The Outdoor Trade Show Wars: OR Makes Its Case

Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes Outdoor Retailer show director Matthew Mathiasen to make the case for why OR should once again become the outdoor industry's premier national event. With Outdoor Retailer and Switchback competing for the industry's attention (and exhibitor dollars), the future of the national outdoor trade show is anything but settled. Colin and Matthew dig into what brands actually want from these events, why the traditional focus on retail buyers might be outdated, and the challenge of convincing major outdoor brands to return. Plus, can Outdoor Retailer and Switchback coexist? And can OR embrace its legacy without getting trapped by it? Send your feedback to [email protected] 04:06 – Outdoor Retailer's New Ownership Under Forge 06:38 – Does the Outdoor Industry Need a National Trade Show? 12:54 – How Committed Is Forge to Outdoor Retailer's Future? 15:34 – Sponsor Break 19:25 – Can You Sell a Trade Show Based on Vibes? 24:11 – Turning Influencer Content Into Business Results 27:10 – Can Outdoor Retailer and Switchback Coexist? 27:57 – Can Outdoor Retailer Escape Its Past? The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.