In response to ongoing feedback from the outdoor marketplace, Outdoor Retailer show organizers have confirmed a one-day date shift for the semi-annual tradeshow effective Winter Market 2013 through Summer Market 2014. Under the new date structure, shows will run Wednesday through Saturday, preceded by the respective demo event held one day prior.
Winter Market 2013 dates have already been announced and housing is open for the upcoming January event. Hotel contracts for Summer Market 2013 through 2014 are being reworked, and as a result, reservation details for show housing are not yet available.
Show organizers are using the date change to fundamentally improve and adjust the way it allocates hotel rooms through Travel Planners, its new official housing partner.
“The change in day pattern for the show is in response to feedback and data showing a growing preference for midweek travel and tradeshow business,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Nielsen Expo Outdoor Group vice president and OR show director. “Date changes have many moving parts, and we're using this opportunity to better serve our core specialty retail audience, in addition to ensuring crucial exhibitor personnel needs are met in the tight downtown Salt Lake area.”
Summer Market 2013 housing will open sometime in late November. Communications will be sent prior to opening, so show participants can plan accordingly. Instructions for booking Summer Market 2013 housing will also be available online at outdoorretailer.com and through Outdoor Retailer social media channels.
“We realize that this delay can be frustrating as it's a new process, but we are working closely with Travel Planners to ensure a smoother, better system for the future,” said Haroutunian.
As an extension of its efforts with housing, Outdoor Retailer is also improving its bus shuttle services in and around the greater SLC area. Efforts will include a first-ever “travel guide” for show attendees to more easily use public transportation, such as the TRAX light rail, to get to and from the convention center and around town.
Dates for the outdoor industry tradeshow and demo events are as follows:
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2013
All Mountain Demo: Tuesday, January 22
Winter Market Expo: Wednesday, January 23 – Saturday, January 26
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013
Open Air Demo: Tuesday, July 30
Summer Market Expo: Wednesday, July 31 – Saturday, August 3
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2014
All Mountain Demo: Tuesday, January 21
Winter Market Expo: Wednesday, January 22 – Saturday, January 25
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2014
Open Air Demo: Tuesday, August 5
Summer Market Expo: Wednesday August 6 – Saturday, August 9
