Back in the day, if you were serious about skateboarding and the biz side of things, ASR (Action Sports Retailer) was the spot to be.
It wasn’t just a trade show—it was where all the big brands, retailers, and distributors came together to talk shop, make deals, and, let’s be real, party like crazy. ASR had a wild reputation; it was essentially a playground where skateboarding’s movers and shakers could connect amidst all the chaos and commerce.
But like all good things, ASR eventually faded away. The economy changed, brands started taking different paths, and trade shows lost their luster.
That’s when Agenda popped up, shifting from a typical business event to more of a festival vibe that included everyday skaters. While it kept some of the spirit alive, the classic trade show feel became harder to find.
Fast forward to now, and events like The Gathering are bringing that energy back. This event, part of The Project trade show, was designed with skateboarders in mind - a place where skate shops, brands, and pros can actually meet face-to-face.