Webinar Replay: Not a Trade Show - The Real Value of PTC Colab '26

Recorded June 17, 2026

What makes PTC Colab different from a traditional trade show?

In this webinar, Paddlesports Trade Coalition leaders and past attendees share firsthand experiences about how PTC Colab has become the paddlesports industry's premier gathering for collaboration, professional development, networking, and innovation.

Hear directly from retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, and community organizations about the ideas, partnerships, and practical business strategies they've taken home from previous events, along with a preview of what's new for PTC Colab 2026 at Montgomery Whitewater.

PTC Colab is more than an event. It's where the paddlesports community comes together to share ideas, build partnerships, solve challenges, and shape the future of the industry.

What You'll Learn

• Why PTC Colab has become the industry's collaborative meeting place for brands, retailers, outfitters, sales reps, media, and nonprofit organizations
• How Montgomery Whitewater expands opportunities for on-water product demonstrations, flatwater testing, whitewater instruction, and hands-on learning
• What's new for 2026, including larger exhibit spaces, expanded PTC University programming, and interactive product showcases
• How retailers can strengthen staff knowledge through professional development and hands-on equipment training
• Ways manufacturers and retailers can build stronger relationships through open discussion and shared problem-solving
• How community organizations, advocacy groups, and industry partners are collaborating to grow participation, improve safety, and strengthen paddlesports nationwide
• Announcing: The Retailer Engagement Fund! Learn about retailer engagement funding, sponsorship opportunities, and registration for PTC Colab 2026.

Hear First Person POV from Past Attendees

This webinar features perspectives from professionals representing every segment of the paddlesports industry, including:

• Specialty retailers
• Manufacturers and brands
• Independent sales representatives
• Community organizations
• American Canoe Association leadership
• Paddlesports Trade Coalition Board members

Learn why these leaders believe collaboration is essential for addressing changing consumer trends, strengthening specialty retail, growing participation, improving paddlesports safety, and preparing the industry for the future. 

Featured Speakers

• Stig Larsson – Chair, Paddlesports Trade Coalition
• Pam Dillon – PTC Administrative Staff
• Brian Boyea – Bending Branches / Best Practices Committee
• Matt O'Brien – Offshore Marine
• Fletch Griffin – Westbrook Supply Co. / Paddle 4 Tomorrow
• Steve Jordan – Big Adventures
• Rob Bossen – Bluewater Trading
• Bill Caruso – Chair, Regional Activity Council, American Canoe Association