Outdoor Retailer surveys select group on show location, timing

Think Outdoor Retailer needs a new venue? Want to see the Summer Market in late June? How valuable are the regional shows to your business?

Emerald Expositions, the folks that run Outdoor Retailer, are gathering opinions of the industry’s trade show scene via a survey, but only a select group were tapped to share feedback, SNEWS has learned.

“We selected a specific list of OR thought leaders, constituents and attendees, and we would prefer to review those responses independent of a wider industry response at this time,” said Kate Lowery, director of public relations.

Lowery didn’t provide the number of surveys sent out, but said that the group included both current and past attendees and exhibitors from the past three years of shows.

The questions in the survey — received by SNEWS and portions copied below — center on possible changes to the show’s location and timing as officials negotiate with the event’s current venue in Salt Lake City and potential alternate hosts in Anaheim, Calif., Chicago, Las Vegas and Orlando for 2017 and beyond.

“We wanted to see if the dates and venue had an effect on participation,” Lowery said.

Debate of the show’s location have been ongoing for the past couple of years, but timing of the show has quickly risen to another hot topic, especially as order dates move up and other shows jockey for position.

“Outdoor Retailer is contracted to remain in Salt Lake City only through the end of Summer Market 2016,” officials state in the survey. “Show owner Emerald Expositions has first option for future years, but no contractual obligation. The deadline for us to make a choice about Outdoor Retailer venue location and timing is close, but before we make a final decision we wanted to ensure we received additional valuable feedback from you, our customers and partners.”

Outdoor Retailer is asking respondents to fill out the survey by April 15.

For those who didn’t receive the outreach, check out some of the survey questions below and share your thoughts in our comment section or on our Facebook page.

–David Clucas

[Exceprts from the Outdoor Retailer suvery]

We are fully aware of the housing challenges we have all faced over the last three years. Was your company affected by the challenge in finding and obtaining suitable housing for Outdoor Retailer between 2013 and 2015? 
>> Yes
>> No

Which of the following best applies to the challenges faced by your company?
>> We were forced to bring fewer staff
>> We were unable to attend Winter Market
>> We were unable to attend Summer Market

Please rate each of the following available and size-appropriate locations per season. (Please keep in mind–there are higher costs when the show is held in two different cities): (scale 1-5, where 1 is Not at All Preferred and 5 is Extremely Preferred)
Winter Market
>> Salt Lake City
>> Aneheim
>> Chicago
>> Las Vegas
>> Orlando
Summer Market
>> Salt Lake City
>> Aneheim
>> Chicago
>> Las Vegas
>> Orlando

If the shows were to move away from Salt Lake City, would this impact the quantity of retailers you see at the show?
Winter Market
>> See more retailers attending the show
>> See fewer retailers attending the show
>> See retailers stop attending
>> Other/Neutral:
Summer Market
>> See more retailers attending the show
>> See fewer retailers attending the show
>> See retailers stop attending
>> Other/Neutral:

Please rate how important the following host city categories are to you where 1 is Not at All Important and 5 is Extremely Important:
>> Availability of frequent direct and convenient domestic and international flights
>> Ability to drive to the show (within 6-8 hours)
>> Availability of public transportation in the city: shuttles, taxis, rental cars, etc)
>> Proximity of hotel to convention center
>> Variety/location of lodging/accommodations
>> Variety of restaurants/entertainment options
>> Enjoyable destination/outdoor options
>> Airfare/lodging costs
>> Cultural Fit

Would you like to see Outdoor Retailer Winter Market held at a different time of the year?
>> Yes
>> No

When? (rank in terms of preference where 1 is most preferred):
>> First half of November
>> Second half of November
>> First half of December
>> Second half of December
>> First half of January
>> First half of February
>> Second half of February

Would you like to see Outdoor Retailer Summer Market held at a different time of the year?
>> Yes
>> No

When? (rank in terms of preference where 1 is most preferred):
>> First half of June
>> Second half of June
>> First half of July
>> Second half of July
>> Second half of August
>> First half of September
>> Second half of September

In deciding whether or not to attend either or both a regional show or Outdoor Retailer, please rank the following: (scale 1-5, where 1 is Least Suitable Option and 5 is Best Option)
Meaningful meetings with retail executives / owners
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Meaningful meetings with retail buyers
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Opportunity to receive input into product line direction and choices
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Focused line presentations leading to buying decisions
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Show full product lines for the upcoming season
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Learn about and understand new trends and products
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
 Easier for my reps to travel to and attend
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Where retailers make most of their final buying decisions
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Where my company feels most valued
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:
Garnering educational opportunities and business intelligence
>> Outdoor Retailer:
>> Regional Shows:

When do you begin showing new Spring/Summer product and lines to retailers?
>> For softgoods
>> For hardgoods

When are your Spring/Summer preseason orders due from retailers?
>> For softgoods
>> For hardgoods

When do you begin showing new Fall/Winter product and lines to retailers? 
>> For softgoods
>> For hardgoods

When are your Fall/Winter preseason orders due from retailers?
>> For softgoods
>> For hardgoods