Dear AWSI members,
The AWSI has entered into an agreement with Surf Expo to endorse their show in Orlando Sept. 8 -10, 2011. This decision was a result of the surveying we have been doing for the past few months, which clearly indicated that Surf Expo was the AWSI members’ trade event of choice for 2011. So this means we will not be producing our own show this year in Hood River or elsewhere. Instead we will be promoting Surf Expo as the only place to exhibit and see all the 2012 products for Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, and SUP.
Although it was a unanimous vote by the board, we realize that some people may not be happy with this decision. It is hard to please everybody. Hood River was a good show for us, especially the first year. But Surf Expo has made several changes in our favor: the dates are good, and the booth costs are substantially reduced for Board Builders, and Board Essential exhibitors, down to $1650 per 10x10, from a high of $2350 in years past. Some other factors that influenced member’s votes was the desire to go back to the East Coast, and the growth of the SUP category, which is well represented at Surf Expo.
The agreement with Surf Expo is in effect for only one year, and provides an endorsement fee that covers the operational costs of the AWSI.
Our annual meeting and party will take place Friday night, Sept. 9, at the exhibit hall right after show hours. This year we will be resurrecting our industry awards, so be sure to be there.
We will be circulating the attached press release. Please use this to inform any third parties of our plans. The comments in this mail are meant for members only.
Thanks,
Doug Hopkins
President- AWSI