Outdoor Retailer Introduces New Show Features and Events
OutdoorHub 05.24.12
Less than 75 days away, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2012, to be held August 1-5, in Salt Lake City, is introducing new events to the tradeshow’s Open Air Demo, a second New Exhibitor Pavilion located adjacent to the Salt Palace Convention Center, along with a number of new events, show features and SUP Tank within close proximity.
In addition to new show features, the latest in outdoor technology and products take center stage in the booths of more than 850 returning and more than 300 new exhibitors, including brands like Asics, Balega, Orvis, Pearl Izumi, Puma, Roxy, Scott, Seirus and Umpqua.
“Providing customers with the right mix of products, accessories and complementary experience suggestions requires staying ‘keyed in’ to all the trends and intelligence available in our industry,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Outdoor Retailer show director. “Whether inspiration comes from a casual conversation over lunch, a line run-through of a new brand or an Aha! moment in an Outdoor University seminar, Outdoor Retailer is the place to be – to find and confirm that perfect mix for your store and your customer.”
Open Air Demo
Outdoor Retailer’s Open Air Demo, August 1 at Jordanelle Reservoir, brings together crowds of retailers and media, trading in the standard product sales sheet for a hands-on experience with the latest fishing, GPS/geocaching, paddlesports, SUP, trail running and other summer outdoor equipment. Situated in the heart of Utah’s picturesque mountain settings, attendees will explore the product offerings of 150 brands while recharging with live music and refreshing beverages.
This year’s events include:
- Olympic-Style 200 Meter Paddleboard Sprint, presented by H2O Overdrive
- The Paddle/Pedal Challenge, presented by H2O Overdrive
- The Quiksilver Waterman Collection SUP Challenge
- Casting Competition, sponsored by Redington
- Magellan GPS Treasure Hunt
- “Psycho Joust,” presented by O’Neill
The Mezz @ OR
The Salt Palace Convention Center Mezzanine or The Mezz @ OR, is located in the northwest corner of level two and will be home to more than 48 brands. In addition to scoping out new brands, attendees can make their own smoothie or margarita in the first-ever OR bike blender competition or catch up on emails in the ISPO Wi-Fi Lounge.
New Exhibitor Pavilion Footprint Doubles with More Than 300 Brands
Outdoor Retailer now stretches well beyond the Salt Palace Convention Center, to include an additional 50,000 net square feet in the New Exhibitor Pavilion.
Located directly outside the Salt Palace’s north entrance and across South Temple, the covered outdoor exhibit space will feature the latest brands ranging from lifestyle clothing and hardgoods manufacturers to solar technology and surfboard makers.
SUP Tank Makes Return to Summer Market
Outdoor Retailer is re-introducing the ever-popular tank where buyers can experience the fun of flatwater stand up paddling. Located adjacent to the New Exhibitor Pavilion and a new SUP Zone, this area will provide retailers a wealth of information on, and experience with, one of the industry’s fastest growing sports.
Outdoor Retailer Street Scene
Outdoor Retailer will be hosting its first four-day Street Scene, complete with beer garden, food trucks and the Summer Market Industry Party, held on the evening of Thursday, August 2. Located adjacent to the New Exhibitor Pavilion, the Street Scene will take place on 200 West between North and South Temple; entrance will be limited to badged show attendees.
Ragnar Relay – OIWC Challenge at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
The Ragnar Relay Series and the Outdoor Industry Women’s Coalition (OIWC) are bringing an inaugural, Ragnar-themed event to Summer Market on Saturday, August 4. Show participants are invited to assemble a three-man team, each person racing a four-mile loop beginning near the New Exhibitor Pavilions.
Bragging rights are up for grabs as race proceeds benefit OIWC and provide advocacy, education and resources for women in the outdoor, bike and snowsports industries. Registration is $15 for OIWC members, $20 for non-members and is due no later than July 20.
New events and programs for Summer Market are being added weekly to the online schedule of events.
Retailers and trade members of the outdoor industry interested in registering for Summer Market can review registration requirements here.
