John Hickenlooper opens the SIA trade show... with a cowbell

Hickenlooper.

Governor John Hickenlooper welcomed press, exhibitors, buyers and industry execs to the opening of the Snowsports Industries America annual trade show, an event formerly held in Sin City.

As everyone in Colorado understands, Denver is a much more appropriate home for SIA -- and the trade show is marking its second year at the Convention Center.

Photo Britt Chester

Hickenlooper and VISIT Denver CEO Richard Scharf: No animals were hurt in the shaking of these hands.

"What do you think of my new duds," Hickenlooper said to the press and the attendees at the SIA press conference this morning.

SIA is bragging that over 19,000 industry professionals will end up producing nearly $30 million in economic impact at this year's event. This total includes hotel accommodations, transportation, dining, entertainment, nightlife and, of course, the rest of the wonderful things our great city has to offer everyone interested in snow-related sports. With cowbells in hand, Richard Scharf, the president and CEO of VISIT Denver, stood alongside Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Bill Vidal, SIA Chairman Tim Petrick and Gary DeFrange, the CEO of Winter Park resort.

This event is not open to the public, but we already posted a big chunk of what Denver is hosting for everyone to enjoy -- industry professional or not.

Photo Britt Chester

Hickenlooper can really draw a crowd, even if he's just ringing a cowbell. That's respect.

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