The first ever National Snow Show at the NEC Birmingham held over the weekend of 23 & 24 October attracted almost 10,000 visitors and 150 exhibitors.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Cutting the ribbon are (l-r) Billy Morgan, Stephen Morgan, Chemmy Alcott, Jamie Nicholls and Scott Penman
The organisers, Raccoon Events, hailed the event a ‘phenomenal success’ despite hugely challenging circumstances for the entire industry.
Ski shows have been held in Birmingham in the past but this was the first one at the NEC for several years. Plus, as there was no London show this year, this was the only major snow sports show to take place this year.
The show kicked off with skiers and snowboarders Chemmy Alcott, Billy Morgan, Jamie Nicholls and host Scott Penman greeting visitors and handing out goodies to more than 500 visitors who were waiting for the doors to open. They then cut a ribbon and declared the show open.
Stephen Morgan, MD at Raccoon Events Active Division, said: “We knew the event would be good but we were blown away by the reaction from both the industry and the visitors. It was a hard 16-month slog to get the show to where it was, in hugely challenging circumstances, no one knowing what the state of the travel industry would be in 21/22 and following on from the toughest year the industry has faced in a very long time.
“We have huge plans for the show with 2022 already shaping up to be double the size. We have already signed more brands than we had at this year’s event and have some incredible speakers booked up– watch this space because 2022 planning is already underway.”
ON DISPLAY: The National Snow Show attracted almost 10,000 visitors
Visitors to this year’s show had the opportunity to shop for the latest gear. There were also the beginners ski and snowboard lessons on the SnowDome dry slope, and demonstrations and lessons on the Skate Mini Ramp from Graystone Action Sports. There was a chance to test your endurance and strength in the RAF Nordic Biathlon experience.
Travel experts and tour operators were on hand to give advice and suggest destinations for this season.
The industry was invited to come together in an Après Drinks reception sponsored by Ski Club Great Britain, Maison Sport, Ski Exchange and RedChurch Brewery at the close of day one.
Stephen added: “We have received a lot of feedback from the event and we are taking it all on board, we are planning to have more brands, more space, more have-a-go experiences and more destinations with the latest kit available to buy with a healthy mix of consumer focused content and trade opportunities. If you are interested in getting on board for 2022 we would love to have you and together we can give our industry the boost it needs.”
To discuss opportunities in 2022 contact Stephen Morgan on stephen@raccoonevents.com or call 07947 709322.
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