Outdoor Retailer, Surf Expo Partner with StandUp Paddle Industry Association
April 30, 2015
Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo, both part of Emerald Exposition’s portfolio, have partnered with the StandUp Paddle Industry Association (SUPIA).
SUPIA is the trade organization of stand up paddle businesses: manufacturers, retailers, service providers (instructors, guides, race directors, event planners, certifiers), media, sales reps, distributors, suppliers, etc.
As a result of this partnership, SUPIA will exclusively endorse and participate in Surf Expo’s two annual shows and Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market, as well as work to foster participation and growth in SUP at the shows.
Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer have agreed to continue its support of SUPIA’s Summit, held in October in Dana Point, Calif. The SUPIA Summit supports the SUP industry for two days of roundtables, speakers, education sessions, networking, food and fun.
“We are pleased to be working with SUPIA. Their active and involved board of directors and growing membership reflects the vibrancy of the SUP industry,” said Senior Vice President and Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner.
He added, “Given that SUPIA started after a meeting of industry leaders at Surf Expo just a few years ago, it only makes sense to formally partner with the association to assist them in their growth.”
SUPIA will participate in upcoming Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo shows to network with existing member brands and meet with new and up-and-coming companies at the heart of the outdoor and surf /watersports industries’ marketplace.
“The paddling segment has been an important community to Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. We are pleased to have forged a stronger partnership with SUPIA,” said commented Marisa Nicholson, vice president and show director for Outdoor Retailer.
She added, “This relationship will give us the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the paddling community, bring more attention to this category and create a platform to support the specialty retailers already carrying SUP products, or interested in bringing SUP into their lineup.”
Outdoor Retailer is the leading growth vehicle for retailers and brands of outdoor gear, products, technology and accessories.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market tradeshow features SUP and Paddle sports as one of its predominant categories.
Surf Expo is the longest-running and largest board sports and beach/resort lifestyle tradeshow in the world and was the location of the first SUPIA meeting, drawing hundreds of business men and women with an interest in the sport.
All three organizations will benefit from this partnership through marketing, advertising and social marketing support.
“Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo have been invaluable in connecting SUP manufacturers with key retailers throughout the US as well as internationally,” said Kristin Thomas, executive director of The Stand Up Paddle Industry Association.
She added, “We are very excited to work closely with the OR and Surf Expo teams to continue to grow SUP at the shows and events as well as in the retail marketplace.”
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is held in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Surf Expo shows are held in Orlando
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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