OIA and Nielsen Business Media Ink Long-term Alliance

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the premier trade association for the active outdoor lifestyle industry, and Nielsen Business Media (NBM), parent company of Outdoor Retailer, today jointly announced a 15-year strategic alliance that will boost efforts to ensure the long term success and growth of the $289 billion outdoor industry.

Outdoor Retailer, the world’s premier outdoor lifestyle trade shows since 1982, expands its role as the top financial contributor to Outdoor Industry Association and as a primary sponsor of select Outdoor Industry Association projects. Over the next 15 years, new benefits to the industry will include a significant increase in funding for industry projects and programs that support industry health as well as an increase in discounts and services to Outdoor Industry Association members.

For its part, Outdoor Industry Association will become the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer and endorse Outdoor Retailer as the leading outdoor industry trade show in the world. Outdoor Industry Association will work collaboratively with Nielsen Business Media and on behalf of the industry to enhance the quality, relevance and appeal of the trade shows, to identify new strategic opportunities and to expand new services and programs that support the industry.

“The timing of this alliance is critical for the future health of the industry,” commented Mike Wallenfels, president of Mountain Hardwear and chairman of the OIA Board of Directors. “The OIA Board of Directors and Nielsen have worked very hard to develop an agreement that meets the growing challenges ahead and ensures a path of long term growth not only for individual businesses, but also, for the industry as a whole. This new era of collaboration with Nielsen Business Media and Outdoor Retailer, specifically, will reap enormous rewards for all members of the industry.”

“Outdoor Industry Association is doing a phenomenal job of creating a healthy business environment, promoting active outdoor recreation and working with governments and critical stakeholders to create great places to play outside and ensure fair prices for the industry’s products,” said Joe Flynn, vice president and general manager of Nielsen Business Media’s Sports Group, which produces Outdoor Retailer. “Their efforts have significantly strengthened the outdoor industry. We strongly believe that by working closely with the top association in the active outdoor lifestyle industry, not only will Outdoor Retailer benefit, but also, our entire collection of outdoor sports trade shows.”

David Loechner, senior vice president, Nielsen Business Media’s Retail Group, added, “Outdoor Retailer has enjoyed a productive, long-term relationship with Outdoor Industry Association. Now, we’re forging a stronger strategic alliance that will be instrumental in realizing the full potential of Outdoor Retailer’s future opportunities and the growth of all our outdoor business services.”

“This agreement provides enormous benefits to our members,” added Frank Hugelmeyer, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “We get to leverage the significant assets of the best trade show producer in the world and OIA remains focused on what we do best: working in Washington on behalf of the industry, producing compelling research and educational events, providing best-in-class business solutions, and growing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. NBM’s increased investment will help OIA accomplish more in all of these key areas. Additionally, we will be able to work closely with the Nielsen Business Media Sports Group to develop new ways for the show to best serve the needs of the suppliers and retailers in our industry.”

About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous, Outdoor University, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer, produced by Nielsen Business Media’s Sports Group, is the leading outdoor industry business-to-business trade event, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of the recreational outdoors. Currently in its 26th successful year, OR gathers approximately 40,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for both Fall/Winter/Holiday and Spring/Summer markets. The Nielsen Business Media Sports Group, which includes the Outdoor Retailer, Interbike, Action Sports Retailer (ASR) and Fly Fishing Retailer trade shows, is headquartered in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Nielsen Business Media is part of The Nielsen Company, a global information and media company. For more information, please visit: www.nielsen.com.