For decades, the Outdoor Retailer Show has been recognized as one of the most influential trade events in the global outdoor industry. Serving as a central meeting point for brands, retailers, designers, and suppliers, the show has played a key role in shaping trends across outdoor apparel, gear, footwear, and equipment.
Traditionally held in Salt Lake City, the Outdoor Retailer Show has long been associated with the city’s strong outdoor culture, proximity to mountains and public lands, and its ability to host large-scale industry events. As a result, Salt Lake City became widely known as a hub for outdoor business networking and innovation.
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What Is the Outdoor Retailer Show?
The Outdoor Retailer Show is a business-to-business (B2B) trade event dedicated to the outdoor and active lifestyle industry. It brings together manufacturers, retailers, distributors, media, and industry professionals to showcase new products, exchange market insights, and build long-term partnerships.
The show covers a wide range of categories, including:
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Outdoor apparel and footwear
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Camping and hiking equipment
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Snow sports and water sports gear
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Sustainability-focused outdoor products
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Adventure and lifestyle innovations
Because it is a trade-only event, Outdoor Retailer is not open to the general public, making it a focused environment for serious business discussions and product launches.
Why Salt Lake City Became the Industry Hub
Salt Lake City earned its reputation as the home of Outdoor Retailer due to several strategic advantages. The city offers easy access to outdoor recreation areas, a strong local outdoor community, and modern convention infrastructure. These factors made it a natural fit for an event that celebrates outdoor lifestyles and performance-driven products.
Over the years, hosting the show in Salt Lake City helped strengthen the city’s identity as a center for outdoor brands and innovation. Many companies timed major product announcements and seasonal buying decisions around the Outdoor Retailer calendar.
Industry Influence and Changing Dynamics
Beyond product showcases, Outdoor Retailer has served as a platform for broader industry conversations. Topics such as sustainability, responsible manufacturing, supply chain transparency, and environmental advocacy have become increasingly visible within the event’s programming.
As the outdoor industry itself evolves, the structure and format of the show have also adapted to reflect changing business needs, attendance patterns, and market conditions.
Evolving Location and Event Structure
However, the show is no longer committed exclusively to Salt Lake City for future editions. Organizers have announced that Outdoor Retailer will relocate to Minneapolis beginning in 2026, meaning the event may no longer be centered in Salt Lake City after 2025.
In recent years, the show’s format has also evolved. This includes consolidating the traditional Summer and Winter shows into a single annual event held in June, rather than maintaining multiple biannual sessions.
Additionally, participation patterns have shifted over time. Some long-established outdoor brands chose not to attend certain Salt Lake City editions due to differing views on state policies, contributing to changes in attendance and exhibitor dynamics.
As a result, while Outdoor Retailer has long served as a central hub of the outdoor industry in Salt Lake City, its geographic focus and event structure are evolving starting in 2026.
The Ongoing Role of Outdoor Retailer
Despite these changes, Outdoor Retailer remains an important reference point for the outdoor industry. Its legacy in Salt Lake City continues to influence how the event is perceived, and its role as a connector between brands and buyers remains central to its mission.
For outdoor companies seeking market exposure, trend awareness, and industry relationships, Outdoor Retailer continues to represent a key moment in the annual business calendar—regardless of location.