Outdoor Retailer Salt Lake shows will be earlier in '18

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has announced a collaboration with the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance that will change the traditional dates for the Outdoor Retailer winter and summer markets held in Salt Lake City. The changes will allow the two organizations to schedule their trade shows back-to-back for the convenience of retailers wanting to attend both.

The new tradeshow calendar will be “for the betterment of the industry reflecting the changing needs of the marketplace,” according to a joint statement from the groups.

Beginning June 2018, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market moves to June 11-14 and the Winter Market moves to Nov. 12-15 in Salt Lake City. The summer event has previously been held in July or August and the winter market in January.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance’s Connect show, an invitation-only event, will be at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy with Outdoor Retailer remaining at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

“Outdoor Retailer is a respected home for the outdoor industry,” said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and Outdoor Retailer show director. “Thirty-five years ago, a small group of brands and retailers not only created an industry, but also an economic powerhouse. We are proud of Outdoor Retailer’s role in that growth as the place where the industry gathers. Now, as before, it’s our responsibility to produce a platform giving specialty retailers and exhibitors the best opportunity to achieve their business objectives. This agreement gives credence to that goal and showcases that we are all in this together.”

“Understanding the needs of the industry was paramount in our collaborative work with both Outdoor Retailer and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance to provide a valuable and productive opportunity to preview product, launch the buying process and conduct important marketing and media discussions,” said Amy Roberts, executive director of OIA. “As the industry’s trade association, we take great pride in uniting the industry and leading trade and outdoor recreation policy, sustainability best practices, youth engagement outreach and market and consumer research.”

According to Roberts, moving Outdoor Retailer shows to early dates enables it to serve as the industry’s launch event — introducing the full breadth of product offerings, marketing initiatives and educational offerings- at the top of the buying season.

“With the evolution of the order/buy cycles, research findings and feedback, we verified there are varying needs for exhibitors, retailers and reps,” said Nicholson. “By moving to June and November and providing additional events, Outdoor Retailer provides options that best cater to their business goals.”

Outdoor Retailer, OIA and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will continue to partner to grow the outdoor industry while being sensitive to the movements of the marketplace, according to Nicholson. Outdoor Retailer and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will maintain autonomy to produce their own events, but will cooperate to ensurethat exhibitors and specialty retailers enjoy maximum benefit from all the industry has to offer in a cost-effective manner, she said.