One of the key components of the revamped Outdoor Retailer show this summer is a renewed focus on retail buyers, including providing travel incentives for them to attend.

At the Outdoor Retailer Summer show at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 17-19, show organizers are rolling out a hosted buyer program that’s designed to help build relationships between brands and buyers.

Qualified retail buyers can apply for travel support to attend OR. Buyers who are interested in participating can contact OR for hotel and flight assistance.

Steven Fisher, buyer relations director for Outdoor Retailer, said early sign-up responses have been “incredible.”

“It’s a much more robust program than we’ve had in the past,” Fisher said. “This is such a great opportunity to receive travel assistance for retailers in our market, get them back to Salt Lake City and (let them) experience what Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design & Innovation (ODI) have to offer.”

ODI is the new name for the revamped and expanded sourcing offering, which now is its own show that will be located next to OR and run simultaneously. The hosted buyer program and ODI are part of OR’s broader efforts to make some major changes that also include offering a prebuilt turnkey space that will be capped at a maximum size to provide cost-effective options for exhibitors.

For Buyers

In addition to travel assistance, participants in the hosted buyer program will have access to:

• A concierge-led matchmaking program to discover new brands and products, book appointments, and build relationships.
• Dedicated buyer hours on Day 1 and Day 2 from 9–11 a.m. for buyers to have meetings with brands without interruptions.
• Multiple days of education, networking, and direct connection to industry leaders.

To get involved apply here. Contact the Outdoor Retailer team with questions.

Ready to attend? Registration is now open. Register here.

Adding More Buyers to Benefit Exhibitors

According to OR show organizers, exhibiting brands should have access to more buyers than in recent shows and should be able to efficiently reach their target audience.

The benefit of the hosted buyer program to exhibitors is that it helps brands meet more buyers in just a few days and build relationships with prospective retail partners, leading to new leads and measurable ROI, according to show organizers.

OR is touting the program as an opportunity for exhibitors to meet directly with the buyers they want to see.

Brands that have signed on to exhibit at OR Summer include ATWYLD, COAL Headwear, GCI Outdoors, Klymt, Maine Outdoor Brands, Stansport, and Westfield Outdoors.

Read our companion story about the new and notable brands that have signed up for the show so far here.

Brands interested in exhibiting at the show can find out more here.

More Outdoor Retailer Benefits

Along with the hosted buyer program, OR is highlighting the new ODI sourcing show, which will be located next to Outdoor Retailer. Retail buyers can access both shows with the same badge.

As in years past, the show floor will be organized by activity. Think Camp & Hike, Climb, Lifestyle, Overland, etc.

Matchmaking will continue to expand to provide more ways to connect and book appointments at the show.

Education sessions will happen across the show floor as well, both at OR and ODI. Details about education sessions at the two shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

The OR show will also have Industry Hours, where the show floor is open to all attendee badge types and all exhibitors from both OR and ODI.