Information For Manufacturers

WWSRA, or Western Winter Sports Representatives Association, is a member-owned organization governed by a board of directors. Full membership is open exclusively to 1099 and W2 sales reps. As a Manufacturer or Distributor, you can exhibit at our indoor shows and on-snow demos for a $500 fee in addition to the cost of a booth; see more info on this below.

Manufacturers are defined as individuals, company employees, or owners who do not operate as 1099 or W2 sales reps and who cover more than two territories within the United States.

The exclusion of Manufacturers from WWSRA membership is a result of our bylaws, which specify that eligible members must be either 1099 or W2 sales representatives. This restriction is closely tied to voting rights, as each region is governed by a board of directors and the sales representatives operating within that area. Decisions regarding the shows in a given region are determined through a voting process designed to serve the best interests of that specific region, rather than the entire nation. Consequently, individuals working outside of or in addition to a particular area do not have voting rights and are thus classified as Manufacturer account holders.

While there may be some nuances, both Manufacturers and Distributors are treated the same for the purpose of exhibiting at WWSRA events, as neither category is eligible for membership. Manufacturers often include principals of a company, those with broader territories extending beyond the western US, and emerging brands or companies. On the other hand, Distributors typically comprise entities or individuals handling multiple brands or products under a single umbrella, or those introducing overseas products to the US market. Decisions regarding the shows in a given region are determined through a voting process designed to serve the best interests of that specific region, rather than the entire nation. In both Manufacturer and Distributor cases, individuals are working outside of or in addition to a specific area and are not granted voting rights, thus classifying as Manufacturer account holders.

While we cannot definitively determine which shows align with your business needs, our show calendar is crafted based on several factors. These include manufacturing deadlines, sample shipment dates, company sales meetings, order deadlines, member votes, and board approval. Typically, our late November and early December shows cater to apparel, lifestyle, outdoor products, and a significant portion of footwear. The early January shows tend to focus on hard goods, winter products, and some footwear, with accessories featured at both. The on-snow demos exclusively showcase hard goods and accessories - soft goods and sponsorship opportunities are NOT available at these events. Our late May and early June summer shows encompass a broad range of outdoor products, including camping, climbing, hiking, as well as apparel and lifestyle items.

The overlapping nature of our shows is due to our commitment to meeting the requirements of sales representatives across the Western US. The majority of our members/sales reps cover designated 3-5 state territories in the Western US, and their timelines and deadlines typically align, resulting in overlapping show schedules. Deciding which show best suits your needs will depend on your specific circumstances.

WWSRA shows attract a diverse array of buyers, including those specific to a region and national buyers headquartered within a specific region, such as Evo (Northwest), Vail Resorts (Rockies), and Backcountry.com (Intermountain). Buyers range from niche outdoor boutiques to general supply stores, specialty retailers, and large national retail chains. Access to previous attendee lists and pre-registered retail attendee lists will be available to view once your Manufacturer account is approved, and a contract for show space is submitted.

**Please note that WWSRA does not function as a national show like Outdoor Retailer. Instead, our shows are designed to be low-key, cost-effective regional trade shows and demos, serving as vital facilitators of the buy/sell cycle between sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers.

The cost of exhibiting at WWSRA shows and on-snow demos varies depending on several factors. The exhibition fees are separate from the $500 Manufacturer fee. For indoor shows, booth spaces are sold in 10x10' increments (100 sqft) with prices ranging from $385 to $595. On-snow demos offer spaces in either 10x20 or 10x30 increments, depending on the location, with prices ranging from $400 to $500.

• Internal Communication: All communication from WWSRA will be directed to the individual listed on the Manufacturer account, which includes all relevant show information.
• Invoicing: WWSRA does not issue invoices; all payments must be made via credit card through our website upon submission of the show contract.
• Priority: Show placement is at the discretion of the show manager and is guided by our priority system.
• Announce Your Presence: Since our shows primarily operate on an appointment basis, it is advisable not to rely solely on walk-in traffic to promote your brand. Line presentations and proactive outreach to buyers play a significant role.
• Simplicity is Key: WWSRA shows differ from national events in terms of booth presentations. You won't find elaborate booth designs or a strong presence of in-house brand personnel, brand storytelling, or media activities. Our focus is on effective representation and business connections.

• Booth Configuration: Each booth starts at 100 sqft (10'x10') and includes pipe and drape, access to standard electrical, one table, and two chairs per 100 sqft.
• Booth Placement: Show placement prioritizes WWSRA members, with non-members placed after WWSRA members have been assigned their spaces.
• Appointment-Based Shows: Our shows operate on an appointment basis. It's essential to reach out to current or prospective accounts before the event and schedule appointments to inform them of your exhibition.

• Hard Goods Only: On-snow demos exclusively feature ski/snowboard hard goods and accessory products. Soft goods and sponsorship opportunities are not available.
• Booth Configuration: Spaces are sold in 10x20 or 10x30 increments based on location and cost between $400 and $500.
• Booth Placement: Show placement prioritizes WWSRA members, with non-members placed after WWSRA members have been assigned their spaces.
• Appointment-Based Demos: It's essential to reach out to current or prospective accounts before the event to inform them of your participation.
• Certificates of Insurance: All brands must provide a certificate of insurance that complies with specific requirements set by our partner resorts. The certificate of insurance must be submitted by our deadline, contain the correct language, and receive approval from our team.