Denver is the new home for the Outdoor Retailer Show, and the move from Salt Lake City has both symbolic and economic implications.
Organizers estimate that the three annual outdoor industry trade shows — including winter and summer markets, as well as a Snow Show — will bring a total of $110 million each year to Colorado and draw 85,000 attendees.
The Outdoor Retailer trade show announced in February that it would no longer hold events in Utah because of the state representatives’ stances on public lands issues.
Aspen Skiing Company vice president of sustainability Auden Schendler said it’s a major statement from businesses.
“This is exactly what business should be doing. It should be holding policymakers to account,” Schendler said. “This is a great example of wielding power from the outdoor industry, and we need to do more of it.”
The first Denver show will be in January 2018.
