As 2016 comes to a close, it’s a time for us to look back and reflect on our year, as well as look forward to 2017. This has been a really big year for SylvanSport and we couldn’t be more excited about where we’re headed.
The themes for this year has been new dealers and new products. We expanded the SylvanSport family to over 50 dealers, trying to make it as easy as possible for everyone to see and demo a GO and/or GO Easy. We also introduced 3 new accessory products and a brand new, completely redesigned website.
We hope you enjoy looking back with us at our highlights from 2016:
January
2016 Cyclocross National Champsionships
Right up the road from our headquarters in Brevard, NC, we were fortunate enough to have the Biltmore Estate host the 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. The top ‘cross riders from across the country came to race a spectacular course on one of the most majestic historical sites in the country. We couldn’t pass up the chance to show off the Coolest. Camper. Ever. in our backyard!
February
Canada
In February 2016, we entered Canada at the Outdoor Adventure Show and our new dealer partner, Can-Am RV Center. By the end of the year, we had added 2 new dealers and expanded to 4 locations. Thank you, Canada for being so welcoming!
March
Canoecopia
There are certain events that are true highlights for us every year and Canoecopia definitely makes the list. Held in Madison, WI every Spring, Canoecopia is the world’s largest consumer paddlesports event. With over 250,000 sq ft of toys, it is 2 1/2 days of non-stop fun. If you’ve never been, this is worth the trip…and we’ll be there for sure in 2017!
April
Product Release: Nuthin’ but Net
As spacious as the GO is, it’s always handy to be able to put stuff up, without putting it away. Jackets, blankets, pillows, or just about anything you want to keep handy. It’s a simple thing, that makes a big difference. The Nuthin’ but Net Gear Storage Loft was launched in April 2016 and has been a staple ever since.
May
Ford Motor Company
We are big believers in the idea of function AND design. That’s why when Ford Motor Co. wanted to show off the versatility of their Escape mid-size SUV, we were flattered when they reached out to us to use the GO Easy as part of the 2017 Escape photo gallery on their website. This is not your everyday trailer. It hauls your gear and looks pretty sharp doing it.
June
Get Outdoors – NYC Media Event
The Outdoor Industry Association hosted the first Get Outdoors Media Event in New York City and we were proud to part of this inaugural event alongside some of the biggest names in outdoor industry. While NYC may seem like an odd place to hold a media event, it is the hub of mainstream media, and we were excited to have a spot in front of some of the nation’s largest media outlets.
Product Release: Sunny Side Up Integrated Solar Kit
This was one of our most exciting projects of the year. Through extensive design and engineering in-house and collaboration with GoalZero, we introduced the Sunny Side Up, a complete solar kit custom designed to work seamlessly with the GO camper. So far, response has been stellar and the future is looking bright!
July
Prestige Subaru Commercial
When Prestige Subaru wanted to do a commercial focused on the outdoor lifestyle, they called us to collaborate on the project. Wanting a unique product to create the “outdoor feel”, the GO was the perfect fit. Plus, the Subaru Outback or XV makes the perfect GO tow vehicle, how could we say ‘no’?
August
Outdoor Retailer – Summer Show
Outdoor Retailer is the largest trade show in the United States for the outdoor recreation industry. For outdoor gear manufacturers, this is truly the show of the year. This is a fun time for us as we get to meet potential dealers, as well as, catch up with old friends from different companies around the country.
September
Caravan Salon Dusseldorf
Germany!!!! That pretty much sums it up. Looking forward to 2017 on this one and what fruits of our labor will bring from this trip. Caravan Salon Dusseldorf is Europe’s largest caravan (their word for RV) trade show. If we learned nothing else, Europe loves to caravan.
Elkhart RV Open House
Wow…September was big. Right off the plane from Germany, we headed to the United States’ largest RV event of the year, the Elkhart RV Open House in Elkhart, IN. At every stop, we are continually humbled by the positive response we get from dealers, industry reps, media and potential customers. Thank you!
October
New SylvanSport Website
This was one of those projects that took a lot of different hands and countless hours. After the dust settled and eyes cleared after endless editing, our new website was born!
November
Product Release: Twinkle Toes Rug Set
The Twinkle Toes Rug Set is designed to fit perfectly with the GO and passes the barefoot test with flying colors. Making a durable rug is easy. Making a soft rug is easy. Making one that is durable, soft and looks pretty cool is harder than it seems (at least that’s what we found out). Coming up with the name…that was pretty fun!
December
Brevard Christmas Parade
Every year, our hometown of Brevard, NC has a Christmas Parade that runs right through downtown. Just about every organization, group, school and many of the businesses puts together a float and the result is a parade that lasts for a solid hour. We love that we live in a small town that takes their parades very seriously.
2017…Let’s GO!
Looking back on 2016 and everything that was accomplished, we would be remissed to to not mention all of the great folks that make up the SylvanSport family. We like to think of our family unit as not only the ones who work under our roof, but all of our great dealers, friends and loved ones who continually support us and of course, all of you GO and GO Easy owners out there. A big thank you to all for a great year and lots of fun adventures!
With 2017 only a couple of weeks away, we’re already getting geared up to hit the ground running! Stay tuned for a big, nationwide contest, cool new product launches, more dealers and events and a whole lot more. It’s going to be the best year yet! Who’s with us in 2017…let’s GO!
So, from all of us at SylvanSport, we would like to wish everyone the happiest of holiday seasons and a great New Year!
