Salt Lake Outdoor Retailer show exceeds expectations, again

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SALT LAKE CITY -- If you tried to book a hotel room or get dinner reservations anywhere close to downtown this past week, you've probably noticed it was difficult. That's because Salt Lake's largest convention was in town.

Since it opened in Salt Lake 15 years ago, the Outdoor Retailer convention has been the place to see what will soon be in the sporting goods outlets, with manufacturers showcasing their latest creations to entice the several retailers present.

This year's summer market once again featured thousands of items that will be in the stores next season.

The show has exploded since it first came to Utah in 1996. This year, approximately 25,000 visitors attended the convention, which contributed upwards $23 million into the Utah economy.

The incredible growth coincides with an industry that has become more than just hiking and fishing. The advancements in equipment to clothes and everything in between is in response to a society that considers wellness and a healthy lifestyle a major priority.

The outdoor recreation industry is a bright spot in a still lackluster economy. Nationwide sales were up 6 percent last year. That growth is drawing a lot of attention, forcing the Outdoor Retailer show to go through a sort of evolution.

"I think in a way, the show is changing," said Kenji Haroutunian, show director. "Trade shows across the country are changing to serve more of the business community around the markets that they serve, as opposed to just the buyers and sellers of products."

And through the years, show organizers have noticed that the buzz from the show permeates the entire community, causing others to want to be included.

"Part of it is because we've grown during the recession," said President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer of Outdoor Industry Association. "You have more and more segments of other industries wanting to come into outdoor retailers and experience some of that magic."

But the evolution of the show has created a dilemma -- the show has outgrown the Salt Palace. But how big is too big? That's what many of the show organizers and the state of Utah will look at seriously over the coming months.

"We want to grow for the right reasons and not for the growth's sake," Hugelmeyer said.

The Outdoor Retailer Winter Market will come to Utah in January. During that event, decisions are expected to be made about the growing growth problems and the show's future in Utah, which is whether the contract should be extended beyond 2014.


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