Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Stages Largest Show Ever in Salt Lake City
August 8, 2013
Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer Summer Market continues to defy the odds of being seemingly maxed out for space in Salt Lake City, Utah, and managed to still grow the show to its largest ever.
With the Salt Palace Convention Center completely filled, the show had a total of 516,000 net square feet (92,000 in three, temporary pavilion structures), which is 2.5-percent larger than 2012.
With stricter attendance qualifications, especially for drive-in and non-exhibitor attendees, approximately 27,000 visitors checked out all of the products displayed by 1,300 exhibitors, which was on par with the summer 2012 show.
"The feedback from the market at this version of Summer Market has been incredibly positive, from every sector and every section of the show. Innovation continues to drive consumer interest through specialty outdoor retail, which is the engine that keeps this industry and show humming," said Kenji Haroutunian, Emerald Expositions vice president and Outdoor Retailer show director.
This year’s show kicked off with the Open Air Demo in Ogden, Utah, at which 140 brands ranging from premier outdoor apparel, camping, fly fishing, GPS/geocaching, hiking, hydration, paddlesports, travel to trail running-focused brands were shown off.
"Attending Open Air Demo gives us a competitive advance over shops in our area that do not,” said Arnetta Hanzel with CJ Ventures in Killdeer, N.D.
She added, “Beyond the value of testing and trying products for ourselves, the event exposes us to brands and products that might take several more months to enter our radar through other channels."
Other highlights from the show included 900 industry leaders gathering for the Outsiders Ball and raising $350,000 for youth-led community projects; the newly-launched Industrial Design Center and New Product Lounges; a fly fishing excursion to the Provo River, onsite casting pond and instruction; and All-star athletes such as Tommy Caldwell, Sasha DiGiulian, Lynn Hill and Chris Sharma participated in the U.S. first-ever deep water soloing competition at the Olympic Park in Park City, Utah.
"From where we travel, attending OR is a significant investment for our shop,” said Denis Lavoie from FGL Sports in Laval, Quebec.
He added, "It's more than evaluating what was successful and what needs to be replaced, it is about seeing and trying products in a side-by-side environment so we can purchase correctly and then inform our customer more completely."
Even with the space limitations, Outdoor Retailer is sticking with Salt Lake City as the home for the show at least through 2016. A new contract was signed at the beginning of this year after members of the outdoor industry voiced their support of staying in Salt Lake.
The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will be celebrated as one of the fastest-growing trade shows for net square footage at the 4th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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