SALT LAKE CITY — The world’s largest outdoor retail show considered moving to other cities with more lodging and convention space but chose to stay in Utah after attendees revealed an overwhelming desire to keep the expo there, officials said Monday.
The Outdoor Retailer Show, which is staged twice a year and brings the state an estimated $45 million annual economic boost, extended its contract with Salt Lake City two more years through 2018.
Show officials contemplated relocating to Las Vegas, Chicago and other cities but decided to stay in Salt Lake City after exhibitors and attendees said they prefer Utah, said Outdoor Retailer spokeswoman Kate Lowery in a phone interview.
“Salt Lake City lives the same lifestyle that our show exemplifies,” Lowery said. “The mountains and the lakes provide the opportunity to showcase our industry so well in Salt Lake City.”
The expo lets store owners meet with manufacturers and preview products in the pipeline. About 5,000 people attended the first show in Salt Lake City in 1996. The recent summer expo drew about 27,000 people.
