The UK's action sport industry kicked off the New Year braving the snow and heading to Slide & OTS Winter 2025 during the first week of January. The show was a great success thanks to all who attended and to show organisers, MCS PR. Get the full round up from MCS below.
Exhibitors and visitors have praised Slide & OTS Winter 2025 as a very successful show, with a vibrant three days of new product launches, industry networking opportunities and social events. The show, which took place for the final time at Telford International Centre, prior to its move to Exhibition Centre Liverpool in 2026, attracted hundreds of visitors, all keen to find out what over 100 exhibitors had in store for the 2025/2026 winter season.
While visitor numbers decreased from 2024, the feedback from exhibitors on the quality of those attending has been overwhelmingly positive, with many forward orders placed and new accounts opened. Of those visiting the show, the percentage of those attending who were retailers increased from 60% in 2024 to 65% in 2025. Overall, Slide & OTS Winter 2025 firmly confirmed the benefit, to exhibitors and to a widening audience of retailers, of a dedicated winter trade show for the snowsports and outdoor sectors.
Day One saw a busy evening networking drinks reception in the main venue café, sponsored by The National Outdoor Expo, with Day Two showcasing two important show events, the Sustainability Breakfast and the SIGB AGM and Awards Presentation. The Breakfast featured talks from Jade Gerrard (Head of Sports Development, Snowsport England), Zoë Phenix McCandless (Head of Connection, United Repair Centre) and Mark Edridge (Product Manager, bluesign technologies), all of whom offered hands-on experience and advice on product and company sustainability, and associated regulatory frameworks. At the SIGB AGM, on the evening of Day 2, SIGB joint-presidents Tord Nilson and Steve joined with the Board took a packed room through SIGB’s activities in 2024/2025 and plans for 2026, including the confirmed venue move to Exhibition Centre Liverpool. That was followed by the presentation of the Slide & OTS Winter 2025 Show Awards, across seven categories, with winners voted for by attending retailers and media.
Marta Williams, Director, MCS PR & Events, show organiser commented:
"Thank you to all exhibitors and visitors who made the 2025 edition of the show a great success, especially with the difficult journeys some had. The feedback has been extremely positive from all. Exhibitors commented on the quality of appointments, making new contacts and retailers have said how useful the show is, saving them time in making their purchasing decisions and networking with suppliers and colleagues. The show’s Sustainability Breakfast had record attendance with comments about the quality of speakers and insightful topics. The move to Liverpool in 2026 was received positively by all and we will be sending more details in due course."
Slide & OTS Winter 2026 will take place at Exhibition Centre Liverpool from Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th January 2026.
Further details will be available soon via the Slide & OTS Winter website.
Feedback from Visitors and Exhibitors
“Ski Equip staff enjoyed the visit to Slide & OTS Winter on Wednesday. We were able to visit all our regular suppliers and make contact with several new businesses. It’s great to have everyone in the same venue and I am grateful to MCS for fantastic delivery.”
Steve Tiffany, Managing Director, Ski Equip
“Once again, an impressive show with numerous excellent brands to engage with. We have found many new and exciting opportunities alongside the successful growth of our existing brands. Well done to the organisers, we are looking forward to the new venue for next year.”
Rob Holder, Marketplace Category Manager, Mountain Warehouse
“Slide is an important show for Nevisport. We get to catch up with so many brand partners under one roof. It's an educational event for me too, not being from a ski background. Roll on 2026 in Liverpool.”
Lawrie Kemp, General Manager, Nevisport
“Slide & OTS Winter is an essential event for us as it provides a unique platform to connect with key brands and suppliers across the ski and outdoor markets. It’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and explore new collaborations, all while getting a first-hand look at the latest and exciting innovations in the industry. The show continues to be a cornerstone in our calendar, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities.”
Gary Fine, Senior Category Manager, Sport Pursuit
“End of day 2 at Slide OTS and we are more than happy with results. Our whole team have been busy almost from the get-go with old and new customers. It’s been gratifying to see how receptive retailers have been to both our established brands, like Smith, Tecnica and Blizzard and, at the same time, to new opportunities with the likes of GoPro, Voited and POW Gloves. We now have a group of warn out Brand Managers who are losing their voices - a good sign for the future!”
Neil Staples, Sales Director, Ultra Sport
“Slide is always a great show to attend. We get to see lots of brands over 3 days without spending valuable time driving around the country to do so. The vast majority of brands we stock attend the show making it invaluable for us “
Luke Watkins, Merchandiser/Buyer, Ellis Brigham
“Slide & OTS Winter is always a great way to start the year after the Christmas break. The show this year had a great buzz about it and there were some great new exhibitors and new technology. Plus, it’s always fantastic to catch up with friends and colleagues in the industry.”
Nick Giles OBE, Managing Director, Ordnance Survey
"Great to catch up with existing suppliers & view their latest ranges, plus ideal opportunity to view new products/suppliers - everyone in the Exhibition is always friendly & professional, thanks!" Julie Holland, Proprietor, Love & Piste
“For us, Slide & OTS Winter shows that you don't have to spend a lot of money to be present at a show with a wide range of retailers, journalists and media all in one place. It’s an excellent event for the industry to connect, and one which more outdoor brands should look to be part of.”
Matt Moore, Co-Founder, Proagencies
“The show this year was a brilliant chance to catch up with partners and network with new contacts, always grateful for the face-to-face time shared with colleagues from across the industry. We appreciated the opportunity to present at the sustainability breakfast, this is a topic we all know is vital to protecting the sport for future generations; we left with lots of connections, ideas and advice; it was such a positive morning”
Jade Gerrard, Head of Sports Development, Snowsport England
"Slide & OTS Winter is an invaluable opportunity to get a first look at next year's gear. It makes the testing process for our entire team so much easier, allows us to slot new ranges into brands' existing ranges, and means we can get a head start on our reviews well before the new season rolls round!" Henry John, Information & Advice Manager, Ski Club of Great Britain
For further information visit SlideOTSWinter.co.uk or contact MCS PR & Events