OUTDOOR RETAILER INTRODUCES REIMAGINED FLOOR PLAN STARTING THIS SUMMER
Exhibitor list and new floor plan are now available for Summer 2023 show in Salt Lake;
Education and events schedule for summer event features full lineup of expert speakers and panelists sharing insights on access and inclusion, marketing and retail strategy, sustainability and climate action, and more.
Outdoor Retailer, the premier U.S. gathering and business event for the $862 billion outdoor industry, is launching a reimagined floor plan at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer event this June 19-21, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Designed to encourage exploration and improve the shopping experience, the new intuitive show floor is organized by activity, connecting brands, buyers, and attendees with shared interests and goals. The new floor plan, along with the exhibitor list and education and events schedule for this summer, are available now to help exhibitors and attendees start planning and discovering what’s new at Outdoor Retailer.
“The top reason our industry attends or exhibits at Outdoor Retailer is to discover new products, new brands, new partnerships and connections. So, we’ve redesigned the layout of the show floor to foster that spirit of discovery and help everyone efficiently find more of what they need to support business,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer senior vice president and show director. “The layout now features zones built around outdoor activities, which correlates with the familiar setup of retail stores, and it creates a more curated and shoppable experience. We focused on building an environment where it’s easier to see emerging trends, make connections, and strengthen community, and we’re excited to introduce the new show layout this summer.”
The floor plan now aligns with specific needs and interests in activity-focused zones: Camp & Hike, Climb, Lifestyle, Overland & Travel, Retail Services, Run & Cycle, Snow (Winter), Sourcing, and Water (Summer). The familiar show areas of Venture Out, featuring modern outdoor brands, and Stewardship, the space for advocacy organizations, both return along with integrated education spaces. A new area, The Hub, serves as a connector and gathering space, and this summer will include The Camp education area, the tent zone, matchmaking, and workspace.
With the floor plan, Outdoor Retailer also launched a new website, new icons for each activity zone, and enhanced exhibitor listings. These new tools support retailers, media, and attendees in preparing for the show and aiding on-site navigation. View the new floor plan on outdoorretailer.com.
Attendees and exhibitors can begin planning their show days by scheduling meetings through the Outdoor Retailer matchmaking program, Match, and around this summer’s education and events schedule. All three show days feature expert-led keynote sessions, panel discussions, and trend presentations, plus daily community events and networking. Education sessions will take place on the show floor in both The Camp, located in The Hub, and The Ranger Station, located in Venture Out. Keynote morning and mid-day sessions with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will be held in the adjacent Hyatt Regency Salt Lake, second floor. The latest education and events schedule is available at outdoorretailer.com, and the agenda will continue to grow leading up to the show.
Outdoor Retailer Summer education opens with the OIA Industry Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Will ‘Akuna’ Robinson on Monday, June 19, 2023, in the Hyatt. Robinson will share how to apply a Collective Impact Model to lessen the Nature Gap in local communities and provide insight into emerging outdoor participation trends and workforce development efforts so brands can support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors. OIA will also host multiple daily sessions discussing barriers to inclusivity in the outdoors, building outdoor advocacy plans, meeting sustainable product development expectations, and mitigating the myriad risks to business success.
Education on the show floor will cover a variety of topics to support the industry. Attendees can gain direct insight from experts on consumer and retail trends, access and advocacy, marketing strategy, sustainability and climate action, design inspiration, and more. Several experts will provide data insights and trend forecasts for the product design audience, including speakers from Circana (formerly NPD), Cotton Inc, Fair Trade, FS, WGSN, YPulse, and more. And daily events will provide opportunities to network and share ideas, among them a morning mindfulness session with The Outdoor Journal Tour on Day 1, and the 13th annual Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Awards on Night 2.
The weekend prior to Outdoor Retailer Summer marks the debut of Outdoor Adventure X (OAX) – the new mountain festival taking place at Snowbasin Resort, Pineview Reservoir, and Anderson Cove Campground in Utah from June 17-18. This immersive outdoor experience is open to the public and allows outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to participate in activities on the mountain and water led by experts. Plus, the weekend features camping, workshops, live music, gear sales, and more.
Sunday, June 18, at OAX is Outdoor Retailer Industry Day. All registered Outdoor Retailer attendees can access OAX for free with their Outdoor Retailer badge and enjoy a day of outdoor fun, gather ideas, and get an up-close look at how today’s consumers are engaging with current season products. Attendees and exhibitors interested in joining OAX can learn more at outdoorretailer.com.
Registration for Outdoor Retailer Summer is open and includes access to all opportunities to discover, connect, and learn. Brands interested in getting involved with Outdoor Retailer through exhibiting, experiences, advocacy programs, sponsorships, speaking, and more at any future event can contact an Outdoor Retailer account executive.