The recent announcement that Outdoor Retailer, the industry’s premier B2B gathering, will relocate to Minneapolis, Minnesota, starting in August 2026 is simply laughable. This reeks of a corporate money grab that misunderstands the soul of the outdoors.
For decades, the pulse of the North American outdoor industry has arguably beaten strongest in the rugged landscapes of the American West. States like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and California have not only served as the spiritual and physical playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts but have also been the fertile ground where iconic brands were born, tested, and thrived. The idea of transplanting this core identity to the Midwest, despite Minnesota’s own laudable outdoor recreation economy, feels to many like a jarring disconnect. You think anyone would care about my website if we were doing business in the Midwest?
The heart of the outdoors is in the West. For people to go hike, and camp, and run, and all that sort of fun… that’s where our inspiration truly comes from. The move, spearheaded by Emerald’s Sports and Outdoor Division represents a shift to corporate interests over the authentic, grassroots spirit that defines much of the outdoor world. I literally want to throw up.
The “Circle Jerk” of Trade Shows and the Burden on Emerging Brands
Do trade shows actual work, aka is there ROI? Or are these shows now expensive “circle jerks” where no real business gets done. I mean I like to throw High Fives to Industry bros, but? The concern is for smaller, innovative, and mission-driven brands – the lifeblood of the industry. These “good people, good brands” are often led to believe they must allocate significant capital to secure a presence at Outdoor Retailer, hoping to catch the eye of buyers and secure retail partnerships. You pay us money we might give you the opportunity to make sales? Not a good business model.
It’s a way for greedy [Emerald] to target up-and-coming core outdoor brands. These are good people, good brands, and are taught or told they need to go to OR with $ to promote their product in hope that some buyer will want to work with them for a retail or online store. This financial burden, coupled with the questionable return on investment, raises critical questions about whether the current trade show model truly serves the brands it purports to support.
The ethos of “REAL is real” resonates deeply here at the Mountain Weekly News. Many believe that genuinely innovative and high-quality products, exemplified by brands like Patagonia, will naturally “grow wings organically” through authentic engagement and consumer demand, rather than through costly exhibition halls. The fear is that the Minneapolis move, rather than fostering innovation, will further entrench a system that benefits organizers at the expense of those creating the gear that gets people outside. If you got the money to play, come to the show…
A “Money Grab” with “Disastrous Consequences”?
The perceived money grab is not just about location; it’s about the broader implications for the industry’s culture and future. I mean come on folks in MN ain’t nearly as tough as Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and heck even California, this geographical shift signals a watering down of the industry’s roots and CORE values.
For those who have invested years, if not decades, in supporting and shaping these events, the feeling is one of profound disappointment and betrayal. We supported these shows, I spoke on panels, and now it’s gone to sh*t.
While Outdoor Retailer’s organizers emphasize “new investments” like scholarships for specialty retailers, complimentary exhibit space for Minnesota non-profits, and conferences on timely topics, these initiatives are viewed by some as insufficient to offset the fundamental misalignment of the new direction. What happens next we move it to NY?
The Path Forward: Authenticity Over Corporate Agenda?
The outdoor industry, at its best, is about connection to nature, shared experiences, and gear that empowers adventure. The move to Minneapolis and the corporate machinery behind it risk distancing the industry from these foundational principles. Ya’ll ever even been up to Jackson?
The outdoors is still great, and I’m gonna continue to showcase the best outdoor gear, shown in action by real people. Not Buyers and PR Teams!!!
As Outdoor Retailer embarks on this new chapter in Minneapolis, the industry will be watching closely. Will the “reimagined” show truly foster innovation and collaboration, or will it confirm the fears of those who see it as a misguided corporate venture that further alienates the passionate community it once served? The answer will undoubtedly shape the landscape of outdoor industry gatherings for years to come. I surely ain’t headed east to talk about the said, OUTDOORS…
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