In January, I visited Denver to attend OR Winter Market. With the shift in seasons comes a new outlook on outdoor gear. 6 months have passed and the skis and snowshoes are stored for the summer. Say hello to SUP boards, tents, kayaks, swim trunks etc. Denver is amidst a dry hot spell with temperatures reaching well into the 90’s. Coupled with a meager snow pack from the winter, forest fires are raging in the dry mountain conditions. Fortunately, all is well in the mile high city for the Demo Experience.
Demo Experience video recap
The Demo Experience precedes the OR convention with a practical expo for outdoor goods. Manufacturers are able to put products like bicycles, boats, into the hands of customers, media and buyers. Allowing us to actually use the new products as they were intended. Downtown Denver is unique with the Platte river running right through it. Complete with a stretch of navigatable rapids for the brave paddlers. Additionally, bustling bike paths wind alongside the river providing a perfect venue for cyclists.
Companies like Lifesaver were posted around the venue providing fresh potable drinking water from their line of filtration products. Kayaks, SUP boards and inflatables lined the shore of the Platte river. While companies like Tepui displayed their line of rooftop tents in the shade of Confluence Park.
Much like media day at SHOT Show, the Outdoor Retailer Demo Experience is always a good time. A necessary feature of these types of conventions as the following 3 days are held indoors at the Colorado Convention Center. And there is only so much looking at products one can do. So stay tuned for more product videos and information from OR 2018 Summer Market.
