Sue’s Blog – Impressions From Kanumesse and OIA Rendezvous

So….lots of travel over the last few weeks for some big industry events. First stop, Nuremberg, Germany for the Kanumesse Show. It is the single largest display of paddlesports in Europe. I am excited to say there was incredible energy, lots of innovation, and a very upbeat mood for future business growth. I must admit I also saw many new and innovative products. Just what our industry needs to continue to capture the consumer’s attention.

Next stop – San Diego, California. The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Rendezvous event was equally interesting. An event for the trade which is intended to keep the industry on the cutting edge of the best ways to increase people involved in getting outdoors! It was another incredible experience.

There are 2 great parts of this conference. The first is that being there shows an industry completely dedicated to getting people outdoors, active, and enjoying America’s natural beauty. Secondly, for part of the conference many attendees took time out of their schedule for a restoration of a historic park for the city of San Diego. Amazing! This is an industry that truly walks their talk.

Kanumesse photos provided courtesy of Peter Lintner

Confluence Names Ott Key Account Executive

Confluence Watersports has named Adam Ott to the role of key account executive. In this newly created position, Adam will be focused on supporting the business needs of regional and national retail chain accounts.

“We’re excited to have Adam join the sales division,” said Shelly Moore, vice president of sales for Confluence Watersports. “Adam understands the unique and individual needs of the dealers he’ll be supporting. His experience in customer service, product management and extensive knowledge of the brands will prove to be invaluable to the sales organization and our larger customers”.

All dealers will continue to work directly with their existing sales rep. Adam’s work will deepen the strength of the team and ensure sales data is available to help the sales team and key dealer partners collaborate on assortment planning, inventory turn and overall business growth and development.

Adam started in his new role in September 2009. He has worked with Confluence since 2005 in customer service and product management roles. Though he dabbles in touring, Adam is a whitewater kayaker at heart.