Emerald scraps November Outdoor Retailer show in favour of combined January event

Emerald Expositions has cancelled its Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show due to take place in November, and will instead combine the event with the Outdoor & Snow Show due to take place in January 2020.

Essentially, Emerald is returning Outdoor Retailer to a two-show annual format, almost identical to how the show functioned two years ago before the decision was taken to split the winter events.

November’s Winter Market was due to host a bicycle trade area, an alternative place for the cycle industry to showcase and network after Emerald announced last year the cancellation of long-standing US trade show Interbike.

The decision to scrap the Winter Market was taken by Emerald in conjunction with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) as well as key brands and advising retailers.

Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer Senior Vice President, explained: “We care deeply about our community, and alongside OIA, we’re working to support the diverse, evolving needs of the market in order to help the outdoor and snow industries thrive. It’s our goal to bring our industry together and provide the most productive platform for success.

“When we positioned Winter Market at the front of the buying season, it was in response to our community. Through ongoing feedback, it has become clear that one combined winter show in January will best support brands, retailers and reps, leading to greater value for all in attendance. Outdoor retailer is where the entire industry comes together, and we’re looking forward to having outdoor and snow sports gather for one vibrant show and to collectively help our industry continue to grow.”

Exhibitors and sponsors already under contract for Winter Market 2019 will have a space on hold for the January show, or alternatively can apply for a refund.

OIA Executive Director Amy Roberts, added: “Our job at OIA is to listen to our members, to be innovative and to support the timing of the trade shows to create the highest return-on-investment and efficiency for the outdoor marketplace.

“We listened to our members in supporting the move of the trade show from Salt Lake City to Denver and responded to member feedback with our support of an earlier winter show in collaboration with our industry’s speciality retailers. It is clear now that the industry would like one consolidated winter show and we support Outdoor Retailer’s decision to bring the two winter shows together under one roof and in one time frame.

“Outdoor Retailer is the one moment when we come together as an industry and we look forward to supporting an exceptional show in January 2020. We will be there with a strong offering of educational, sustainability and advocacy events during the show.”

The combined Outdoor & Snow Show is scheduled for 29-31 January 2020 at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver.