Dress to Impress - Daily Themes for Connect Fun
Let’s bring some personality to the professional! Bring a little extra flair each day of Connect with these themes:
Day 1: Shine on Awards Day – Your Outdoor Best / Loudest Shirt
Show off your rugged style or rock your loudest shirt. Whether it’s vintage flannel or a shirt that could outshine the stage lights, let’s kick things off with color and character.
Day 2: Retro Gear Day – Outdoor Through the Decades
From neon ‘80s to fleece-forward ‘90s, celebrate outdoor style through the ages. Raid your gear closet and bring the throwback vibes!
Sock it to us, come prepared with your wild socks!
Day 3: Sock It to Me – Wild Sock Day
Put your best foot forward…literally! Wild, weird, wacky, woolly; any sock goes, as long as it brings a smile.
Day 4: Keep Your Head In It – Spiffy Hat Day
Top off the week with your finest headwear. Whether it’s vintage, stylish, or just plain silly, your hat is your crown, wear it proudly!
Grassroots Annual Awards
Monday June 9th, 2025:
2025 Grassroots Annual Awards
Lunch Hour, RSCC, Ballroom C
Always an exciting and fun program, you won't want to miss the highly anticipated Grassroots Annual Awards! Join us over lunch on day one to recognize the outstanding achievements of retailers, brands, and individuals within our vibrant Grassroots community. We will shine the spotlight on those who have showcased unparalleled excellence in service, collaboration, support, and product innovation for independent specialty businesses. Don't miss out on this opportunity to applaud and celebrate the good work of your peers!
Featured Speaker
Conrad Anker
Alpinist & The North Face Athlete Team Captain Emeritus
Tuesday June 10th, 2025:
Breakfast Presentation by Conrad Anker
7am-8am, RSCC, Ballroom C
Four Decades of Adventure: Our Life in the Outdoor Industry
Join legendary alpinist and The North Face Captain Emeritus, Conrad Anker, for a compelling journey through 40 years of transformation in the outdoor industry. From humble beginnings to global influence, Conrad reflects on how gear, values, and culture have evolved—and how the power of the outdoors remains constant.
1980s – Foundations of an Industry
1990s – Growth and Expansion
2000s – Tech Revolution & Globalization 2010s–Present – Purpose & Inclusion
Through it all, one purpose endures: connecting people with the transformative power of outdoor experiences.
Sponsored by The North Face
Happy Hours & Celebrations!
Monday June 9th, 6-7PM
Connect Kick Off Happy Hour
Kick off Grassroots Connect in Reno with drinks, friends, and good vibes. Reconnect, meet new faces, and start the show on a high note. Hosted on the Convention Center Courtyard and Registration Lobby.
Tuesday June 10th, 6-7PM
Open house Happy Hour
Wrap up the day with a fun happy hour on the show floor! Brands will pull back the curtains and will retailers grab a snack & drink while exploring booths and catching up with the community.
Morning activities
If you're looking to start your day with an early morning routine before the show, check out these sponsored activities going on throughout the week:
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
- 6am-7am
- Yoga presented by prAna in Peppermill's Sorrento Meeting Room 4
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
- 6am-7am
- Yoga presented by prAna in Peppermill's Sorrento Meeting Room 4
- Run Club presented by Altra launching from Peppermill's main entrance
LUncheon Sessions
Tuesday June 10th, 2025:
Grassroots Vendor Partner Meeting
Presented by Gabe Maier, Grassroots President
Gabe Maier, Grassroots President
Exclusively for Grassroots Vendor Partners, this session offers a unique chance to explore our organizational direction and strategic plans. Dive into a comprehensive overview of specialty business insights, key Grassroots initiatives, and forecasts for the upcoming year. We kindly request that each Vendor Partner sends at least ONE leadership representative to ensure a thorough understanding of your Grassroots membership value and our collective direction.
Tara Kuipers, TK Consulting
Tuesday June 10th, 2025:
Women’s Luncheon
Presented by Tara Kuipers, TK Consulting
IMPERFECTIONISM: The Power of Leaders Who Embrace Limitations
When was the last time you acknowledged that “good enough” truly was… enough? In a world of polished personas, the most celebrated, effective, and sane leaders challenge the myth of perfectionism and embrace the reality of their limitations. Join us as we explore how this approach creates more resilient leaders, innovative teams, and safer relationships. We will leave with a renewed sense that progress truly is better than perfection!