Outdoor Retailer will recognize innovation and achievements in the outdoor industry with the debut of the Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards.
Showcasing the cutting-edge products and brands pushing the limits in outdoor gear, retail services and materials technology, winners will be determined by a panel of judges and celebrated at a live awards show. The inaugural awards ceremony will take place on the first night of this year’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
The submission period for products and services eligible for entry opens Monday, Sept. 10 and runs through Oct. 10, 2018. Rules and the entry form can be found online at outdoorretailer.com/innovationawards.
“We’re excited to unveil the Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards at Winter Market,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer vice president and show director. “Innovation remains a centerpiece in our industry. We are all searching for lighter, faster, stronger and technically superior. We’re seeking ways to streamline and customize our business. Now, as we get set to open the winter season at the November show, we will have an opportunity to acknowledge the products, brands and people at the forefront and making an impact that will extend beyond our industry.”
Winning products and retail services will be revealed on stage at a live awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. The Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards ceremony will be held in the Mile High Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony is open to registered attendees and media.
A panel of luminaries, designers, retailers and media will evaluate entries based on a variety of factors, including concept, design, functionality, originality, sustainability and impact. These judges will select winners from a pool of finalists, which will be on display on the show floor throughout Winter Market. In addition to a foundation of judges named by Outdoor Retailer, individuals interested in serving as a judge for the Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards are invited to submit an online application, available at outdoorretailer.com/innovationawards. The judge application period is open Sept. 10-Oct. 10, 2018.
Outdoor industry and event veteran Liz Ferrin is working with Outdoor Retailer once again and producing the awards. Ferrin has also facilitated the production of Outdoor Retailer’s Inspiration Awards and Sundance Film Festival activation, among other programs.
