Knowledge Is Power!
Industry Secrets on Tap at High-Powered Tailgating Discussion
January 11, 2008

If you’re looking to move into or merchandise better for the explosive tailgating marketplace, there are a couple of don’t-miss presentations Wednesday and Thursday at the Sports Licensing & Entertainment Marketplace and Tailgate • Picnic Show in Las Vegas. “Tailgater Lifestyles” and “A Week in the Life of a Tailgater” will bring the target consumer of this category into sharp focus.

Tailgater Lifestyles: Hibachi & a Hatchback or a Million-Dollar RV? runs from 4:00 to 5:00 on Wednesday, January 16, the opening day of the show. It features John Largent and Jeff Dockeray (aka “Doc”) of the American Tailgaters Association.

“Tailgating unites fans across socioeconomic, cultural, racial and gender boundaries,” says Largent. “We’ll talk about how to better market to this audience.”

The goal is to present a composite overview of the American tailgater, and differentiate between casual and hardcore tailgaters. John and Doc will also cover shopping habits and purchase influences.

Thursday’s A Week in the Life of a Tailgater: A Consumer Panel Discussion will explore the hardcore tailgater with the help of a trio of parking lot pros—Joe Cahn, the unofficial “Commissioner” of tailgating in America, Jo Ann Hlavac, a NASCAR enthusiast from Laidback racing, and Kelley Renard, a tricked-out road-tripper from UltimateTailgater.com.

“They will articulate the very nature of the hardcore tailgater,” says Dockeray, who with Largent will moderate the panel. “From raceday-gameday prep, to three solid weeks of touring American tracks and stadiums, this panel represents the very essence of why tailgating should be as important to the retailer as the actual ticketed event.”

Both events will be held in Room 103 in the Sands Expo Lower Lobby. They are free and will both start at 4:00 sharp. It’s a great way to end your business day, and a terrific lead-in to the Ultimate Tailgate Party.