Emerald Expositions announced Wednesday, March 23, that it will move the Outdoor Retailer trade show to Salt Lake City beginning in 2023. You can read our full statement about the decision here.
You may have been asking yourself: “Where does OIA fit in all of this?” Below are answers to a few of the top questions we’ve received.
Are OIA, Outdoor Retailer, and Emerald Expositions the same organization?
No. Outdoor Industry Association is a stand-alone 501(c)6 nonprofit trade association. OIA unites and serves our members and the outdoor community to support the long-term success of the industry and ensure the outdoor experience for all. We do this by providing the insights, tools, and resources that help our industry take action to strengthen their businesses, welcome more people outside, and protect our planet.
Outdoor Retailer is the leading outdoor retailer expo and conference and has been where our industry has gathered to learn, connect, and be inspired since 1982. The Outdoor Retailer trade show is owned by Emerald Expositions, an owner and operator of business-to-business trade shows, conferences, content, and media products in the U.S.
OIA and Emerald have a strategic alliance around Outdoor Retailer, providing benefits to OIA members in the form of booth discounts and access to education and networking at Outdoor Retailer. OIA provides education and insights at Outdoor Retailer and is the title sponsor of the show but does not own or manage the show.
Did OIA make the decision to move the show?
No. While OIA expressed the concerns of many of our members regarding a move of Outdoor Retailer from Denver to Utah, as the owner of Outdoor Retailer, Emerald Expositions is responsible for the management of the trade show and makes decisions regarding the operations, pricing, and location of the shows.
What is OIA’s role at Outdoor Retailer?
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has been the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer for over 25 years. We provide educational sessions and content as part of the trade shows, and our members receive a booth discount.
Will OIA be providing education sessions at the upcoming summer show?
The Outdoor Retailer Summer show will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, June 9-11, 2022. OIA will host education sessions at the show that provide relevant and valuable content and opportunities for learning. OIA education sessions for the summer show will be announced in mid-April.
What are OIA’s education and convening plans for the future?
In addition to partnering on the national business-to-business trade show and industry event, we have offered our members and community other smaller gatherings since our inception, such as Rendezvous and Capitol Summit. OIA will continue to provide convening platforms in the future for the outdoor industry through education, events, and networking opportunities. We look forward to gathering as a community in Washington, D.C., this spring for The Summit, May 3-5, to connect, co-create, and commit to act on two of the top pressing issues facing our industry: outdoor equity and climate change.
How does OIA support its members and the outdoor community at large?
As the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry in the U.S., OIA exists to unite all voices from the outdoor community to share insights and research, network, learn, advocate, and act on the issues that impact our businesses the most. OIA will continue to be a strong advocate for outdoor industry businesses and our shared core values. In collaboration with our members, we are a force for the industry in recreation and trade policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation.
We know that together we are a force. The great outdoors is our common denominator. Whether a big business or small, manufacturer or retailer, policymaker or entrepreneur, community organizer or CEO, our industry is stronger when we work together. For more than 30 years, OIA has served the outdoor industry by unifying our collective voice and shining a spotlight on the issues that matter most. We are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have.
