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General Questions:
WWSRA Membership questions
Trade Show Questions:
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General Questions:
Who is WWSRA?
Western Winter Sports Representatives Association is a non-profit association that sponsors trade events designed to facilitate the relationship between winter sports sales reps and retailers.
At the trade events, winter sports reps rent booths where they show the latest equipment to employees, buyers, and owners of retail shops and answer any questions they may have.
Winter sports is more than just skiing--it also includes snow-boarding, hiking, climbing, snow-shoeing, curling and, of course, all the accessories needed to do these sports safely and comfortably. More>>
How do I contact WWSRA?
WWSRA Main Office:
726 Tenacity Dr, Unit B
Longmont, CO 80504
ph 303.532.4002
fx 303.512.6162
info@wwsra.com
I never receive any communication from you, what's going on!?!
The most efficient way to communicate with a mobile and active membership is by e-mail; this change has saved the WWSRA a considerable amount, over $3000 in the past year alone! By saving money wherever we can, we can ensure that show fees stay low.
In addition to frequent email membership updates, we send out several conventional mailings to our entire retail and membership databases each year, to inform them of upcoming events and other information.
If you have been missing out on communications, please contact us at info@wwsra.com with your updated information so that we can include you!
How can I communicate with my regional Board Members?
Click here to view contact information for the WWSRA Board of Directors
How do I become a sales rep?
A good way to start is to contact rep groups and inquire about positions. The best way to begin a successful sales career is to get a job with an established firm and learn the ins and outs of the repping business. One way to do this is to establish a relationship with your local retailers; they will be able to recommend reps in your area that are looking for help or who will be good sources of information to you. more>>
I am an independent rep and need health insurance...can WWSRA help?
Due to current health care legislation and the difficulty of providing one plan to a membership that covers multiple states (each with their own requirements), we are not able to directly offer our membership healthcare at this time. However, we have researched the best options and resources for each of the states in our organization, and have pages for our members that list these resources. We hope you find this a valuable service! Members can visit the Members Only area to use this resource.
WWSRA Membership questions:
What are the benefits of joining WWSRA?
In addition to producing regional rep shows, WWSRA also offers the following services & benefits to its members.
- Reps/Lines Available Services
- Retail Database Services
- Show attendance information
- Free Legal Advice & Sample Contracts
- Health Care Resources
- Newsletters
Who is eligible to join WWSRA?
WWSRA membership is available to individual, independent sales reps who sell winter sports products in the western United States. Company principals, manufacturers, etc are not eligible for WWSRA membership. more>>
How much does it cost to join WWSRA?
The membership initiation fee is $500 and the annual dues are $75. WWSRA is a not-for-profit association. The membership and show fees are the only source of income available to operate the office and produce the shows. All revenue is applied directly to show costs or reinvested into the association. more>>
How do priority numbers work?
After acceptance in WWSRA, a new member is issued a "member number" which is generally used in assigning booth spaces at the regional shows. This system is based on seniority; the longer you've been a member in good standing, the higher your priority is when requesting your preferred booth space.
This priority is not guaranteed in certain situations, however...for example, if your contract is received after the registration deadline or if you have an outstanding balance with WWSRA your priority number may no longer taken into account when assigning space. The final location assignment decisions are made at the Director's discretion, who may also override priority number seniority for the betterment of the show. (i.e. strategic product placement to ensure good traffic flow throughout the show) more>>
I haven't paid dues in over a year, what is my membership status?
After a year of not paying dues, your membership is dropped. However, your membership can be reinstated within two years of dropping membership by paying any dues or fees that are in arrears in addition to current membership dues.
If you are not currently participating in WWSRA events but wish to retain the ability to do so without paying the initiation fee again, you can become an "Inactive Member" (see next question)
How does "Inactive" Membership work?
An "Inactive Member" meets the general qualifications for membership but pays only 50 of membership dues and retains his/her membership number, which can be of great benefit should that member choose to re-enter the snow sports industry. An Inactive Member enjoys all membership benefits EXCEPT for voting rights and show participation.
I'm already a WWSRA member but am not currently carrying any winter sport lines...what are my options?
