The First Annual Recreation Northwest EXPO was a tremendous success. Hosted at the Best Western Plus Lakeway Inn, the event created a chance for the public to meet face to face with the best and the brightest in the local and regional outdoor recreation scene. The sold out room was filled with 40 Exhibitors representing the Health Professionals, Local Gyms, Personal Trainers, Bike Shops, Running Stores, Paddling Outfitters, Outdoor Media, Outdoor Activity Clubs, Stewardship Organizations and representatives from local recreation events and races. KISM broadcasted live from the event! Listen to the KISM coverage.
With the support of local media, attendance topped over 600 people throughout the day from 4 pm – 8 pm. People came from all around Whatcom County and beyond- including south from Mt Vernon, Camano Island, Stanwood and north into British Columbia.
People were able to shop around for all their recreation needs in one place. Whether looking for a new bike, finding a personal trainer, talking with Race Directors there was plenty to choose from at the EXPO. The attendance numbers exceeded organizers goal by 150%.
The Exhibitors had the chance to connect with potential customers and recognized the value of being part of the EXPO. “The exposure, putting a face with the name and speaking with people was priceless. Count me in for next year.” – Dr. Erik DeRoche, Performance Health Northwest. It also served as a business networking opportunity for the them as well- connecting with other like minded local business owners.
Featured Speakers included 2 local record-setting athletes speaking about their accomplishments. Heather Anderson offered an entertaining photographic journal of her experience on the Pacific Crest Trail and setting the record for the Self-Supported Fastest Time.
Brandon Nelson dazzled the crowd with his TED Talk type approach to sharing his Guinness Book of World Record for the farthest distance kayaked on flat water in 24 hours around Lake Padden.
Recreation Northwest promotes outdoor recreation and brings people together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play. Their signature event, The Bellingham Traverse is now one in a series of four multi-sport races around the state including Winthrop, Olympia and North Bend. The organization also provides stewardship opportunities and educational resources for the community. Join the fun at RecreationNorthwest.org.
Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
