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Slide 08
The snowsport industry's annual trade show ended on a high note following a highly successful three days at Manchester Central. A buoyant marketplace was evident with retailers and brands delivering above-expectation business which helped to create a great vibe. In addition, hot new products for autumn/winter 2008/9 were unveiled, with the best championed at the Slide Awards.
The focal point for this year's show was an area called Fresh! A central feature that showcased new design and talent in the form of electric wireless skateboards, natural energy bars and new ski and snowboard ranges. The area was a great success and enabled visitors and potential buyers to easily indentify the hottest new product.
The exhibitors' individual style was stamped all over their stands as this year they were given the freedom to design and build their own stands. Atomic went all out and drove a double decker red bus into the hall!
As the crowds faded the DJ provided the music and the central bar was the perfect place for a relaxed catch up before heading out to enjoy the Manchester nightlife.
Lesley Beck from Rare Management had this to say about the show and its future: "Slide exceeded the expectations of many exhibitors in terms of the level of business and order-writing done at the show, and that's enormously positive for the future. Both exhibitors and retailers expressed the importance of Slide as the industry show and we look forward to unveiling plans for next year in a few weeks."
Slide Awards 08
As befits an exciting and fast-changing industry, the Slide awards recognised the hottest, most talked about products at the show - the ones that got the buyers excited and prompted ‘I want one of those!' exclamations from customers.__The awards recognised the ‘Best in Show' in three categories: Hardware, Software and Accessories. And the winners were:
Hardware Category - Salomon Custom Shell
Customised boot fit has previously focussed on the liner of your boot, but now Salomon has designed a boot with a custom shell. In a simple 20 minute process, boots will give such a precise fit, there'll be absolutely no compromise on comfort. Boots are designed for your feet by your feet. Genius!
Software Category - DB Leisure (Thaw LTD) Bamboo base Layer
Thaw is a brand that designs thermal base layers to suit all outdoor pursuits. Thaw are launching a new line of bamboo thermal underwear to move towards more eco friendly material that still fits the technical criteria of the brand.
Bamboo thermal underwear:
Wicks moisture away from your skin - keeping you naturally drier
Keeps you comfortable in all temperatures, worn as a base layer it traps warm air next to the skin but is highly breathable in hot weather.
Is naturally antibacterial - staying fresher and odour free for longer.
Accessories Category - Noble Custom Ortovox S1 Avalanche Transceiver
Being outside, especially in powder snow, is what we enjoy - but there is also the threat of fatal dangers. The best protection against this is a respectful dealing with nature that means that we have to understand how nature works and to use the necessary equipment. The Ortovox S1:
Reflects the actual situation in the avalanche field
Exact, efficient pinpoint search with indication of depth of buried person
Signal isolation and marking of found persons
