Outdoor Industry Association and Nielsen Business Media (NBM),
parent company of Outdoor Retailer, have entered a 15-year strategic
alliance that will boost efforts to ensure the long term success and
growth of the $289 billion outdoor industry.

Outdoor Retailer, the world’s premier outdoor lifestyle trade shows
since 1982, expands its role as the top financial contributor to
Outdoor Industry Association and as a primary sponsor of select Outdoor
Industry Association projects. Over the next 15 years, new benefits to
the industry will include a significant increase in funding for
industry projects and programs that support industry health as well as
an increase in discounts and services to Outdoor Industry Association
members.

For its part, Outdoor Industry Association will become the title
sponsor of Outdoor Retailer and endorse Outdoor Retailer as the leading
outdoor industry trade show in the world. Outdoor Industry Association
will work collaboratively with Nielsen Business Media and on behalf of
the industry to enhance the quality, relevance and appeal of the trade
shows, to identify new strategic opportunities and to expand new
services and programs that support the industry.

“The timing of this alliance is critical for the future health of
the industry,” commented Mike Wallenfels, president of Mountain
Hardwear and chairman of the OIA Board of Directors. “The OIA Board of
Directors and Nielsen have worked very hard to develop an agreement
that meets the growing challenges ahead and ensures a path of long term
growth not only for individual businesses, but also, for the industry
as a whole. This new era of collaboration with Nielsen Business Media
and Outdoor Retailer, specifically, will reap enormous rewards for all
members of the industry.”

“Outdoor Industry Association is doing a phenomenal job of
creating a healthy business environment, promoting active outdoor
recreation and working with governments and critical stakeholders to
create great places to play outside and ensure fair prices for the
industry’s products,” said Joe Flynn, vice president and general
manager of Nielsen Business Media’s Sports Group, which produces
Outdoor Retailer. “Their efforts have significantly strengthened the
outdoor industry. We strongly believe that by working closely with the
top association in the active outdoor lifestyle industry, not only will
Outdoor Retailer benefit, but also, our entire collection of outdoor
sports trade shows.”

David Loechner, senior vice president, Nielsen Business Media’s
Retail Group, added, “Outdoor Retailer has enjoyed a productive,
long-term relationship with Outdoor Industry Association. Now, we’re
forging a stronger strategic alliance that will be instrumental in
realizing the full potential of Outdoor Retailer’s future opportunities
and the growth of all our outdoor business services.”

“This agreement provides enormous benefits to our members,” added
Frank Hugelmeyer, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “We get to
leverage the significant assets of the best trade show producer in the
world and OIA remains focused on what we do best: working in Washington
on behalf of the industry, producing compelling research and
educational events, providing best-in-class business solutions, and
growing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. NBM’s increased
investment will help OIA accomplish more in all of these key areas.
Additionally, we will be able to work closely with the Nielsen Business
Media Sports Group to develop new ways for the show to best serve the
needs of the suppliers and retailers in our industry.”