The national trade show brings hundreds of the top names in the paddlesports industry to Oklahoma City

RIVERSPORT OKC is getting ready to host some of the top names in the paddlesports industry once again. Paddlesports Retailer, the official national trade show of the paddlesports industry, is returning to Oklahoma City August 25-29.

Demo Day at RIVERSPORT Rapids will be Monday, August 26 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The expo will be held at the Cox Convention Center Tuesday, August 27 - Thursday, August 29.

“Paddlesports Retailer organizers called Demo Day 2018 at RIVERSPORT Rapids the industry’s best demo day ever,” said Mike Knopp, executive director.

According to a Paddlesports Retailer survey, more than 87% of last year’s attendees are planning on returning. “This along with enhancements over last year indicates we’re on track for another successful demo day,” said Knopp.

New in 2019, Paddlesports Retailer will hold flatwater and whitewater in succession rather than simultaneously. These changes are expected to give retailers more time to explore and use products and to provide exhibitors a more focused and efficient Demo Day experience. The new set-up also puts attendees in closer proximity to the entertainment and amenities, so they can have easier access to all aspects of the event.

Demo Day schedule 

  • Flatwater demonstration - noon to 4:00 p.m.
  • Whitewater demonstration - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Live music and food trucks will be on-site throughout the day, and paddling events, competitions, guided raft trips and games will create an unrivaled experience for attendees. The day is capped off “under the lights” with an industry party – friends and colleagues join together to celebrate their shared love of the sport and culture.

In 2018 more than 500 buyers representing more than 230 individual retail stores attended the conference. Show organizers say retail store numbers have already passed that mark for 2019, and registrations will still continue to grow over the next month. As of July 25, the store list had reached 246, with over 100 of these shops being new to the event.

This year Paddlesports Retailer is expanding to allow brands representing fishing accessories, water footwear, technical apparel and camping gear.

About Paddlesports Retailer:

Paddlesports Retailer is the national trade show for the paddlesports industry, endorsed by the Paddlesports Trade Coalitions. The show provides exclusive on-water demo opportunities, an expansive marketplace and an unsurpassed cultural experience for exhibitors, retailers, media and industry advocates alike. Paddlesports Retailer will take place Aug. 26-29, 2019 beginning with demo day at RIVERSPORT Rapids Adventure Park followed by three days of exhibiting at Oklahoma City’s Cox Convention Center. For more information, visit www.paddlesportsretailer.com or contact info@paddlesportsretailer.com.

For more information on RIVERSPORT OKC and Oklahoma City Boathouse District, visit www.riversportokc.org or email info@riversportokc.org.