OIA supports the decision made by Emerald Expositions to cancel the Outdoor Retailer show this summer. While we will greatly miss the gathering of our outdoor community, it is the right thing to do for our industry, our partners and our larger community across the world. It is critical that we do our part to slow the spread of the virus and keep everyone as healthy as possible. The outdoor industry is best when we are working together for the greater good, and this moment in time is no different. From production of personal protective equipment for health care workers to advocacy of safe and responsible outdoor access, the industry is finding important ways to support the pandemic response.

We will work closely with the Outdoor Retailer team to support the industry with education and collaboration opportunities through the spring/summer 2021 selling season, and we look forward to coming together again in January. In the meantime, OIA continues to work hard with urgency to champion, support and protect the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy through collaboration with partners and action at the federal state and local levels. We have built many resources to support the industry at the OIA COVID-19 Resource Hub. Please email us at info@outdoorindustry.org if there are other things you need.

Lise Aangeenbrug
OIA Executive Director

Dear valued outdoor industry colleagues,

The idea of “Together We Are a Force” feels even more important during these difficult times. The staff at OIA is deeply committed to supporting the industry with these important tools for your employees and your business:

• OIA membership dues deferral
• Outdoor Industry Survey
• A new Outdoor Industry LinkedIn Community Forum
• Relevant webinars

We are also collaborating with SIA and PeopleForBikes to provide the outdoor industry with the most robust tools and resources possible.

Here are some things that we have for you this week:

DUES DEFERRAL
We recognize that the Coronavirus pandemic has put many companies, small and large, in a very difficult financial position. Our priority is supporting you through this challenging time. Effective immediately, we will defer all renewing 2020 membership payments for up to 120 days beyond your OIA Membership anniversary date. In addition, we will waive initiation fees for new members. If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out to our membership team at membership@outdoorindustry.org.

OUTDOOR INDUSTRY SURVEY
OIA wants to better understand your needs and how your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. Are you cutting hours, closing your doors, cancelling programs, reevaluating your supply chain and product offerings or looking to government funding? We’ve created a survey to learn how we can continue to support you. Please take about 5 minutes to complete this short survey to help us understand and customize the support resources you need most. Your responses will remain confidential and will only be reported with other survey responses. COMPLETE THE SURVEY

LINKEDIN OUTDOOR INDUSTRY COVID-19 FORUM
Today, we are launching the LinkedIn Outdoor Industry COVID-19 Forum. This is a private group for outdoor industry professionals to connect and collaborate directly with each other and OIA leadership. Here you can receive answers to business questions directly from your peers, get industry-specific updates, offer support, share resources and more. We encourage you to utilize this forum as a place to stay connected and call in collaboration. JOIN THE COMMUNITY

We know these are unprecedented and very stressful times. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for your business. Email us at info@outdoordinustry.org.

Together we are a force,

Lise Aangeenbrug
OIA Executive Director