OIA Announces 2008 Outdoor University Program

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced the program for its 2008 Outdoor University national tour.

Designed to give specialty retail store owners, managers, and staff tools to improve their business operations and market competitiveness, Outdoor University will be offered at four locations across the country preceding regional and national tradeshows. Added for 2008 will be an Outdoor University workshop offered just prior to Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Each program, offered free of charge, will feature four, one hour seminars covering the topics of Sales Analysis, Leadership Training, Employee Recruitment and Retention and Communications Tips. A Q&A reception follows each workshop so attendees can network with the speakers and ask one-on-one questions.

The program’s high caliber speakers will include analysts from The Leisure Trends Group, the Creative Business Consulting Group and professional trainers from The Mann Group.

“Each year, the Outdoor University program is developed based on retailer and rep feedback,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of member services and marketing for OIA. “By bringing Outdoor University directly to the retailers in their markets, OIA is providing a convenient and affordable resource for independent specialty businesses.”

In 2007, Outdoor University educated over 100 specialty retailers from over 25 states and received positive reviews. “The quality of the program and speakers was excellent,” remarked Fred Martin, vice president of Mast General Store, “I greatly appreciate OIA’s commitment to retail education and will continue to support these events.”

Outdoor University 2008 Schedule

MORE Midwest Rep Show

Wednesday, July 23rd

Madison, WI

EORA Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Show

Sunday, July 27th

Hartford, CT

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

Thursday, August 7th

Salt Lake City, UT

EORA Southeast Show

Saturday, August 16th

Greenville, SC

Outdoor University is offered to retailers and sales representatives free of charge. Pre-registration is required. For complete information on the Outdoor University program, speakers or to register, visit www.outdoorindustry.org

###

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.