Let’s just say that 50 years in paddlesports retail is a long, long time and one worth celebrating. Madison retailer Rutabaga is planning to do so and then some as it once again hosts its annual Canoecopia consumer show March 8-10, 2024, in the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI.
After a few years of COVID highs and post-COVID lulls, the promise of the paddlesports industry will be on full display at this year’s Canoecopia, the largest paddlesports consumer expo in the world put on by Rutabaga, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year as Midwest’s premiere paddlesport shop.
“Our advanced ticket sales for Canoecopia 2024 are up 34 percent over last year,” says Darren Bush, owner and Chief Paddling Evangelist of Rutabaga Paddlesports. ”We’re optimistic that increased ticket sales will lead to increased participation, and of course, increased sales.”
Canoecopia’s various presenters, exhibitors, and vendors create a weekend full of everything paddlesports for attendees, who hail from all corners of the country to talk shop and see what’s new in the world of paddlesports. And this year’s lineup of seminars is as packed as the camping grounds at Gauley Fest.
“The speakers and presenters this year are some of the most varied we’ve had in years,” says seminar manager Chloe Machula of Rutabaga. “We had a record number of applicants, so the folks we accepted are the cream of the crop. They came from all over the world to share their love and knowledge of their favorite destinations. It’ll be hard to make choices since they are all so good.”
Over 140 presentations will feature topics for all skill levels and interests, from paddling skills to camp cooking to prepping for family outings, history of paddling, and music from Grammy-winning artists. Canoecopia also has a record number of exhibitors and manufacturers signed up for the show,” adds Bush. “There is a lot of interest in getting in touch with customers and fellow paddlers.”
Info: https://www.rutabaga.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001