FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOULDER, Colo. — Outdoor Industry Association exists to support our members by providing insights, education, advocacy, and action on the things that matter to and impact our industry most.
We believe that our members share some core values, including creating and ensuring plentiful and inclusive outdoor experiences. While our members have unique needs and opinions, one of the top concerns for our industry is the protection of public lands. Public lands — from neighborhood parks to national monuments and parks — are essential to our businesses and our partners, whether they are a small business, nonprofit, or a large business with a national footprint.
Our businesses need places for people to get out and experience the fun, joy, and wonder of the outdoors. With 160 million people getting outside last year and a total $689 billion economic impact, our industry has an important role in our economy, the mental and physical health benefits provided by the outdoors, and the communities that are created in our shared outdoor spaces. We will continue to serve our industry with attention to the issues that impact our businesses the most.
In a recent survey, our members ranked advocacy around creating and protecting public lands as the number one benefit they sought from their trade association.
Outdoor Industry Association expressed the concerns of many of our members regarding a move of Outdoor Retailer to Utah while the governor of Utah is considering a lawsuit around the designation of Bears Ears National Monument and the Antiquities Act.
We are focused on how to bring our community together because we are stronger when we are together. We will gather as an industry in Washington, D.C., for The Summit, May 3-5, to collaborate on climate, inclusion, and outdoor equity, with intentional focus on their inherent intersections with the outdoor economy. Outdoor Industry Association will continue to provide a convening platform for the outdoor industry through education, events, and networking.
Any questions about the decision to move Outdoor Retailer under these circumstances should be directed to Emerald Expositions, the owner of the trade show. You can also read our FAQ for further information on OIA’s relationship with the Outdoor Retailer trade show.
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About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
