This is Where NEW Happens in the Outdoor Industry
Outdoor Retailer is the leading business-to-business outdoor sports show where industry brands, retailers, reps, designers, suppliers and leaders gather.
Held annually in August, Outdoor Retailer is the outdoor sports show of choice showcasing the largest collection of innovative and unique gear, apparel, footwear, hardgoods and accessories. From writing new orders to finding new accounts, launching new brands to making new connections, Outdoor Retailer is where new happens. And with conferences, training sessions, leadership seminars and educational opportunities, the show is a must-attend event.
NEW SHOW FEATURES
A Show Reimagined
Outdoor Retailer’s move to Minnesota has strong local support, with outdoor recreation contributing $13.5 billion to the state’s economy in 2023. The 2026 event will build on that foundation with investments and initiatives, including:
- Launch of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Scholarship supporting specialty retailers
- Complimentary exhibit space for leading Minnesota-based and mission-driven non-profits
- Industry Day conference on timely topics such as the state of the industry, AI, sustainability, and supply chain.
- Revival of the Outdoor Industry Innovation Awards
New Initiatives for 2026 Include:
Inaugural Ascent Summit
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Kick off the show at the Garage Grown Gear Summit + Founded Outdoors Campsite Pavilion: Spotlighting Independent Innovation. In partnership with Outdoor Retailer, Garage Grown Gear and Founded Outdoors will host the inaugural Ascent Summit, bringing together more than 200 founders of independent and specialty outdoor brands for a half-day of education, collaboration, and community. Designed to inspire progress across the outdoor industry, the Summit will feature thought-provoking panels, hands-on learning sessions, intentional group discussions, and a tour of GGG’s St. Paul headquarters, all focused on driving the next generation of outdoor brand leadership.
Outdoor Retailer is the place for New & Discovery! The collaboration extends onto the show floor with the GGG + Founded Outdoors Campsite Pavilion, featuring 50–100 small and medium-sized retail-ready brands from across North America. The Pavilion will showcase creative storytelling, innovation, and emerging trends driving the next generation of outdoor products.
Retailer Playbook Lab
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | For Retail Owners, Buyers & Managers
Alternatively, Retailers can partake in our Retailer Playbook Lab! Choose from 9 sessions across four tracks, featuring interactive workshops on emerging technologies, including AI, digital media, e-commerce trends, circular resale programs and elevating operational best practices provide hands on expertise. Attendance will be capped capped at 20-25 participants each, ensuring peer-to-peer engagement and tactical takeaways.
The Playbook Lab concludes the morning with a Lunchtime Keynote. Join Eoin Comerford, founder of Outside Consulting and former CEO of Moosejaw, for an insightful keynote on “The Importance of New Brand Discovery.”
Industry Day: Outdoor Next
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Open to All Attendees
Join the entire industry for “Outdoor Next: Ideas That Move Us Forward,” a dynamic forum tackling our community’s biggest challenges and opportunities through a series of rapid-fire panels and debates.
Celebrate Minnesota Outdoors: Where Business Meets the Outdoors
Thursday, August 20 & Friday, August 21, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
To celebrate Minnesota’s vibrant outdoor landscape, Outdoor Retailer will introduce Celebrate Minnesota Outdoors, August 20 and 21. From 7:00–10:00 AM, attendees may participate in climbing, biking, trail running, and other outdoor experiences guided by local outfitters, brand partners, and professional athletes. Attendees will have an opportunity to curate their own personalized outdoor experience through the Outdoor Retailer app.
Outdoor Retailer Expo
Thursday, August 20 & Friday, August 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The main event! Expolore the show floor, meet and greet with top brands in the outdoor industry, and make meaningful connections! Outdoor Retailer is where you’ll find the latest innovations and the emerging trends that will shape the future of this industry.
Outdoor Retailer – August 19-21, 2026
SHOW DAYS & HOURS:
Wednesday, August 19: 8 AM – 5 PM
Thursday, August 20: 10 AM – 6 PM
Friday, August 21: 10 AM – 6 PM
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55404