After a lot of speculation in which several other cities were floated as possible new locales for Nielsen Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer, the show has decided to stay put in its long-time home of Salt Lake City through 2016.

Show organizers, backed by the unanimous support of the Outdoor Industry Association board of directors, will continue to hold the Winter and Summer Markets at SMG-managed Salt Palace Convention Center.

"Outdoor Retailer is grateful to be able to remain in Salt Lake City for the next three years," said Kenji Haroutunian, Nielsen Expo Outdoor group vice president and OR show director.

He added, "The industry has a collective affection for this town; the shared outdoor passions, cost efficiency of doing business, and the partnership of regional and state officials have all directly contributed to the current vibrancy and success of the show."

The decision was not taken lightly, with show organizers concerned about inadequate housing and infrastructure, as both shows have continued to grow during the years.

OR show organizers initiated discussions with more than 3,000 tradeshow stakeholders regarding the growth trajectory of the show through surveys, advisory boards, one-on-one conversations, and through the Collective Voice website, an online sounding board and information site dedicated to the future venue question.

The Summer Market in particular, which ranked No. 40 on the TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list, has grown in leaps and bounds.
 
The show has posted increases in every measurable category, including exhibitor booth space, exhibiting brands, retailers and overall attendance, with most categories posting double-digit percentage growth.
 
The show’s overall footprint was more than 1 million square feet and the Salt Palace has 510,600 sq. ft. of space.
 
Some of the other possible venues that were listed on the Collective Voice Web site included the Colorado Convention Center, with 584, 000 sq. ft. of space; Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, with 655,600 sq. ft. of upper hall space and 380,000 sq. ft. of lower hall space; Las Vegas Convention Center, with 1,032,135 sq. ft.; Mandalay Bay Convention Center, with 936,306 sq. ft.; Anaheim Convention Center, with 813,607 sq. ft.; and the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, with 987,840 sq. ft. 

"Discussions about longer term solutions beyond 2016 are still ongoing with Salt Lake and other potential host cities," Haroutunian said.

He added, "We understand everyone is anxious for a longer-term decision, but making sure the show has a home that fits the needs of the industry is hugely important. The extension period will help us make sure we get it right."

The two-year extension comes with the support of the OIA, which worked alongside OR show organizers for a solution.

"Outdoor Retailer is a great partner,” said OIA's President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer.

He added, “We've been working very closely with them every step of the way and are confident in their efforts to meet the needs of the industry and the show.”