Outdoor Industry Association and presenting sponsor Adidas Outdoor have secured Mountaineer Reinhold Messner as the keynote speaker for the first annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards being held at this year's Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.


Messner has written over 60 books about his own outdoor experiences and has traveled the world as a passionate outdoor ambassador. The OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards presented by adidas Outdoor celebrates those who inspire people to appreciate and recreate in the outdoors, specifically groups, companies and individuals. The awards celebration, will take place Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

“It is long overdue that we recognize the unsung heroes who encourage others to pursue the outdoor lifestyle,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association. “Reinhold Messner is arguably the most famous name in mountaineering history and we are delighted he is coming from halfway around the world to help us shine a light on those who are invigorating outdoor participation in any and all forms.”


“It’s a distinguished accomplishment to be recognized by others as an inspiration,” said Greg Thomsen, managing director for adidas Outdoor US, the sponsor behind the OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards. “Though many of the nominees are not household names, their deeds speak volumes and we’re proud to help celebrate their success.”


Nominations for the OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards, for exploratory guide groups to marathon creators and outdoor business stewards, are being accepted electronically at awards@outdoorindustry.org or via fax at 303.444.3284 until 6:00 p.m. ET on December 27, 2010. Nominations are grouped as follows:



•Person – employee, volunteer, customer, athlete, teacher, leader, etc. – one person who has motivated and inspired others to enjoy, participate in and support outdoor activities.
•Group – community, school, fund raising group, guide service, product development team, sales force – two or more who have come together to get great things done, and get even better things started.
•Company – companies can inspire us in much the same way as an individual or group through their dedication to outdoor efforts that have a commercial or business-oriented framework. All companies being considered need to be for-profit entities (i.e. retailer, manufacturer, supplier, etc.).



Winners will be selected by a panel of outdoor business and community leaders who are looking for personal stories of achievement, encouragement and insight that truly stand above the crowd. Only those nominations that comply with the submission requirements will be considered. Winners will be notified in early January 2011 with the formal awards celebration taking place on January 21, 2011 in Salt Lake City.

“Adidas has always drawn inspiration from athletes from around the world,” said Rolf Reinschmidt, global VP of adidas Outdoor, “and we are pleased to help support and recognize those who inspire us all to a greater understanding of the outdoor adventure.”


OIA members and Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show attendees need to RSVP to attend the OIA Inspiration Awards celebration by visiting www.outdoorindustry.org/inspiration/rsvp. Tickets to the awards celebration can also be picked up on-site at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market at the OIA booth, #56000.