Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this week named Chelsea Flynn as Director of Events.

Flynn joins the team ahead of the group’s annual spring buying show, Grassroots Connect (June 11-15; Knoxville, Tenn.), which will showcase a record-setting volume of vendor brands on the main show floor, more than 400 retail buyers, and a rapidly expanding Discovery Marketplace.

“As the role of Grassroots as a convener of the specialty independent outdoor marketplace continues to grow and evolve, Chelsea’s professionalism and experience will be a key asset to the organization and our event goals,” said Gabe Maier, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.

Chelsea Flynn Courtesy of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance

Flynn brings more than 10 years of event planning experience to her role at Grassroots. Previously, she was the Event Project Manager at the University of Tennessee Center of Literacy, Education & Employment, where she oversaw meeting planning, content management, venue sourcing and contract negotiations.

“”I am thrilled to jump into this role as we gear up for Grassroots Connect in less than a month, and excited to grow in this role and with the team, who have extended such a warm welcome,” said Flynn.

Flynn’s work will include oversight of Grassroots Connect, the twice annual legacy show experience that delivers an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct their pre-season line showings and business conversations; as well as Discovery Marketplace, an exploration experience aimed at introducing retailers to new, niche, and exciting brands.

ABOUT GRASSROOTS OUTDOOR ALLIANCE: Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned active network of 100 independently owned outdoor retailers and 69 vendor partners, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry.  For more information on Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, please go to www.grassrootsoutdoors.com.