Record Breaking 2006 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

FlashlightNews.org - 08/21/2006

Record Breaking 2006 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Reflects the Strength of the Outdoor Industry

Outdoor Industry Association

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Ca. - The 25th Birthday of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which took place from August 10-13 in Salt Lake City, Utah, attracted 21,711 attendees from around the globe, a 12.4% increase in attendance from last year's Summer Market. There were 967 unique exhibitors and 6,095 retailers and record 461 working media in attendance.*

"This 2006 Summer Market surpassed many expectations and we are grateful for everyone's efforts throughout the industry toward making this one of the most successful OR Summer Markets in history," stated Peter Devin, group show director of Outdoor Retailer. "Overall attendance numbers increased and from the Open Air Demo to the last day of the Show we had packed aisles, industry networking and product presentations being done throughout the entire hall."

The Show opened with the first ever two-day Open Air Demo at Willard Bay State Park, which proved beneficial to many of the 73 exhibiting companies. The expanded Demo allowed exhibitors the opportunity to provide retail buyers and media attendees with quality interactions and enhanced first-hand product knowledge. The latest in paddle sports, canoeing, kayaking, trail running, GPS, sunscreen, accessories, adventure and outdoor equipment were on display for 1,175 Open Air Demo retailers.

"As a paddling company, it is essential for the buyers and the media to demo our products," said Dan Mangus, director of marketing at Hobie Cat Company. "Given the long stretch of beach, protected waterfront and shaded landscape, Willard Bay is the perfect setting for this event."

This year's Summer Market attendees were among the first to walk the halls of the newly-expanded Salt Palace. An additional 175,000 square feet of main floor exhibit and meeting room space welcomed veteran exhibitors to better connect with retailers, while also providing 238 first-time exhibitors the opportunity to network and connect with the outdoor market. On day one of the Show, a retailer near the Life Is Good booth looked up and stated "Where's the expansion?" The fact that he was already 85% into the new expansion of the hall and didn't realize it - was a testament to the seamless integration of the new hall with the existing hall.

"This show has helped us position our brand and get across our main selling points," said Jeffrey Walker, president of CampfireGrill. "As a brand new company, this has been a phenomenal experience. The experience helped us identify niche markets, network with buyers and potential partners, and gain valuable market intelligence. We will definitely be returning next year."

To celebrate 25 years of Summer Market, Outdoor Retailer and National Geographic Adventure created a multi-media retrospective to honor historical outdoor industry events, figures and the evolution of outdoor gear.

Keith Roush, store owner and original Jansport sales representative, reflected on the exhibit. "The reduced weight of today's outdoor gear and apparel allows us to go farther and faster than ever before. It is amazing to see how innovations in hydration, training and nutrition have advanced significantly over the last 25 years, motivating outdoor enthusiasts to push the boundaries."

*Preliminary numbers

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer, a division of VNU Expositions is a full service tradeshow company whose goal is to create, market and produce high quality tradeshows and educational conferences. Outdoor Retailer is the leading outdoor industry business-to-business trade event, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of the recreational outdoors. Currently in its 25th successful year, OR gathers approximately 37,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for both Fall/Winter Holiday and Spring/Summer markets. VNU Expositions Inc., headquartered in Northern Virginia, and its predecessor companies have been in the exposition and conference business for over 35 years.

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2007 will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah from January 27-30 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, with the 4th Annual Backcountry Base Camp scheduled on January 26, one day prior to the Show. Registration details for Summer Market 2006 and more information on Outdoor Retailer tradeshows can be found at www.outdoorretailer.com. Media may contact Sara Nazzaro at Mullen by phone at 978/468-8970 or by email at sara.nazzaro@mullen.com