MARLISEKAST

PR Newswire - Press Release
ASR 2008 Sets the Pace for Tomorrow's Trends
01.26.08, 4:55 PM ET

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 24th - 26th, the Action Sports Retailer Tradeshow (ASR) rolled into San Diego (www.asrbiz.com), with over 500 of the industry's hottest brands showcasing the latest trends in action sports. During the three day event, manufacturers of surf, skate and snowboard-related gear, unveiled their secret collections for 2008.

There to premier all the action was the ZexSports Media Team. ZexSports President Espree Devora said, "It's remarkable to see how much can be effectively accomplished during this three-day forum. As one enormous powerhouse, ASR has opened the doors to emerging brands and established retailers, making it an ideal networking event. Undoubtedly, the rows of booths we see today will evolve into the biggest brands we will see tomorrow."

For 26 years, ASR has been the leading industry trade event, bringing action sports manufacturers and buyers under one roof. Held biannually at San Diego's Convention Center, ASR provides a unique platform for retailers, distributors, athletes, designers, media and manufacturers.

"ASR is much more than a trade show," says ASR Show Director, Andy Tompkins. "In large part this is because of the creative energy the entire industry puts into ASR's one-of-a-kind event schedule. While ASR is focused on connecting the world's best buyers and sellers in the business of action sports, we're always looking for new ways to make the whole experience richer for our guests that travel from around the world to attend ASR."

Among the featured booths at this year's ASR were Billabong, Element, DC Shoes, Cobian, Hurley, Quiksilver and Stoked Mentoring (www.stokedmentoring.org). Pulling out all the stops was Vans (www.vans.com) with its simulated shoe store, equipped with a lounge area and plasma TV airing skate vids.

According to Body Glove Sales Manager, Noah Gellis, the benefit of ASR is its ability to provide businesses with buying power that cannot be found anywhere else. (www.bodyglove.com) "ASR is the key to promotion," says Gellis.

Centering the Famous Stars and Stripes (www.famoussas.com) booth was a pimped-out muscle car. They also had a live performance by rappers Three 6 Mafia (www.three6-mafia.com). "We are a lifestyle, and not just a brand," says Sales Representative, Brooke Baker. "ASR helps to pave the way for our continual growth."

This year's tradeshow was not all about fashion, however. For those wanting to blend work and play, the ASR skate area featured a mini-ramp and street course. Capping off ASR was the January 26th Matix-sponsored, "Lord of the Lines" skate contest. During the competitive showdown, three skaters battled it out for the $16,000 cash purse.

Many ASR visitors considered the event's highlight to be the killer after-parties. On Thursday night, Hot Tuna (www.hottunausa.com), Von Zipper (www.vonzipper.com) and Vice magazine took over Aubergine nightclub (www.viceland.com). On Friday night, twelve sponsors including Emerald City, Billabong, Reef, Sector 9, Nicalandnow and Solspot teamed up to host, "Punks Not Dead, Neither is Emerald City, so Shut Up and Drink!"

For more info, visit www.asrbiz.com.

Press release written by Marlise Elizabeth Kast

SOURCE ZexSports