Even though the average U.S. trade show visitor spends around 9.5 hours viewing booths, trade expos are often considered to be corporate affairs and rather mundane. But one cutting-edge trade show, Desert and Denim, defies these expectations. Since 2015, it’s been an exclusive expo just for makers and wholesale buyers of denim and other hipster-oriented products. This year, however, they’ve opened the event up to the public-at-large.
The boho-hipster trade show in Joshua Tree focuses on bringing together makers of high-quality fashion and accessories. The creators of the self-proclaimed renegade tradeshow have made it their mission “to introduce unique brands to a curated group of buyers who appreciate an American style and value a community experience over the repetitive transaction of an average trade show.”
In other words, it’s not your typical corporate conference.
Denim manufacturers, candle makers, handcrafted bag designers and more gather at this event to showcase their wares and demonstrate their craft. The expo also features collaborative workshops, panel discussions, yoga sessions, and concerts. It’s the destination for lovers of natural fibers and the California lifestyle.
For the first time since its inception, the Desert and Denim event will open attendance to the public, specifically for sponsors, press, social media influencers, and those who appreciate high-quality goods. While the events on Friday, February 25 were limited to denim vendors, wholesale buyers, invited guests and press members, the events on Saturday, February 25 were free and open to the public.
The trade show bills itself as “the premier renegade trade show and festival.”
Along with becoming acquainted with new brands and having the opportunity to purchase goods, attendees could take part in anything from whiskey tastings and a stargazing hike to learning about indigo dying, growing your own food, and candle making. Not only that, but the first 50 people to register received a free scented candle from the PF Candle Company, one of the weekend’s vendors. For additional information about the expo, visit the official Desert and Denim website. More like this. More like this blog. Read more.
