Hickenlooper, Bennet, Gardner Applaud Outdoor Retailer’s Choice to Host Conventions in Colorado

DENVER - Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today applauded the Outdoor Retailer's decision to move the location of its three Outdoor Retailer tradeshows to Denver. Beginning in January 2018, the shows hosted in Denver will include the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, and Outdoor Retailer November.

In February, Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Gardner sent a letter to the show's organizer, Emerald Expositions, to encourage its consideration of Colorado as the new host for the popular recreation conventions. The letter stated that Colorado is the perfect location for the Outdoor Retailer shows, given the state's bipartisan commitment to maintaining and protecting public lands.

"We are ready to roll out the welcome mat," Hickenlooper said. "There's no better time than now to be a part of our dynamic Colorado culture. We're thrilled to welcome the trade shows to Denver. We can't wait to greet our new visitors and enjoy the energy and momentum this will bring to the region. We are grateful that the Outdoor Retailer Show has selected Colorado and look forward to building a bright and sustainable future together."

"We are excited to hear that Colorado will be the new home for the Outdoor Retailer shows," Bennet said. "This decision recognizes our state's commitment to protecting public lands, which is the foundation of our outdoor economy. We look forward to hosting professionals from across the outdoor industry in Denver, where they will find a like-minded community dedicated to conservation of our land and water for future generations."

"I am extremely proud Colorado will host the Outdoor Retailer shows and show off our state's commitment to public lands," Gardner said. "Colorado's public lands are a national treasure and we are looking forward to outdoor recreation companies from around the world traveling to the Centennial state for these exciting events. Protecting our public lands in Colorado is not a partisan issue, and I'll continue working with members of both parties to protect and promote Colorado's pristine environment."