At the OR Winter show last November, Sarah Morton (right), OR senior attendee relations manager, gives a group of buyers a tour of the show floor. Photo by Keith Fearnow.
Apply for the All-New Hosted Buyer Program
Attention: Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design + Innovation has implemented a robust Hosted Buyer Program intended for specialty independent retailers who are ready to purchase outdoor apparel, clothing, footwear, gear, recreation, and leisure products. Be part of this brand-new program. Submitting your application below will afford specialty retailer buyers the opportunity to subsidize out-of-pocket travel costs to attend the show. Each application will be reviewed and vetted by our Buyer Relations team on a case-by-case basis. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
OR has listened to its exhibitors and is making a substantial investment to bring more buyers to Outdoor Retailer Summer and future shows.
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.
The Daily team will offer extensive coverage of Outdoor Retailer Summer June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Register for the event here.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.
About Emerald
Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com.
Media Contact
Lisa Ramsperger, lisa.ramsperger@outdoorretailer.com
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