The Outdoor Industry Wants Your Story.
Wild Reach Initiative x Outdoor Retailer 2026
150 curated outdoor creators. 3 days on the show floor. Direct access to the brands shaping the future of adventure. This is your invitation to be part of something that matters — and to tell the world about it.
The national gathering for the outdoor world.
Since 1982, Outdoor Retailer has been the heartbeat of the outdoor industry — the place where the next great pack, boot, tent, or trail tool gets discovered, debated, and sent into the world.
This August, we’re bringing the show to its new home in Minneapolis, MN — a city built for outdoor people, with access to water, trails, and a community that genuinely lives the lifestyle.
We’re not just evolving the format. We’re reimagining what a national trade event can be — one where creators, brands, retailers, and community voices share the same floor and build something together in real time.
This is where new happens. This is where the industry discovers what’s next.
“This isn’t just an addition to our programming — it’s a fundamental reimagining of what a trade show can be. It amplifies the energy of what’s happening in Minneapolis far beyond the convention center.”
Wild Reach Core Values
Introducing the Wild Reach Initiative
Wild Reach embeds 150 outdoor-focused creators directly into the show floor — not as spectators, but as active storytellers working alongside brands to capture the energy of the moment as it happens. No scripts. No staged reactions. Just real.
Key Program Metrics
10M+
Social media impressions targeted during and after the event.
150
Curated outdoor creators embedded across all three event days
5
Major outdoor media partnerships extending stories to broader audiences
CREATOR BENEFITS
What You Walk Away With
🎫 Wild Reach Credential
Full show floor access across all three days — August 19–21 — with a creator credential that opens doors other attendees don’t have.
🔗 Pre-Show Brand Matching
Get matched with brands in your category before the event even starts. Walk in with relationships, not cold introductions.
📢 Outdoor Retailer Feature
A chance to be featured across OR’s channels — one of the most-followed media properties in the outdoor industry.
🌐 Popfly Creator Profile
Your Popfly profile becomes visible to every participating brand — turning three days on the floor into ongoing relationship opportunities.
🤝 Creator Community Moments
Dedicated creator-first experiences: community runs, outdoor wellness activations, and local Minneapolis adventures built just for you.
💸 Compensation & Support
Depending on tier, creators receive stipends from $500 to $4,000+, plus potential travel and lodging support.
Wild Reach is Built For Creators Who are Genuinely Outdoor
You’re a Strong Fit If You…
- Consistently create outdoor content with a clear category or niche
- Have an audience that genuinely trusts your perspective
- Care about product discovery, real storytelling, and brand relationships
- Want to build long-term opportunities in the outdoor industry
- Can attend in person in Minneapolis, August 19–21, 2026
- Show up with intention — not just for a badge
Content Categories We’re Looking For
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What Wild Reach is NOT
- Wild Reach is not a script-heavy ad campaign, a guaranteed paid post for every applicant, a fit for creators with no real outdoor relevance, or a one-and-done activation with no follow-through.
- We care about real fit, enthusiasm, and storytelling than overly polished or scripted content.
Your Audience Deserves to See the Outdoor Industry Up Close.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of being placed in the tier that fits you best. The outdoor industry is waiting to hear from you.