Show organizers for Outdoor Retailer, the largest summer and winter outdoor gear, apparel, accessories and technology tradeshow, will be extending their contracts with Salt Lake through Summer 2018.

Both Winter and Summer Market shows have been in Salt Lake City since 1996, except for the 2002 edition, which staged in Anaheim due to the Olympics.

“For over two decades the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City has played an important role in the convening and growth of the industry,” said Amy Roberts, Executive Director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Outdoor recreation is an important economic driver in Utah and we look forward to continuing the dialogue with the state of Utah around public lands issues.”

Future location

To ensure all options and concerns were considered regarding a potential move, Outdoor Retailer surveyed more than 6,000 specialty retailer attendees and exhibitors. Over two-thirds, an overwhelming majority, indicated their preference for keeping the show in Salt Lake City. The highest majority of the responses came from specialty retailers, which show organizers considered to be the most critical indicator.

When posing the question to Outdoor Retailer exhibiting brands regarding the future location, the Salt Palace Convention Center and Salt Lake, continue to be the favored location. The cost of doing business in Salt Lake for exhibiting brands is favourable in comparison to other considered locations and was one of the key reasons exhibitors, too, favored Salt Lake as the preferred location.

“Salt Lake, and the State of Utah have proven to be wonderful hosts to the Outdoor Industry and to Outdoor Retailer over the years,” said Marisa Nicholson, VP and Outdoor Retailer Show Director. “The community is welcoming, supportive and we feel at home during our two weeks in town. We are pleased to work with the Visit Salt Lake team, various elected officials, and the housing and business communities to continue to make the Outdoor Retailer Markets the most significant events for the industry.”

Buying and marketing

“Outdoor Retailer is key for our buying and marketing initiatives and allows us important face time with companies that we do not get elsewhere. The show is vital to our efforts to find new, exciting up-and-coming brands that help us differentiate ourselves,” said Brendan Madigan, Alpenglow Sports, Tahoe City, CA.

“Having Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake is key for our business. The show comes during a very busy time of year, if it were anywhere else we would likely not be able to attend.”

Accommodation and transportation

The next edition of the Outdoor Retail Winter Market will take place from 7-10 January 2016. Outdoor Retailer’s leadership team has worked closely with local community representatives to address accommodations and transportation to and from the Salt Palace Convention Center.

“We value our long-standing partnership with the Outdoor Retailer team and are pleased the show has chosen to remain in Salt Lake,” said Scott Beck, President and CEO, of Visit Salt Lake.

“Visit Salt Lake will continue our work to guarantee that all attendees have a positive experience at the Outdoor Retailer Markets, including ensuring all can secure accommodations during their time in Salt Lake and access amenities like the light-rail transit system that provides transportation from the airport and throughout the city, much of it in the convention district’s free fare zone.”

www.outdoorretailer.com