It’s been an insane year for Emerald Expositions, LLC (“Emerald Expositions”), producer of Outdoor Retailer.  When the largest conference for reps, retailers and manufacturers of outdoor goods (Outdoor Industries Association/OIA) recently took a political stand and bailed on Utah, it forced Emerald to hunt for new digs for the OIA expo when their contract expires with Salt Lake City in 2019.

Meanwhile, the nation’s leading show for snowsports gear- the SIA SnowShow– has struggled to find their footing as the line between winter backcountry and resort have blurred and the winter edition of the OR Show grows. The obvious solution and the one retailers have been vying to see for years is finally being realized.

Outdoor Retailer and SIA Create Biggest Winter Show

Under the new ownership of Emerald Expositions, the January SIA Snow Show will merge with Outdoor Retailer to become the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show endorsed and sponsored by both the SnowSports Industries America and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). The conjoining creates the largest outdoor and winter sports industry gathering (and party) in North America. 

“This is an incredible opportunity for our members and the industry as a whole,” said Nick Sargent, SIA President. “A consolidated trade show not only helps reduce the stress on our industry, but also provides a platform that offers more impact for our members to do business, while delivering a greater ROI.”

Denver, meh

Unfortunately, the event stays in chilly, parking- and vibe-challenged Denver and may eventually usher the summer OR event to the Mile High City as well. Drat. Denver is just such a pain to get to; great for locals but it sucks the life right out of any visitor to have to give yourself three hours to get in or out of that airport; especially in winter.

Look for the combo to happen as quickly as this January. The acquisition and resulting trade show consolidation was finalized after months of discussions between Emerald Expositions and SIA as well as by a rigorous voting process, which included a unanimous vote from the SIA Board of Directors and an overwhelming approval by SIA Premium Members.

Chair of the SIA Board of Directors and Marker Völkl USA President, Mike Noonan, said, “The Board felt strongly that this acquisition was the right move for the health of the industry and in the best interest of the membership.”

As part of the agreement, SIA will continue to produce the On-Snow Demo portion of the Snow Show. Additionally, SIA leadership will sit on Outdoor Retailer’s Event Advisory Board.