Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1306171
THE FOOTWEAR EYE 8 • Footwear Insight Sports Edition ~ November 2020 footwearinsight.com T he Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) and Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) are now one trade organization with the merged operation now serving and representing 95 percent of the entire footwear industry. Matt Priest, president and CEO of the FDRA, will lead the larger organization with FFANY'S Executive Director John Heron serving as a strategic advisor on the New York marketplace and brands. The FDRA has taken over the daily operations, trademarks and finances of FFANY and will manage the coordinating dates and industry activities around FFANY's New York Market Week. Meanwhile, existing FFANY member now gain access to FDRA's extensive range of business tools and services. "FDRA is the gold standard for industry association across our country because of its tremendous impact on policy issues as well as robust communication platforms, information services and many programs that support all aspects of the footwear industry," commented Mike Jeppesen, FDRA Chairman. — Bob McGee D ue to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an in-person Outdoor Retailer trade show will not take place this winter, show organizers announced. In its place will be Outdoor Retailer Winter Online, a digital marketplace and online experience. For many in our industry, we are now entering round two of the virtual show landscape after having summer shows cancelled as well. This next iteration of the OR Show will be based directly off of attendee feedback, show organizers say, and will aim to address "specific needs during a time where shows across the country and around the world have been cancelled." The Outdoor + Snow Show was scheduled to take place January 27-29, 2021, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The online trade and industry digital experience being offered in its place will be available" throughout the winter." "While there's incredible value in gathering in-person, it's our responsibility to provide a safe environment and serve the best interests of the snow and outdoor communities," said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer senior vice president and show director. Show organizers say that among the new developments is the FDRA, FFANY Complete Merger A Virtual OR Show this Winter BUSINESS OUTDOOR UPDATE addition of artificial intelligence (AI). The Outdoor Retailer Winter Online experience will be powered by AI, inferring a user's likes and dislikes, suggesting matches, and creating a tailored experience for each user to find products, brands, retailers, and education best suited to their needs. Outdoor Retailer Winter Online will also facilitate communication between brands, buyers, and media, including live video conferencing and live one-on-one chats; data- driven lead generation in real time; personalized dashboards and networking opportunities; and education sessions with industry leaders. — Cara Griffin "It's our responsibility to provide a safe environment and serve the best interests of the snow and outdoor communities." Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer senior vice president & show director.