Outdoor Retailer, the industry’s largest and most influential trade event of the year (Jan. 22-26, 2013), will include new events and programs that speak to its core backcountry specialty attendees while providing the industry a glimpse of new, relevant product categories and business opportunities, they can’t see anywhere else at one time.
In addition to new show features, the latest in outdoor technology and products will take center stage in the booths of more than 900 brands. Winter Market will also host more than 140 new exhibitors, including brands like GoPro, Hunter Boots, Lucy Activewear, Neff Headwear, Puma North America, Quiksilver Waterman, Reebok, Roxy, Scott Sports, Sugoi, Toms Shoes and Under Armour.
“Outdoor Retailer is unlike any other outdoor trade gathering in the country and is now the largest wintersports show in the world,” said Kenji Haroutunian, vice president at Nielsen Expositions and OR show director. “Only here can you see and test the latest backcountry gear, fully merchandised next to relevant products you may have never considered including in your product mix. Between the exhibits, Outdoor University @ OR seminars and invaluable networking with peers, OR is the place to inspire and improve your business this January.”
A.S.C. Backcountry Workshop
In an inaugural partnership with Outdoor Retailer, industry members are invited to participate in the day-long A.S.C. Backcountry Workshop on Monday, January 21, one day prior to AMD, at Brighton Ski Resort.
Attendees will get one-of-a-kind training and perspective from an impressively experienced panel of instructors including industry brand executives, athletes, photographers, authors, weather experts and safety officials. Registration details are available at backcountryworkshop.com.
All Mountain Demo
Outdoor Retailer’s All Mountain Demo (AMD), Tuesday, January 22, returns to Solitude Mountain Resort, bringing together crowds of retailers and media to spend the day in the great outdoors, previewing new gear, earning turns with hands-on testing, and networking with industry experts. Shuttles will take attendees from the Salt Palace directly to the resort and other specified locations around the resort.
Home to an annual 500 inches of premium Utah powder, attendees will explore product offerings while enjoying great music, food and networking with snowsports-minded retailers, media and brands in the new Chill Zone.
Also new this year, backcountry and snowshoeing tours (2-3 hours) with Utah Mountain Adventures (UMA) and Solitude will lead attendees of all skill levels from the All Mountain Demo base at Solitude into the world-class terrain of the Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Other noteworthy AMD events include:
- Nordic Challenge
- Beacon Search and Rescue Zone
- “WienOR Roast”: Complimentary Sierra Nevada Beer, hot dogs, chili and s’mores (Food 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Beer 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
All New – Avalanche Safety Zone, hosted by Avalaunch and 1% for the Planet
Serving the snowsports community at OR, including backcountry, AT, splitboard, snowboard, telemark, snow shoe and Nordic, Outdoor Retailer has teamed with Avalaunch to provide invaluable insight into avalanche safety and preparedness as well as educational seminars with preeminent skiers and mountaineers like Dean Cummings and Conrad Anker. Booth 34105.
All New – Yoga Zone, hosted by Yoga Journal
More than 20.4 million Americans practice yoga so take time to relax and refresh with a visit to the first-ever Yoga Zone, booth 38213. Learn about the tremendous growth of the yoga market and opportunities at retail, while establishing new crossover retail opportunities.
PrAna Rejuvenation Room
A busy tradeshow week is the worse time to skip daily yoga practices. Refresh and revive with yoga sessions during the show in the PrAna Rejuvenation Room, MR 254C. All skill levels welcome.
Valuable educational and networking events returning to Winter Market include the Outdoor Industry Association Industry Breakfast, Outdoor Inspiration Awards presented by adidas Outdoor, Outdoor University @OR seminars featuring a variety of business topics, the annual Outdoor Industry Party, the “Close to Nature” fashion show (click here to view a video of last year’s show), the industry’s original 48-hour concept-to-prototype design competition – Project OR, along with a number of community specific events in the Climbing, Endurance, Avalanche Safety, Design and – brand new – Yoga Zones.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market returns to Salt Lake City, January 23-26, preceded by the All Mountain Demo at Solitude Mountain Resort on January 22. New events and programs for Winter Market are being added weekly to the online schedule of events.
Image courtesy SOAR Communications/Outdoor Retailer