Outdoor Retailer confirmed today that the upcoming 2004 Winter Market (Jan 30 – Feb 2) will continue in its traditional four-day format. This announcement comes in response to industry speculation that Winter Market was moving to a three-day show. Outdoor Retailer also announced plans for a new one-day pre-show event focused on backcountry sports, safety and education called Backcountry Base Camp.
“Although our industrys schedule is hectic during the January time period, the entire market is not yet ready to move to a three-day show, ” said Peter Devin, the shows Director. “The approaching Winter Market therefore will be held in its traditional four-day format, with the new Backcountry event kicking off the show on January 29th,” added Devin.
According to Frank Hugelmeyer, the President of the Outdoor Industry Association — “The industry is mixed in its views on the length of the show, yet the input we have received indicates that a three-day schedule should certainly be reviewed, and looked at for the future.”
In response to industry research, feedback and conversations with industry leaders, Outdoor Retailer will continue to research the most efficient show format with the objective being to gain market approval, and provide sufficient time for planning.
“Time is the most valuable commodity we all have and I commend Outdoor Retailer for their commitment to research the viability of a more intense, energetic and shortened three-day winter market show – one that would encourage dealers to stay a fourth day to ski or ride the fantastic powder of the Wasatch's backcountry or world class ski areas,” commented Peter Metcalf CEO/President of Black Diamond.
“In a recent OR survey amongst retailers who regularly attend Winter Market, it was clear that the backcountry, and the products and services related to this growing niche of winter activities, are absolutely on the minds of todays outdoor buyers,” said Peter Devin.
The new “Backcountry Base Camp” will be held on January 29, the day before the four-day Outdoor Retailer Winter Market tradeshow that runs from Friday through Monday, January 30 through February 2, 2004. The Backcountry Base Camp will take the place of the traditionally held On-Snow Demo.
“We are establishing a strong group of advisors and industry leaders that will help craft the make-up of this new concept for Backcountry Base Camp,” added Devin.
In terms of projected attendance for the upcoming show, ORs survey results also indicate that over 96% of attendees from last Winter Market will be in attendance in 2004, and that over 91% indicated that their experience and business objectives were satisfied at the show held in Salt Lake City.
