Responding to attendees’ feedback, America’s largest outdoor trade show does away with the fourth day.
It’s a common joke among outdoor industry professionals: How many tumbleweeds did you see at the final day of OR? Dating back to its days at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Outdoor Retailer has long struggled to garner a decent turnout for the fourth and final day of its now triannual event at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center.
And this week, show organizer Emerald Expositions Events announced it will trim the show to three days for its 2019 shows. The move will begin with the Snow Show next month and continue with Summer Market in June and Winter Market in November.
“We had a great first year in Denver, and that success is a result of the ongoing support of our industry and from the outdoor and snowsports communities,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer vice president and show director. “To maintain that momentum, we know it’s crucial to continue to evolve and enhance the shows and to take action on the feedback we’ve received. What we learned is that three full days is sufficient.”
This week’s announcement comes just one month after David Loechner, the former head of Emerald Expositions Events, resigned as president and CEO. Emerald Expositions Events also runs the Interbike trade show, which this year moved from Las Vegas to Reno, Nev., after years of dwindling attendance.
Historically, the first three days of OR receive heavy traffic, with many foregoing the fourth day to travel. Emerald Exposition Events didn’t say whether it will carry the three-day format beyond 2019.
2019 Outdoor Retailer Show Dates
- Snow Show: January 30-February 1
- Summer Market: June 18-20; Demo Experience: June 17
- Winter Market: November 5-7
