The Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will hold its 2011 Summer Show at the Ogden/Weber Convention & Visitors Bureau, according to a report by Utah Business.  Independent outdoor specialty retailers will fill the Ogden Eccles Conference Center on June 13-17, 2011. 


“Ogden is focused on becoming a town known for its ‘outdoor sports community’ and organizations like Grassroots have a common interest and investment in outdoor recreation that dovetails with the efforts of the city, county and the CVB,” said Roanne Miller, Grassroots president. “Providing outdoor opportunities is also important to Grassroots, so the city’s close proximity to the mountains was a key factor in our decision making process.”

The announcement follows Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey's presentation to the Outdoor Industry Association Though Leaders dinner in Salt Lake City last week on the eve of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. During a panel discussion, Godfrey mapped out how the city's efforts to rebrand itself as the “World's High Adventure Capital” helped attracted North American headquarters for several snowsport and outdoor companies, including Amer Sports.


The event will generate economic growth to the local area economy. Beneficiaries of the conference include hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail and many other support services in the region. Outdoor recreation business is a multi-million dollar industry.

“We would like to thank our partners at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center, the Ogden Marriott, MacKenzie Exhibit, Ogden City and Weber County as they were pivotal in securing the upcoming conference,” said Sara Toliver, president of the Ogden/Weber Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The city’s efforts and development in outdoor and high-adventure recreation was a key component in securing the 2011 conference. Our area’s beautiful surroundings and attractions will provide a perfect environment for demos.”


Snowbird previously hosted the conference. According to Grassroots Vendor Committee Chairman Dawson Wheeler, the past location had become too small for the size of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Show.  


Ed Mcalister, owner of member retailer River Sports, explains that the recreational opportunities surrounding Ogden are vast. “I can’t wait to enjoy the area’s activities. The Salomon Center has everything from climbing to surfing. Surfing in Utah, who knew!