Insider Access at SIA Tradeshow Engages SOS Youth in Snow Culture & Opportunties
DENVER, CO – The annual SnowSports Industries America (SIA) tradeshow is an opportunity for snowsports companies to showcase the styles, technologies, innovations, culture, and energy of the snowsports industry. For SOS Outreach, however, SIA is a perfect opportunity to bring SOS youth and the organization’s corporate partners together to share stories, learn from each other, and celebrate the opportunities realized through our partnerships.
In the midst of our busiest program week in history, SOS prioritizes SIA participation as a way to cultivate partnerships and to recognize those who help share the joy of snow sports with youth. During SOS’ largest program week ever, over 1,600 underserved youth across 7 states experienced skiing and snowboarding, while remaining dry, happy, and properly outfitted. This is all made possible by the generosity of SOS’s corporate partners, most of whom are annual SIA attendees.
Beyond meeting and greeting corporate partners, however, attendance at the SnowShow is a perfect opportunity for SOS to help long-term participants learn about potential future careers that incorporate the passion for the outdoors that they’ve developed through SOS. On the tradeshow floor, youth listened to industry reps discuss the latest gear, asked questions, and gained a better understanding of the various pathways to become involved in the snowsports industry. Through the tradeshow, SOS youth learn that the opportunities are endless, whether they hope to become ski instructors, CEOs, product designers, or sales reps.
To kick off this year’s event, a group of 40 SOS youth gathered in the foyer of the Colorado Convention Center to meet with members of the leadership team at Spyder as well as professional athletes Amie Engerbretson and Chris Davenport, to discuss everything from the company’s latest apparel line to the company’s sponsorship of the U.S. Ski Team to their recent collaboration with Marvel Comics. Engerbretson, who is also an SOS athletic ambassador shared her involvement in the apparel production process with the Spyder team. From design, to production and testing, Engrebreston is a true brand ambassador. Following Spyder, SOS youth hit the tradeshow floor to meet with corporate sponsors K2, BCA, Seirus, Big Agnes, and Optic Nerve, all of whom welcomed SOS participants to their booths to share their experiences and opportunities within their respective organizations.
Big mountain skier and mountaineer, Chris Davenport, left our participants with one bit of advice. “Follow your passion,” he said, “and you will do great things.” SOS could not solicit a more powerful message in line with their program outcomes. By providing opportunities for youth in the outdoors and beyond, SOS promotes long-term individual success and helps connect youth with opportunities to place them on a trajectory for lifetime success. As more and more SOS participants pursue employment in the industry, SOS Outreach is grateful for the corporate sponsors who not only provide youth with the knowledge necessary to dive into the snowsports industry, but also with the encouragement to follow their dreams. With the continued support and leadership of the snowsports industry, SOS Outreach will introduce and shape the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.