Outdoor Retailer Commits to SLC Through 2010

None by KCPW

State Offers Grant to Expand Trade Show

(KCPW News) Salt Lake City's largest convention customer - Outdoor Retailer - has committed to bring its thousands of exhibits and hordes of attendees back to Utah through 2010. The promise comes after years of negotiation with the industry over the Beehive State's environmental policies.

"I think it's definitely a sign from the industry that this is the right place for the tradeshow," says Scott Beck, executive director of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "Are we doing everything they want from an environmental perspective? I don't think it says that, but I don't think that's what they're expecting either. What they're expecting is genuine dialogue."

Scott Beck of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitor's Bureau says Utah officials have worked hard to satisfy industry concerns with preservation and wilderness access. The recently-expanded Salt Palace also contributed to the show's satisfaction with Salt Lake, says Beck. And last week the state made a 250-thousand dollar grant to help Outdoor Retailer start a new tradeshow that will run concurrent with the regular convention.

"we are creating a show specific to certain manufacturers and innovations in the outdoor industry," says Beck. "There's a whole slew of exhibitors that have zippers and fabrics and stitching these companies use to make their products."

Those exhibitors will move across the street to the Energy Solutions Arena for a new specialized tradeshow. State economic development officials hope it will fuel a growing industry of outdoor product manufacturers in Utah.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW