Discovery Marketplace

Be seen. Gain ground. Create retail relationships and brand champions.

Presenting new brands to our consumers, providing surprise and delight is part of specialty retail DNA.

Discovery Marketplace aims to provide an opportunity for retailers to experience the best, new and innovative brands and products.

Discovery Marketplace provides new and emerging brands the opportunity to get in front of retailers who are the best at taking risks on what’s new and interesting, experiential retail, assortment curation, and championing new brands.

Focused Audience of Retailers
Brand Exposure
Simple & Streamlined
Concentrated Time Frame
Cost-Effective
Digital Component

Over 10 years of learning and experience with Connect and other trade events, we have developed the Discovery Marketplace model in response to a clear and communicated need and desire from retailer buyers to have an efficient way to experience new brands.
Retailers asked for the experience, we responded.
The 3 hour Open-House format of Discovery Marketplace is built on the foundations of efficiency and productivity for buyers and brands derived from our Connect model.
Concentrated exposure with the right people in a compact time frame.
Speed dating for brands and retailers.
A concentrated, focused, accessible, and affordable opportunity to expand your reach and the knowledge of your brand or service.
Opportunity to get in front of buyers and encourage buyer-to-buyer conversations about your brand and products.
It is not a full line showing, but a preview of your best offerings.
It is not a writing event, it is an exploration of new brand and retailer relationships.
While it is not a direct line into Connect, it presents an avenue to foster relationships, develop business connections, and potentially meet the qualifications necessary to participate in the future.
Acquire retailer contacts to utilize in your strong follow up strategy to build new business.
Bring your A game and know your elevator pitch.
Focus on creating a quick and memorable impression.
Educate retailers on your brand and specialty wholesale strategy.
Be proactive and communicate effectively and consistently.
Know and communicate how a retailer can best conduct business with you.
Make the ask for retailer contacts, get organized, and follow up.
Participate in our digital resource hub (ConnectHub) for retailers to access your brand assets, ordering information and workbooks before, during, and after the event.
Participation is invite only. Email Maggie Perrault (maggie@grassrootsoutdoors.com) to receive details about the brand inquiry and invitation process.
When: Sunday, November 10th
Set up time: 12-3:45 PM
Event time: 4-7 PM
Where: Kansas City, MO ~ Loews Hotel, City Beautiful Ballroom
Number of buyers: ~250
Grassroots will provide:
10’x 10’ pipe-and-drape open booth space
(1) 6’ table
(2) chairs
Simple booth signage
Happy Hour with heavy appetizers, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
Digital repository for brand assets, programs, catalogs, and ordering information via ConnectHub
Brand agrees to provide:
Season highlights
Top presenter for presentation and introducing the brand
Order process sheet (contact, deadlines, order form)
Program, terms, and any show specials
Participation/Booth Fee to be paid at time of contracting.
General Inquiries:
Chelsea Flynn - Director of Events
Maggie Perrault - Event Relations Manager