SLIDE SNOWSPORT TRADESHOW.
Okay itās not really Adventure one. More like Blog 1one Although the idea to do a blog was born out of the combination of wanting to document my sales road trips round the stunning Island of Ireland, the fun things I see and hear on route and my shit memory. (One too many rugby matches)
A quick snap-shot of context. I started The Outdoor Agency Ireland approximately a year ago, motivated by several reasons which Iāll not get into now. However, 2022 saw me transition from my public sector job and eventually saying goodbye to it and giving this business 100% of my career time. This was tough given it was my dream job once, trying to improve the community in which I live and love.
However, this decision was made easier by the great people and beautiful places I encountered whilst growing my business in 2022.
All that being said, Adventure One was a 40 hour round trip to the International Centre in Telford, England to network with organisations and brands within the outdoors industry. My objectives were met, although not hard given all I wanted to do was meet people and give a good honest account of me and my business. I met loads of helpful people who were only too happy to share their experience both working in and playing in the outdoor world.
After a bumpy short flight to Birmingham, I zipped along a cool skyline train pod type thing (I had a bit of time to kill so I did it twice) that brought me to the train station. I should note the staff I spoke to were all personable and helpful. About an hour later I arrived at Telford Central and headed straight for the Trade Show. This took me through Telford Central, I donāt think I have seen so many known multi-national chain store inside a square mile before. Not my cup of Tea, it lacked soul but Iād imagine much of Western Society would love it, each to their own.
I spent that day mingling with many people who all seemed to be passionate about their job, whether they were a rep., agent, distributor, management, or the owner they all shared that special word we all seek in our career Passion. I felt instantly at home, especially when I found my Salomon crew at their stand full of the latest ski range. They kindly offered to take me out for dinner that evening which of course I wouldnāt turn down. They are a great bunch who I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know since getting the Salomon contract for the Island of Ireland.
I left about 4pm, retraced my steps through the quiet maze of chain stores to the Premier Inn just across from the train station. To be honest it was a bit of a dump, but I wasnāt too bothered it had what I needed and more importantly the staff were friendly and helpful. Iām currently training for Belfast marathon, so I used this down time to get out for a run. I ran about in the rain and darkness for about an hour then hopped in the shower and got ready to meet the Salomon Team for yum yums.
After a short taxi ride and chat to the driver about his aspirations to opening a tyre shop, I got left off in a nearby town called Ironbridge and started the short walk to the pub we planned to meet in. What a contrast this quaint village was with its beautiful old houses and pubs perched on a hill descending to a large river with, yes, a big Iron Bridge. Although as beautiful as it was, there was the ever-increasing reminder of what we are doing to our planet when I was diverted away from the stunning river due to the heavily galvanised flood defences recently erected scaring through Iron Bridge. As robust as they looked, they weirdly looked like no match to mother nature and above all it was just sad to see the realities of all our actions.
I met the team in a pub called The Malting House. The food, ambiance and company were perfect and just what we all needed. Back to the hotel, a few Emails, and my nightly dose of the sitcom Friends and off to sleep.
Day 2. 11th January 2023. I woke up about 4.30 am after a crap dream and couldnāt get back to sleep again. So I seized this unexpected time the shit dream gifted me, got the head torch on and got my programmed 6 mile run in the bank. Quick change, planned my day then a ācontinentalā brekky in āBeefeatersā adjoining the hotel. I sauntered back through Heartless Ville back to SLIDE. Again, much like day 1 I met a stack of good people and enjoyed sharing stories with them.
Currently Iām sitting on the plane probably over the Isle of Man enjoying the unmistakable hearty chuckles of my fellow countrymen an woman and looking forward to seeing Team Addy. Itās only been 40 hours but sometimes thatās all you need to remind yourself of how lucky you are.