Kurt Luttermoser & Ron Thomas, Action Sports

What is AGA Nation & how did it get its start?

Based out of Grand Haven, Michigan, AGA Nation is an action sports company that produces shows, signature events and unique content. We produce over 600 shows a year across the United States, mostly with a BMX focus. About 85% of events are performances/shows, meaning AGA brings in riders to entertain and perform, and about 15% are competitions to ALL athletes. Despite increasing popularity and participants, we noticed a lack of action sports competition/events for the mid markets. AGA Nation has been around for about eight years now.

What is your favorite AGA Nation event?

Bring Your ‘A Game’ to School. We deliver this assembly to high schools from coast to coast, showcasing action sports athletes in a heart stopping, high flying, attention-grabbing show, reinforced with a positive, powerful message of bringing your “A Game” to the classroom every day!

So you create video content?

We create organic action sports content that strengthens the brands of our partners. For example, the latest installment of AGA Nation’s “RECOVERY” series focused on riders who get “back in the game” with help from Spectrum Health Medical Group. One of the area’s top skateboarders, Autteish Danger, explains how he got his back in shape to skate. Danger, AGA Cup 2012 champ and AGA Cup 2014 champ in Wisconsin shares in story in the latest installment of “RECOVERY.”

What are some goals of AGA Nation?

We work with sponsors to integrate their messaging on-site, on-line and on-demand. Additionally, we work with existing events, festivals and fairs. We collaborate with our event partners to create a positive economic impact— a unique event for athletes, spectators and sponsors.

What do you look for in a venue/from a CVB?

Collaboration! We are very adaptable and cater to the area. We have mobile equipment for competitions year round. Ideally, we would like an outdoor venue, like a large parking lot with about 10,000 square feet of space, centrally located where a lot of people spend time. From a CVB, we would like help in promoting events, attracting youth and we would like to involve the local skate/bike shops. We also look for assistance in lodging for our athletes.