Ian Ferguson, Mount Baker Experience Magazine

As editor of Mount Baker Experience magazine, Ian Ferguson is on top of the outdoor recreation scene in Bellingham. He appreciates the EXPO for the broad cross-section of enthusiasts who come through the doors, including hikers, skiers, mountain bikers and rock climbers, and values the opportunity to ask them firsthand their opinions on the magazine’s content, and what they’d like to see covered in the future. “This is our community, and our market,” he said. “We’ve published stories because EXPO participants asked us to. We’ve also learned about outdoor businesses in town that we would not have known were here if we didn’t meet them at the EXPO. One great example is Aspire Adventure Running.”

Aspire Adventure Running helps runners access remote point-to-point courses by taking care of the logistical challenges. “We met them at the EXPO last year and wrote a story about what they’re doing,” said Ferguson. “It was great exposure for them, and just the type of story our readers love.”

While other events such as Ski to Sea and the Bellingham Traverse offer opportunities for like-minded outdoor enthusiasts to gather together, the EXPO is different, Ferguson said. “The size and full-spectrum nature of the EXPO offers exposure you don’t get at sport-specific events.”

What brings Mount Baker Experience back each year to exhibit at EXPO? “It’s all about community. Todd makes it fun and we have a great time,” Ferguson said. “All the best people come out for EXPO. And the beer is good, too.”