Outdoor Industry Association announced a new multiyear relationship with SmartWool as the Title Sponsor of the Industry Breakfast and Retailer Seminar Series at the industry’s largest trade shows, Outdoor Retailer Summer and Winter Markets.

Outdoor Industry Association is dedicated to producing annual industry events and educational programs designed to address important industry issues, offer the latest in business trends and provide networking opportunities. Through a unique and innovative agreement, SmartWool has signed a 4-year commitment beginning in 2005 through 2008 to be Title Sponsor of two signature OIA events, the Industry Breakfast and Retailer Seminar Series at the Outdoor Retailer Summer and Winter Markets located in Salt Lake City, UT.

The joint venture will prove to be a value to both OIA and SmartWool by increasing the profile and branding value of the events while promoting the corporate image of SmartWool. As described by SmartWool’s VP of Product and Marketing, Rob Mitchell, “We have wanted to become more involved in helping to lead the efforts within the industry to bring retailer and manufacturer relationships closer together. We feel by teaming up with OIA we have a great platform to share with, and gather from, all industry participants’ key market insights, best business practices, and real world case studies.”

The Industry Breakfast and Retailer Seminar Series are designed to generate new ideas on how to develop the industry’s consumer outreach initiatives and grow critical markets. “With SmartWool’s support, we will be able to create meaningful industry initiatives to better serve the future of the outdoor industry and introduce more people to the outdoors,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President of Outdoor Industry Association.