SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4) - The relationship between the state and Utah's biggest convention has one side saying "we need some space."
Will the Outdoor Retailers show stay?
President and CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association, Frank Hugelmeyer said,"Well, we'd like to..."
The outdoor retailer show has called Salt Lake City home since 1996. Utah is the perfect spot to host this event because of the spectrum of outdoor recreation in the state, and because of the growing popularity, the event is almost outgrowing the Salt Palace.
Hugelmeyer added "We have constant evolution and innovation in our industry, so our needs are more hotel space and exhibit space."
But it's not just space and hotel rooms. Outdoor Retailers oppose the governors' lawsuit to take over BLM land. They are worried what might happen to some of our protected national parks, monuments and wilderness areas.
The show is huge for the local economy, bringing in nearly 39 million dollars a year. Outdoor Retailers is committed to Salt Lake City through 2014. After that... potential sites include Denver, Anaheim, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
But most exhibitors want to stay here.
The OIA (Outdoor Industry Association) will likely make a decision within the next 6 months whether or not Salt Lake City will continue to host this event.
