there's always going to be a place for an efficient, face-to-face sales gathering like Grassroots Connect, and for natural experiences, outdoor communities and exceptional personal service. Laura Conwell-O'Brien, Executive Director, The Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association The Atlanta Shoe Market is one of the few industry events that kept its original date and format. The show is scheduled for Aug. 22 to 24 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. With so many events cancelled, what factors did you consider in deciding to move forward with an in-person show? Here in Atlanta and in Georgia specifically, I feel comfortable moving ahead with an Aug. 22 show. If I were in another state, I would not. I really think it will work. We've had great response from the companies: I am very happy to inform you that we are at about 60 percent of the companies registered compared to last year. I do expect a large number of companies to register within the next week, as many are finally opening June 13. The retailers are coming and they're really upbeat. It has exceeded by expecta- tions for sure! Both retailers and vendors have been very supportive of the Atlanta Shoe Market. In what ways will the August show be a departure from past shows? This show is going to be different — you don't want anybody to feel not protected. We always have an opening night party with a band, and I've canceled that — how can you social distance in a ballroom? Last week I finally received the guidelines that the CDC and state recommended: Temperature checks before entering the halls; masks to be provided for attendees; Hand sanitizer sta- tions; HVAC system maintenance to facilitate ventilation and reduce recirculated air, the same system as used in hospitals; redesigned floor plans to allow for wider aisles and one- way aisles; plexiglas shields available for rental through the RPM Service Kit at $155 each; [all] food and beverages provided in a no-contact way, i.e., all prepackaged food, with no self-serve buffets. And each attendee will have to sign a waiver. Are attendees feeling optimistic about an in- person event? Buyers are just getting back to work, and this next 90-some days is going to be crucial in knowing how this will play out. But our headquarter hotel, the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Convention Center is already booked. And the six other hotels are slowing booking up. That's telling me a lot. I'm cautiously optimistic. Could some- thing happen and there's a resurgence and everything's canceled? Maybe, but you have to proceed somehow. It's going to be a dif- ferent and there will be a learning curve for everybody, no question. It's a crazy time and none of us know how it's all going to work. We can have our best plans and hope- fully they work. l THE FOOTWEAR EYE 8 • Footwear Insight ~ June 2020 footwearinsight.com

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