Outdoor Retailer | August 19-21, 2026

Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN

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OUTDOOR RETAILER
AUGUST 19-21, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER
MINNEAPOLIS, MN

FAQ



General

How much does Outdoor Retailer cost to attend?

Please note that you must qualify to attend.

Retail Buyer, Importer / Distributor, Designer, Developer:

  • Pre-Show: FREE
  • Onsite (starting 8/19/26): $40

Working Media:

  • FREE

Media Sales, Event Organizer, Non-Buyer, Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer, Independent Representative:

  • Early Bird – 1/15/26–03/31/26: $1,000
  • Pre-Show – 4/01/26–06/17/26: $1,100
  • Onsite starting 8/19/26: $1,200
Where and when is the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow held?

Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

August 19–21, 2026

What are Outdoor Retailer’s show hours?

August 19–21, 2026

Wednesday, August 19: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, August 20: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, August 21: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Is Outdoor Retailer open to the public?

No, Outdoor Retailer is not open to the public. Only authorized buyers and members of the trade will be admitted. Read the credentials requirements here.

Am I allowed to solicit or sell product at the show without a booth?

No. There is a strict No Soliciting policy at Outdoor Retailer. Solicitation or suitcasing will result in removal from the show floor.

What is the camera policy for Outdoor Retailer?

No unauthorized photography or filming is allowed in booths.
Accredited Working Media may take photos only with exhibitor permission.

Under no circumstances may anyone photograph exhibitor products without permission.

Unauthorized photos will be confiscated and badges revoked.

Does it cost to attend the on-site seminars?

No, education at Outdoor Retailer is complimentary. A show badge is required.

Is there Wi-Fi at the Convention Center?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for light use. For mission-critical or streaming use, purchase internet services through the Minneapolis Convention Center.

How long has Outdoor Retailer been around?

Since 1982. Outdoor Retailer has been hosted in Las Vegas, Anaheim, Long Beach, Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, and will move to Minneapolis in 2026.

Who are Outdoor Retailer’s approved vendors?

a2z/Personify – Official Show Planner/Floorplan Vendor

Cvent – Official Registration Vendor

Terms & Conditions

Attendee grants Emerald the right to use name, image, and likeness for marketing purposes.

By attending, you agree to the Emerald Privacy Policy: View policy

Exhibitor

Who do I talk to about getting a booth for Outdoor Retailer?

Tell us more about your brand by completing this FORM and an Account Executive will be in touch. Or visit the Contact Us page to identify your sales representative.

Where do I ship my booth materials?

Shipping labels are available within the Exhibit Service Manual. Please note that advance warehouse shipments received after the deadline date are subject to overtime charges.

Where can I find the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM)?

Click HERE to view the Exhibitor Resources page. Outdoor Retailer ESMs will appear when they are available.

What are the move-in, move-out, and building access dates and times?

Hours vary by show and will be announced in the Exhibitor Service Manuals when they are published. Review the Exhibitor Resources page closer to the show.

To access the building after noted move-in hours, exhibitors must remain in their designated booth space. In and out access to the building is not permitted without prior Show Management approval. Please email [email protected] for extended floor access approvals.

Can I use my own dolly or hand truck and move my stuff into my booth?

Exhibiting companies may unload from a privately owned vehicle and carry their own booth materials into the facility; however, the use of flat trucks, pallet jacks, or other mechanical equipment is not permitted.

Items must be unloaded within 30 minutes and the vehicle removed. One person must remain with the vehicle at all times. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed or towed.

What is included / not included with my booth?

Information coming soon.

How many exhibitor badges do I get for my company?

Each exhibiting company receives six badges per 10′×10′ booth. Additional badges may be purchased through exhibitor registration.

What insurance coverage do I need and who should be listed as additional insured?

All companies must provide a certificate of insurance by the deadline date. Insurance coverage is available for purchase through Marsh / Total Event Insurance. Upload proof of insurance via your exhibitor console.

How do I complete my exhibitor payment or inquire about my balance due?

Please connect with your Account Executive for payment details.

How do I maximize my participation at the show and reach more attendees?

Use the Outdoor Retailer show app and Match, our matchmaking service, to find buyers, book appointments, and grow connections.

  • Learn more HERE and upload your exhibitor information when the app opens.

Outdoor Retailer also offers advertising and sponsorship opportunities before, during, and after the show. Visit the Sponsorships page for details.

Who are the approved vendors for Outdoor Retailer?

More information to come about vendor partners for the 2026 event.

Retailer

Where can I register to attend as a Retail Buyer?

Please view our registration page for registration details and credential requirements.

How can I apply for the Hosted Buyer Program?
  • Qualified Retail Buyers can apply for the expanded Hosted Buyer program HERE.

Buyers can complete the online form for an opportunity to access available funds to offset the cost of attending, including hotel and airfare. After submitting the form, the Buyer Relations team will be in touch.

Where can I find hotel information?

Please visit our Travel Page to inquire about room availability within our retailer hotel block.

Where can I find the education schedule?

The education schedule is typically available about a month and a half before the show.

Is there an exhibitor list and floor map available?

The exhibitor list and floor plan are typically available two months prior to the show.

Is there anyone I can talk to for more questions about the show?

If you have questions about attending or registering for Outdoor Retailer, please visit the Contact Us page.

Rep

As a Rep, how can I support my retailers through the Hosted Buyer program?

If retailers in your territory are not attending the show, please reach out to the show team to inquire about retailer scholarships.

How do I get my agency registered as an independent rep and not just as an exhibitor?

Please click on the registration link and select the independent rep registration option. If you run into any issues, please reach out to the show team.

