The glittery Las Vegas strip. Words by Tawnya Schultz Photos by SNOWBOARD Last week was a sad time for the world of snow sports; though it was a week that will never be forgotten. We lost a link to our industry which has played a crucial role in building relationships and uniting the people who have made snowboarding what it is today. Last week after 37 years we said goodbye to the annual SIA tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV. Respects were paid beginning Tuesday as the doors opened early at the Mandalay Bay convention center. The celebration continued through the evening with a benefit poker tournament hosted by POW (Protect Our Winters) at the Hard Rock hotel. Almost 70 players signed on including pro riders, celebrities, reps and team managers for a chance to win some cash and support the cause. Here are some exclusive photos of 2010 gear during day one, people that we like, and coverage of the POW Tournament. Many more posts and videos to come so if you didn’t happen to make it out you can still fell like you were there…kinda. I mean there’s always Denver next year right? And if you have no idea what I’m talking about then get with the program my little friend. Here’s the lowdown on the SnowSports Industries of America. Also big ups to Binky for working hard and shooting somewhere near two thousand photos for us. Setting up a tradeshow booth takes a lot of man hours. Jon Fontaine from Smokin’ deep in the mix. Awh redemption…the booth is done! Smokin’ Jay, Dennis Nazari, and Mike Basich. Check out Smokin’ sticks straight out of Lake Tahoe. The Rome boys were dressed in full Fear and Loathing getups. Sticky from Volcom getting ready for the hoedown. Grenadeness. Electric and NOS collab ice sculpture surrounded by some lovely ladies. Shots already? It’s only 11 a.m. Oh well, we’re in Vegas. Electric’s Cyle Cadam…always a party. Nate Bozung drinking Pepsi…or is it Jack and Pepsi? Pinky Taylor deckin’ out the Smokin’ booth. Roundtable discussions are very popular at tradeshows. Here the SNOWBOARD crew and Ride have a lil’ pow wow. The toilet seat toss at the Volcom booth…uhhh sanitary?…probably not. Travis Kennedy and K Deezy. Billy Anderson and the Volcom boys hanging on the farm. Skull Candy chicas. Rome plus Smokin’ equals good times. Gretchen Bleiler signing some autographs at K2. Exclusive Simpsons Vans slip-ons. Kodi and Alyssa from Oakley. Willie and Drago from Bluebird showing off the Solid boards with Kurt Wastell. Rob Crosby from South Shore Soldiers showing off some new goods. Off the plane from X Games Kevin Pearce and Danny Davis. Some new Nike’s. Danny Kass’ pro model colorful Nike. New New Era’s. Close ups. Bringing back the ear flappy flaps. Exile and Jeff from the SNOWBOARD crew with the New Era boys. “Show me the money!” Dolla dolla bills y’all. Photog Craig Wetherby with Molly and Tawnya. Girls. Kurt Wastell stoked to be in Vegas. Ross Powers and Mark Sullivan. Jeff Brushie and Sean. Stackin’ chips, son. The Flow times Korbel collab. Nice touch. Marius Otterstad trying his luck. Mark and Jack ready to get the party started. Gary Hansen and Jeremy Jones.