I made it to Denver for the 2021 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, the first in-person event for OR in over 18 months. But even this show isn’t going to see exhibitor or attendee numbers as in years past. Brands had to make decisions months ago on whether or not to attend and continued false promises of opening society drove most major brands to sit this one out. With hysteria looming over the COVID-19 Delta variant, many more are afraid to come out as Colorado remains mask free for the vaccinated.
While I’m sure I’ll find some great new gear at OR, it will be an interesting show.
Glad to see you!
COVID issues aside, the “new” OR show is also a very expensive show for vendors and many already have their dealer orders in hand by the time the show comes around. So there’s barely enough benefit to going to it in a regular year now.