We’ll start by saying that the Outdoor Retailer Show will never be what it used to be in its heyday- before leaving Salt Lake City for Denver. But we can’t dwell on the past can we?

There have been quite a few tweaks made to this ‘new’ Outdoor Retailer Summer 2025 convention that takes place June 18-20 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. First off, the most awesomest day of the year- OR Demo Day- is not just “Industry Day”. A day of back-to-back panels and seminars instead of a fun day on the water demoing kayaks and paddle boards. Boo.

But with how shrunk the convention scene has gotten, what can you do? So now, the $1.2 trillion outdoor industry has matured and seemingly mellowed. This summer’s event will help connect nearly 300 brands and a few thousand retail buyers, media and guests.

This four-day networking platform will showcase the freshest gear, tech, and trends, but with a focus on wellness, sustainability, and innovation. It makes perfect sense for the show to return to Utah not just because outdoor recreation brings in $9.5 billion to the state (up 18% since 2022) and supports over 71,000 jobs, but because Utah’s got the accessibility and beauty. SLC International is 10 minutes from downtown, there are tons of reasonably priced hotels and BnBs, rich national forests surround the city, all within an hour’s drive or less.

You may have not paid too much attention if you live in a big city but there’s been a huge surge in outdoor participation. Over 175 million people (57.3 percent of folks six and up) got outside in 2023! The Show continues to be open only to those in the industry but if you have any friends with badges, and you really want to see some cool things coming to market for 2026, see if they can get you in. (But don’t tell anyone you heard it here.)

This summer’s highlights include the New Product Showcase, where brands like BabyBjörn, Ocean Bottle, Coulee Coffee, and Aska Outdoors unveil products built for health, sustainability, and inclusivity. Gear like collapsible solar panels, ocean-friendly skincare, and more women-designed adventure apparel.

Check out outdoorretailer.com for a list of exhibitors and industry updates.