Will I be able to enter the show floor prior to show hours with an independent rep badge?

Yes. As an independent rep, you will have access to the show floor prior to show hours.

How do I get my agency into the housing block?

Visit the Hotels page to book a room(s) for your agency in our rep housing block, once it becomes available.

Can I still attend as an Independent Rep if none of my brands are exhibiting?

Approval is decided on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to the show team.

I am an Independent Rep for a business service, do I qualify?

Individuals associated with a Business Service qualify only as a Non-Buyer. See the Credential Requirements for more details.

Is there anyone I can talk to for more questions about the show?

Visit the Contact Page to connect with a member of the show team.

Media

I would like to attend Outdoor Retailer as media. What do I need to know?

Outdoor Retailer is open to trade and consumer-focused media outlets including print, TV, radio, and online, industry analysts, as well as writers, photographers, or editors with an editorial assignment related to outdoor products and the outdoor industry.

We offer two media badge types: Working Media and Media Sales. Working Media must have a current editorial assignment. Media Sales attendees include ad sales, publishers, producers, marketing staff, promotion companies, casting directors, filmmakers, video and content production teams, and agencies — social media / PR / advertising / brand / creative.

How do I register as “Working Media”?

Please determine your Working Media category, prepare the required documentation (see the Credential Requirements), log in to the registration system, upload your documents, and complete registration.

Working Media types include:

  • Magazine and Newspaper Editorial Staff
  • TV: Reporters / Camera Crews / Photographers
  • Staff Photographers / Photo Editors
  • Freelance Writers / Photographers / Photo Editors on assignment
Magazine and Newspaper Editorial Staff

Please provide at least two credentials:

  • A scanned copy of the publication masthead showing your name and title
  • A scanned copy or link to bylined editorial work from the past three months covering the outdoor industry
  • An assignment letter on publication letterhead from an editor or news director detailing coverage of the show
What if I don’t have an assignment?

Media without a current outdoor-industry-related assignment will not be approved for a Working Media badge but may attend with a Media Sales badge.

I have a website, blog, podcast, or large social following — can I attend as Working Media?

Digital publications are welcome, but to qualify for a Working Media badge you must operate an established, independent site updated at least biweekly with original, industry-related content.

The site must demonstrate at least one year of consistent outdoor-industry coverage. Personal blogs, forums, crowdsourcing sites, and user groups do not qualify for Working Media accreditation but may apply for Media Sales badges.

Content creators and podcasters must meet the Credential Requirements outlined here.

Can I register for a media badge onsite at the show?

Yes. Media may register onsite during published registration hours. Outdoor Retailer staff will review and qualify media registrations onsite. Please note that travel to the show does not guarantee admittance.

What is the difference between “Working Media” and “Media Sales” badges?

Working Media badges indicate the holder has a current editorial assignment with a relevant publication.

Media Sales badges indicate the holder works in advertising sales, publishing, production, marketing, promotion, casting, filmmaking, or agency work — including social media, PR, advertising, brand, or creative services.

See full details on the Credential Requirements page.

How do I find out which brands are at the show?

The Exhibitor List and Floor Plan are typically available on the website approximately two months before the show.

Who do I contact for media information about Outdoor Retailer?

Please contact Amy Dufour for media or PR inquiries:

Amy Dufour
Marketing Director
[email protected]

What is the camera policy for Outdoor Retailer?

No unauthorized photography or filming is allowed in booths and may result in removal from the show floor. Exhibitors have the right to refuse photography in their booths.

Accredited Working Media may take photos in exhibitor booths only with exhibitor permission.

Under no circumstances may anyone photograph exhibitor products without permission. Many products are innovative or one-of-a-kind prototypes.

Unauthorized photos will be confiscated. The offender’s badge will be revoked, and they may be banned from future shows.

Registration

What registration/badge type am I?

Please review our Credential Requirements to determine your registration category.

I attended in the past, but I cannot find my information in your registration system. What do I do?

If you have not registered as an approved attendee within the last two (2) years, you will be pended and need to submit business credentials. Other reasons include spelling, name changes, email changes, etc. If you are unable to find your record in the system, you will need to resubmit your business credentials.

I need to submit business credentials; what documents do I need?

Please view our credential requirements to find details on the documents requested based on your business category.

I completed my registration and did not receive a confirmation email. What should I do?

Please log back on to the registration page and search for your record. If your record indicates your status is “pending” or “already registered,” reach out to our show team to confirm that we have the correct email address and ask to have your confirmation resent.

I completed my registration and submitted my business credentials. When will I receive my approval confirmation?

You will be notified via email within 7–10 business days with your confirmation or a request for more information.

I am bringing someone with me. Do they need a badge?

All attendees of Outdoor Retailer must be qualified and registered for a badge. Children of qualified attendees are allowed and must be registered for a badge as well.

Outdoor Retailer is a business-to-business trade event and is not open to the public. Each individual must provide credentials as outlined here.

How do I add more staff to my store/company once I’m registered and qualified?

Register your additional staff just as you registered originally. If you are registering them as a first-time buyer, you must submit their credentials.

What is the cancellation policy? Is my registration refundable?

You are able to cancel your registration at any time; however, registration for Outdoor Retailer is non-refundable. No exceptions.

Can I bring my child?

Children are allowed on the show floor on show days only and must be supervised at all times. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the show floor during move-in or move-out.

Show Management reserves the right to request proof of age and restrict minors from the exhibition floor at any time for safety and liability reasons.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed. All owners must register their dog onsite (dogs get badges too) and sign a waiver confirming the dog is current on all shots and will remain leashed at all times.

Dogs are not allowed on the show floor during move-in or move-out.

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