#ORshow, Outdoor Retailer

A Daily Recap of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

We had the best time at Outdoor Retailer last week! It was bittersweet, as the thought of leaving Salt Lake City loomed sadly over our heads, but it was also full of fun and inspiration.

Day 0

Our first day of the last Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City dawned dark and stormy, as if Utah was already mourning our absence. But a little rain never hurt outdoors enthusiasts! Everyone flocked to Jordenelle State Park, where we got to trail run, paddleboard, drink coffee from a pipe, and drink more coffee inside a floating tiki hut.

Outdoor Retailer, #ORshow

The remainder of the day was spent lovingly building our new booth. Travel guides set against a forest sunset? Hello, enticing exhibit!

Outdoor Retailer, #ORshow

Day 1

Waking up for a 7 a.m. Outdoor Industry Association breakfast is easy when the guest speakers are former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel and climbers Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright. Sally had the crowd cheering, Alex and Cedar had the crowd laughing, and we all left feeling inspired and ready to tackle the show.

#ORshow, Outdoor Retailer

We kept the stoke going by meeting with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, oohing and aahing over our new Wildflowers of the Appalachian Trail, and hearing about their big plans for the near future.

Day 2

Another morning, another inspiring breakfast. The Conservation Alliance breakfast featured the funny and talented Joe Riis, an award-winning wildlife photojournalist.

#ORshow, Outdoor Retailer

Some of the best parts of Outdoor Retailer are the panels, workshops, and classes, and this year’s lineup did not disappoint. We had the opportunity to listen to a wide range of voices from the outdoor industry speak about advocacy in the age of social media, immediately followed by a panel on how to live your brand, then topped off with another discussion on female leadership in the outdoor industry. So much yes.

#ORshow, Outdoor Retailer

The show floor was quiet in the afternoon, as many brands and attendees marched to the state capitol in celebration of public lands, then hit parties like the Experticity Mixer and the “SLC Thank You” benefit party.

Day 3

There is nothing like starting your day with the PCTA! With six months left before our newly updated Pacific Crest Trail guides are released, there is a lot to get excited about. We also met with our friends at the American Hiking Society and brainstormed ways to make 2018 even bigger and better.

The day ended at dinner with Jessie Johnson and Matt Schneider, authors of our upcoming North Carolina Adventure Weekends at the always-tasty Zest.

#ORshow, Outdoor Retailer

Day 4

Ah, the last day of #ORshow. The day where everyone is physically exhausted yet able to gather enough energy to shop the showroom for the best deals around. We started the day with a mini #hikerchat excursion with the youngest member of the team (start them young!). And, of course, we ended the show with our book sale, where all proceeds went to the American Hiking Society.

#ORshow, Outdoor Retailer

See you in Denver!

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