For the third year running, GearJunkie presents The Pitch, a competition-style exhibition of five up-and-coming brands jostling to earn cash prizes and the chance to bring their products to the mainstream.
One stage, five judges, and just 2 hours to prove yourself. Smack in the middle of Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, GearJunkie and Wayfinder Co-op present the third iteration of The Pitch.
On Wednesday night, January 29, five upstart companies with ready-to-launch product innovations will vie for $5,000 in promotional and legal services, in hopes of being the next big thing.
Best of all, applications are open now! So if you have that big idea — or know someone who does — there’s still time to be a part of The Pitch. And, as always, it’s free and open to the public. Plus, anyone can take part and vote for their pick via Instagram the night of the event.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The Pitch: 2020 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market
To apply for the event, head over to The Pitch page and enter some details about your business and product(s). Applications close on January 10, so don’t dally.
The contest takes place at Wayfinder Co-op near downtown Denver. Five finalists will present their business plans and innovative outdoor products to a panel of expert judges and a packed house of friends and gear-loving adventurers.
Anyone can attend, and an after-party will follow to celebrate and network with assembled media, venture capitalists, brand owners, and the general public.
The Pitch Event Rules
Each of the finalists will present a 5-minute pitch video and answer questions from judges. The panel will comprise investors, advisers, fellow entrepreneurs, and industry media. They will select one winner that “best represents innovation and creativity in the outdoor industry.”
Applicants need to have a unique product and ownership of all related intellectual property. The product should have a use in the outdoor industry and a viable path to commercial production.
Whichever product most impresses the judges will earn the winner a 2-month membership at Wayfinder Co-op. Plus, the brand will receive $5,000 in marketing, PR, legal, and consulting services provided by sponsors.
And, as this is a live public event, finalists will receive plenty of publicity and networking opportunities.
