MCLEAN, Va. (September 25, 2002) -- It will be a reunion of sorts in Las Vegas when Bogner, the worldwide lifestyle brand covering a broad spectrum of sports and fashion, returns to the 2003 SIA Snowsports Show after an absence of four years. The announcement to participate in SIA Vegas 03, Jan. 27-30, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, was made jointly by Bogner of America's Dan Chirico, chief operating officer, and David Ingemie, president of SIA.

We understand the importance of maintaining a strong presence in the U.S. and the SIA Show offers us an opportunity to create some excitement around our new collections,² says Bogner's Chirico. "In a tough business environment, we want to be sure to offer our retailers a chance to preview the Bogner Sport and the new Fire+Ice collection as early in the buying season as possible.² Adds SIA's Ingemie, "Bogner brings a strong international sense of fashion and flair to the show. Their enthusiasm for winter sports is contagious. Between their return and our new venue at Mandalay Bay, we look forward to a high-energy show with lots of buzz."

Bogner of America, based in Newport, Vermont, is a subsidiary of Willy Bogner GmbH of Munich, Germany. Bogner of America manufactures and distributes winter outerwear, sportswear, footwear, eyewear and accessories that reflect an unparalleled heritage of authentic sports performance and highly refined fashion style.

The SIA SnowSports Show is the premiere national kick-off of the 2003 winter sports season, allowing nearly 20,000 snow sports professionals to gather in the heart of Las Vegas to preview the latest trends and new products.

SIA will host its first national sales gathering, Oct. 9-10, at the soon-to-be completed Mandalay Bay Convention Center to provide its members a sneak preview of the new venue for the industry trade show next year. The two-day gathering is expected to attract 100 principals and sales managers of SIA member companies.

Mandalay Bay is a brand new convention center, built as an addition to the 3,300-room Four Diamond award-winning resort. It has 1.8 million square feet and is located directly on the Las Vegas Strip, within walking distance to 80,000 hotel rooms.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor