SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Organizers of the Outdoor Retailer show, currently held in Salt Lake City, are soliciting proposals from cities interested in hosting the show in 2018 and beyond. The show organizers are working with the Outdoor Industry Association and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance on reviewing proposals.
The announcement was driven in part by concerns from some members of the outdoor industry about Utah politicians' stance on privatizing public lands.
"Outdoor Retailer has always been about 'Right time, right place, right stuff,'" said Marisa Nicholson, the show director for Outdoor Retailer. "We've been listening to the concerns from the industry and agree that it's time to explore our options. Salt Lake City has been an incredible home to Outdoor Retailer and the outdoor community for the past 20 years, and we aren't opposed to staying, but we need to do what's best for the industry and for the business of outdoor retail."
Outdoor Retailer said it will maintain its current contract in Salt Lake City through the summer of 2018.
Rich Hill, the president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, said, "Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, in partnership with OIA and Outdoor Retailer, is committed to ensuring the best possible tradeshow cycle and experience for our retailers and vendor partners. We feel the announcement today will ensure that we'll choose the best location to host a co-located Grassroots Connect and Outdoor Retailer. Our 62 independent specialty retailers look forward to being in a location that from a business, cultural, and values standpoint, best serves our industry."
Amy Roberts, executive director of the OIA, said, "OIA encouraged and supports Outdoor Retailer's decision to explore a range of host cities for the gathering of our community. The appropriate location of Outdoor Retailer should be determined by factors ranging from business economics for vendors and attendees to a location that upholds our industry's core values around the importance of America's public lands system. We will continue to educate policymakers on the economic contribution of our industry as well as our support of preserving places to recreate."
Outdoor Retailer is owned by Emerald Exposition's Sports Group, which also own Interbike. Emerald also owns Bicycle Retailer, which is operated under license by NBDA Services, Inc.
