The Big Blue Bear keeps watch over all those who are used to fresh air and big skies as they wander into the processed air, Las Vegas Style carpet and sensory overload at the Denver Conventions Center.
The Outdoor Retailer Snow Show is in full-blown blizzard mode, as all the big brands, media moguls and industry muckety mucks have descended on Denver for a few brisk days of product ogling, flesh pressing and future predicting.
One things became perfectly clear after spending the day walking the show floor, the Outdoor Industry is alive and well.
The booths were impressive, with a fair number of booths sporting full-blown structures, campers, vehicle and various other buildings as the centerpiece of their display.
Still, others used massive inspirational photography to draw attention to the passerby. And if all the fancy lighting, colorful winter gear and stunning attire wasn’t working, the outdoor industry was ready to ply anyone and everyone with an ice cold beer.
The one observation we walked away with is we think the majority of the manufactures must have called each other in the offseason to discuss what everyone will be looking for and what color ways they will buy, as it became super hard to differentiate one puffy jacket from another.
It is a glorious time to be hunting for new skis and the show has us pumped to get away from the Convention Center hotdogs and onto the slopes.
Getting a call before hitting the deep pow at the Fischer Booth. So many good choices to keep your chin warm at the Buff booth. There were oh so many options for gloves, hats and other accessories, but we always loved these Astis mitts. These Majesty planks are available even more delicious looking in person. Patagonia really knows how to do a trade show and make some of our favorite puffies. Even the pups are required to have the appropriate badge. There were a number of vehicles rolled into booths on the show floor, but this one at the MiiR booth is the only one we contemplate hot-wiring and rolling out of Denver. Smith Optics has all the options for your matchy-matchy desires. Black Crows went with a very Hollywood-esque display. There was free beer flowing from almost every booth and if you looked hard enough you might even find yourself a little something to nosh on. We want one of everything Fjällräven Kånken makes. So many colors. So much style. Finding someplace to put your feet up and catch your breath is an art form.
If there’s one person in the outdoor world you want to have drinks with, it’s Julie Atherton. She’s built a small empire at her PR firm JAM Media Collective where she and her crew rep some of the best brands on the market and they’re constantly pulling in new ones.
But she’s also a great person. Her generous smile can light up a room, her laugh is infectious, and she is one of the most easy-going people you’ll ever meet. She creates community around her, and never puts up a front. The real Julie is the Julie you get, every time.
We recently had dinner with Julie and it was a rocking good time. We’re looking forward to seeing her at Outdoor Retailer later this summer. What follows is our hard-hitting interview.
What are you most proud about: The JAM team. We do what we like and we are a like what we do! Plus we enjoy each other’s company.
Which is your favorite book/movie: Star Wars, Episodes IV-VI. Do or do not, there is no try!
Which is the one job in the world that you would love to do: Photographer. When I can, I love to explore my surroundings at home and afar and take photos of old, forgotten, rundown and beautiful things. Instagram: @julieatherton.
Where do you see yourself in five years time: On an island
What is your spirit animal: The Lion
If you won the lottery, how would you spend your millions: I’d love to build soccer fields for kids around the world and in the US who do not have access to soccer fields or soccer equipment. I’d also take my friends on trips and buy them lots of cocktails.
Toilet paper, under or over: Over. Why is this a question?
Are you a morning person or a night person: Night owl, but thanks to the power of good coffee mornings are survivable.
What is your favorite cocktail: Anything with tequila.
What three words would a close friend use to describe you: Loyal, trusting, enthusiastic
Would you like to climb a mountain or trek across a desert: Climb a mountain, specifically the Atlas mountains.
If people were thrown into jail for bad habits, what would you be thrown in jail for: Not using my “inside voice”
What would be your chosen superpower: Flight. I have dreams I can fly.
If you were a stalker, would you be really good at it: No, I’d be terrible. I always like to share information, and that seems counter-intuitive to the whole stalking thing. Inside-voices also a must.
What is your favorite food: Gummi bears.
What is your idea of the perfect vacation: Anywhere with a beach. The combination of a beach, yoga, cocktails, a hammock and a kayak (obviously not all at the same time) would be ideal.
What is the one thing that annoys you above all else: Self-entitled people. Where do they get off?
If you were an automobile, what kind of automobile would you be: A BMW 2002, classic styling, a little quirky and a lot of personality.
