There was a time in skateboarding when many considered ASR (Action Sports Retailer) as a big contributor to the beating heart of the industry. And while there was also a time when it certainly wasn't, it was still more than just a trade show; it was a gathering of brands, retailers, pros and enthusiasts who helped make the skate world spin.
Times have obviously changed since then, and as ASR faded and Agenda sort of took its place, the "traditional" trade show model started to shift—but even Agenda didn't last forever. Today, trade shows are in a weird space.
'The Project' trade show recently hosted The Gathering—a skateboard curated show to help skate shops, brands, and pros all connect in the same place—and The Platfrm was there to check the vibe and get the scoop. Peep the video and take a little trip down memory lane as they revisit the glory days and talk modern day trade shows all the same.
While some folks might argue that the industry still needs a hub, of sorts, plenty of others will tell you it's just a waste of time and money, and that the future should focus on smaller, more intimate events.
That said, The Gathering seemed very intimate, and all the people you'd want to see and connect with seemed to be there—from skate shop owners to brand managers, your favorite pros and everyone else in between. What do you think?
Whatever the future looks like to you or me, I'm stoked The Platfrm was there to add to the bigger conversation and get a closer look at the business side of this silly wooden toy we all love so much.
Will trade shows make a comeback? Will they continue to fade? Shoot, don't ask me. I've always had fun at them, but then again, I've always been one of the lucky ones just walking around with no set plan. Although I will say this—some of our TWS events at Agenda were super fun over the years, not gonna lie.
Trade shows or not, skateboarding will always find a way to push forward either way. Even if it's in a million different directions (like it's always done).
