Outdoor Retailer Teams with Outdoor Industry Association to Expand Education

June 18, 2012

The Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Retailer will expand their partnership to offer more Outdoor University educational sessions at Outdoor Retailer trade shows.

 

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which takes place in early August in Salt Lake City, will feature a broadened curriculum designed to help the outdoor industry stay ahead of the curve on critical business topics.



As part of the partnership, OIA's Outdoor University will work hand in hand with Outdoor Retailer to program the education curriculum at each OR trade show, with Outdoor Retailer contributing to the education, and coordinating sponsorships and brand opportunities that tie in with the education platform.

 

This will create a cohesive business education program at the trade show and increase the educational offerings to enhance attendee value, according to Outdoor Retailer show organizers.



"It's the goal of both Outdoor Retailer and OIA to provide the best educational opportunities to our stakeholders," said Liz Crawford, senior marketing director for Outdoor Retailer.

 

She added, "We're excited to be teaming up in a much more comprehensive way to deliver high quality content for retailers and attendees at the show."



LaRae Marsik, vice president of business intelligence for OIA, added, "Outdoor University provides sought-after expertise and education year-round. Working with OR to unify the education curriculum allows us to serve broader needs of outdoor businesses at the show. We are also offering substantially more sessions than in shows past."



There already are 25 Outdoor University sessions planned for OR Summer Market, with more in development.

 

The total is expected to be 50 percent more than at past shows.



Also new this year, Outdoor University sessions begin the day before the trade show, concurrent with Summer Market Open Air Demo Aug. 1. The sessions continue through Aug. 4.



Sessions will cover a variety of topics, including e-commerce, mobile technologies, experiential retail success, consumer trends, fair labor practices, hub manufacturing strategies, indexing product sustainability, business succession planning, free trade agreements, growth markets, advocacy, social media and more.

 

The curriculum includes subject matter relevant to both retailers and manufacturers. All OR Summer Market Outdoor University sessions are free and open to OR attendees.

 

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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.