All Eyes on the Outdoor Industry: Announcing a Big Trade Show Move from Utah to Colorado 

Project Overview

After 20 years in Utah, Outdoor Retailer chose Colorado as its new home for three major outdoor recreation trade shows: the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and Outdoor Retailer. This news would drive millions of dollars to the state’s economy and further Colorado’s position as the nation’s leading voice in the outdoor recreation industry. Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office selected GFM|CenterTable as their communications partner for this monumental announcement.

Approach

As with any major announcement involving multiple high-profile individuals and organizations, planning and coordination were critical. GFM|CenterTable collaborated with the staffs of Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, as well as VISIT DENVER and key industry trade groups, to identify an agreeable date and neutral location to conduct the announcement – all within a two-week timeframe, with the added challenge of the July 4th holiday in the mix. Once the date and location were confirmed, GFM|CenterTable team members organized the logistics for the announcement and promoted the event. Our work included developing the run-of-show featuring seven speakers, drafting all speaking points, and coordinating A/V, staging and hydration needs for a mid-summer outdoor announcement.

To boost coverage and engagement following the announcement, our team drafted social media posts for all constituents involved and coordinated photography and b-roll to share with media following the event.