We recommend that members who are not currently involved in the Winter Sports Industry change their membership status to "Inactive." (see above) this way you retain your priority number and can still enjoy all benefits of WWSRA membership at a lesser cost.
Trade Show Questions:
Why aren't you mailing out contracts anymore?
In the past year, WWSRA has saved over $3000 in postage fees by encouraging members to print contracts off the website and only mailing contracts to members for whom we have no e-mail address. These savings are passed directly to you in the form of consistently low show fees.
If you have not been receiving e-mail communication from us, please contact the office at info@wwsra.com with your updated information so that we can be sure to include you in all mailings! If you would rather have us fax you a contract, we would be happy to do so; simply give us a call or drop us an e-mail and we will fax it right away.
How much does it cost to participate in a show?
Cost of exhibit space is based on the amount of space used. Costs vary among shows, but are generally charged by the square foot (average is about $3 per square foot). Members and their associates pay a show fee for each event attended. Principals from companies represented by our members must also register and pay a registration fee. A principal is defined as an owner, sales manager, or officer or a company and may attend only if invited by a WWSRA member.
Trade Show Comparison
WWSRA Shows are priced at cost, with an additional $0.50 per square foot allocated to overhead costs, including all office operations, advertising, staff salaries, marketing, parties, etc. WWSRA trade events are among the least expensive around!
OnSnow demo retail attendee fees vary greatly from venue to venue, but Indoor shows are always FREE to pre-registered attendees. Onsite attendee fees are generally $5 per person, to defray costs associated with temp staff, onsite equipment, etc. Please encourage your retailers to pre-register for WW Indoor shows!! It's easy, and it's FREE!
Some sample costs for non-WWSRA trade events:
WWSRA shows average from $175-$350 per 10x10, which typically includes pipe & drape, electrical, tables & chairs, wastebasket, ID sign, and carpet. Equipment provided varies from show to show. Additional exhibitors (assistants, principals) are $40 each at most shows. Most WW shows are 3-4 days in length, with a one day set-up.
Show Comparison:
Seattle Interior Show: 10X10 = $1575
Interbike: 10X10 = $1775 no equipment or electrical
Pacific Northwest Apparel Association: 10X10 = $225 no equip or electrical + $215 show fee
Seattle Gift Show: 10x10 = $1500
ASR (Fall): 10X10 = $2240 no equipment or electrical + $40 show fee
Surf Expo (Florida): 10X10 = $1975 with pipe, drape & ID Sign
Western Shoe Show: World Shoe Association: cost per square foot, regardless of booth location is $8.°° for all exhibitors at the show. Displays and fixtures are additional.
Electronics show (one day show): 10X10 = $695 includes carpet, pipe, drape, electrical
2004 January Boat Show: Application Fee: $265 members, $365 Non-members
Temporary Business License: $50 unless you have a City of Seattle Customer Number
Space rental: $5.45 per square foot members, $7.05 for non-members
MAGIC: 10X10 = $3995 includes pipe, drape, electrical, 1 table, 3 chairs, carpet & ID sign
What are the registration deadlines for this year's shows?
Plan on registering early even if you aren't sure how much space you'll need; it is better by far to cancel your space by the cancellation deadline at no cost than to miss out on the show altogether because you waited too long to register. Tentative deadlines are November 1, contracts will be available on-line by September 15.
How do I share my space with another rep?
If you want to share a space with another rep, you can register for the space using your own priority number, indicating on your contract that you will be sharing with whoever the other member is. The other member would then also send in a contract, indicating that they are sharing a space with you. They would pay only the member fee, and would be responsible for reimbursing you in whatever way you decide between you for the cost of the booth. The person whose name is on the contract for the space is ultimately responsible for the cost of that space.
You will be both listed in the show directory independently.
DO NOT ABUSE THIS SYSTEM!!! Both members must be at the show and actually sharing the space; this is NOT an opportunity to use a better priority number to secure a booth for a friend or colleague and then let them have the entire space.
If your question was not answered on this page, or if there are additional questions you would think helpful to include on this page, feel free to contact us at info@wwsra.com!