Outdoor Retailer extended its contract with the Salt Palace Convention Center through the end of 2016 last week, giving Salt Lake City two additional years to address complaints that it lacks the exhibition space, lodging and surface transportation needed to accommodate two of the fastest growing trade shows in the country.



The announcement kicked off Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, which ran Jan. 23-26, 2013 at the Salt Palace. The show, by far the largest hosted by the Salt Palace, injects an estimated $40 million annually into Salt Lake City. Local and state governments, however, must weigh whether that justifies further expanding the Salt Palace or investing in other infrastructure that would likely remain underutilized 50 weeks a year.

The contract extension comes after 18 months of intense discussion on whether and how to keep OR Winter and Summer Market in the city.
For the next three years, show participants have the option to utilize the infrastructure solutions put in place to accommodate the Olympics in 2002 and/or the improved transportation infrastructure that now exists for hotels not in the immediate downtown area.

In the last four years, attendance at the OR Summer Market has grown 13 percent a year on average, while attendance at OR Winter Market has grown an average 11 percent per year. Net square feet of exhibition space sold has grown seven percent per year on average for Summer Market and six percent for Winter Market.

“Discussions about longer term solutions beyond 2016 are still ongoing with Salt Lake and other potential host cities,” continued Haroutunian. “We understand everyone is anxious for a longer-term decision, but making sure the show has a home that fits the needs of the industry is hugely important. The extension period will help us make sure we get it right.”