Outdoor Retailer plans to produce the Outdoor Retailer and Summer Trade Expos in Salt Lake City, Utah through 2009. This commitment to remain in Salt Lake City is contingent upon a final contract and financing from the city to expand the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Outdoor Retailer made their decision after reviewing results from a comprehensive outdoor market study, receiving the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Boards recommendation and tentative plans from Salt Lake City officials to expand the Salt Palaces main hall space by 40% plus provide increased benefits to OR exhibitors and attendees.
Lee Fromson, Designs CEO and the Chairperson of the OIA, made the initial announcement. “The Outdoor Industry Association Board of Directors recommends the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows remain in Salt Lake City for the next five years,” he said. “Contingent on the state of Utahs continued partnership with the OIA to promote a recreation economy and to protect its recreation gems and the timely and complete expansion of the Salt Palace.”
Construction work on the Salt Palace will begin immediately following Summer Market 2004 and will not affect the upcoming Winter Market show in January 2005. Interim plans include additional exhibition space, similar to the Pavilion, to be used for Summer Market 2005.
Future benefits provided to OR attendees from Salt Lake City will include:
- Hotel room blocks well below average rates
- Personalized housing services for all OR attendees
- Complimentary and discounted shuttle programs to/from SLC airport
- Launching “Outdoor Utah” — an outreach campaign to attract retailers
- Coupon program providing discounts for dining, hotel rooms, lift tickets and services within Salt Lake City
ORs staff spent the past year researching various venue options through a comprehensive ten-city analysis project. OR also solicited feedback through surveys, numerous meetings and discussions with industry leaders, city officials, state governments and the buyers and sellers that represent the outdoor industry. Additional locations that were considered for the OR shows included Denver, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Reno, San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Orlando.
“The outdoor industry possesses a great sense of community and vested interest in the future of the OR shows and it has been determined that, for the present, the business of the outdoors should continue to be conducted in Salt Lake City,” stated Peter Devin, OR Show's Director.
Research, substantiated by key industry buyers, sellers and the OIA Board, indicated that Salt Lake City must expand its present convention facilities to accommodate and serve the growth of the outdoor industry. Survey results stated that while 82% of the industry is satisfied with Salt Lake City, 97% of the industry are open to moving the show if it meant an improved buy/sell experience. Salt Lake City's answer was the proposed development and financing of a comprehensive plan that would add an additional 40% of main hall space to the Salt Palace Convention Center.
“Utah's earnest commitment to work with us to explore ways to protect our public lands for recreation and ensure the growth and success of our industry sent an important message to the outdoor business community,” said Lee Fromson, president of Cascade Designs and OIA Chairperson.
“Combined with the proposal from the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau that addresses Outdoor Retailer's expansion needs, Utah has shown an unmatched commitment to our industry that we can not ignore,” added Fromson.
Dates for future Outdoor Retailer Shows were also re-confirmed.
- 2005 Winter Market January 29 – February 1, 2005
- 2005 Summer Market August 11 – 14, 2005
- 2006 Winter Market January 28 – 31, 2006
- 2006 Summer Market August 10 – 13, 2006
