The Outdoor Retailer Show – Cultural Recap

The mega trade show is now long since over, but there were a few goodies from the time we spent in Salt Lake City covering the Outdoor Retailer show that were simply too good to pass up. Some were during the day at the show, others were at night, with sponsored high budget after-parties. The city was awash in OR goodness and we tried to cover as much of the show as we could with the goal of giving you guys a feel of what it’s like to be there. So, without further ado, here’s a final snapshot of the show…

Dana Vs. Dana. The Gleasons fight over a 3DAP in the Mystery Ranch/ Kletterwerks booth.

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Teva threw down the biggest blowout party of the show. Mix Master Mike spun some great tunes to easily the sweatiest dance floor in the state of Utah.—

The view from our residence for the weekend. Note the Latter Day Saints Salt Lake Temple. The presence of this uniquely American religion are far reaching, the laws surrounding drinking establishments are testament to that.

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When at OR, one ends up handing out and receiving stacks of business cards. I recommend a pen to take notes with, because at the end of the day, your brain is completely melted.

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View of the show from above near closing time. People “wandering the aisles”.

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Timbuk2  had a photobooth, which we took full advantage of with founder and overall great guy, Rob Honeycutt.

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Donuts, Beer, and Champagne for happy hour. Naturally.

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A big crowd surges into the Keen booth for show special deals on sandals and shoes.

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Some dogs can’t handle being on the bustling show floor, this one can.

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Large maps are placed around the show for convenient navigation. The sometimes help.

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We caught a show by Infamous Stringdusters, whose tour kicked off at OR.

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The band is touring with American Rivers, who raises money and awareness to protect restore rivers.

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The Grammy-nominated Infamous Stringdusters.

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A city growing. A light rail that connects large parts of Salt Lake City and the airport, in addition, a bike share program was successfully launched.

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It must be noon. The alcohol weapon of choice seemed to be Fireball this year at OR.

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Keen threw a show opener happy hour, with beer by Epic Brewing.

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Design Underground are kind of like TED Talks, only sweatier. On this particular night, product designers discussed “failure” to a packed crowd. Organisational support, tequila, bourbon, beer and a massive hangover courtesy Tae Kim and Boreas.

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With plenty to do and no climbing ability, I did n0t find myself going for the send on this amazing mobile bouldering wall.

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Similarly, we also didn’t find ourselves in this giant kayaking/paddle board pool, though I might have tried it if not for the lack of time.

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When the going gets rough, the weary get coffee, STM? More like FTW here with the top-notch espresso bar.

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 A glance across the enormous, sort of roller-coaster looking main hallway in the Salt Palace.

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