PARK CITY (ABC 4 News) - The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market started today with its annual Open Air Demo day at Jordanelle State Park.
"This is really where the business gets done and the relationships get made and reinforced," said Outdoor Retailer show director Kenji Haroutunian. "That sets the stage for the future of the business."
The demo day allows those participating to network in a very hands on way by putting new products to the test in the environment they were designed for.
"You can look at the stuff in magazines but it's not the same," said Dave Lindo with Oklahoma City Kayaks. "I want to get in the boat, try them out so I can come back to my customer and say this is the right boat for you.
Obviously, there's plenty of business to attend to but demo day allows everyone involved to have a little bit of fun as well.
"It can get you in trouble a little bit with the wife when you come home and you show her all the new toys you want," said Mike Fischer with Season Five Apparel. "There's too much fun here to be had."
Between manufacturers, retailers and suppliers, the remaining days of the convention will feature a record 27,000 participants demonstrating the latest the outdoor recreation industry has to offer.
"Granted, there's a little bit of competition here but there's a lot of comradery," said Ken Hoeve with Jackson Kayaks.
Outdoor Retailer runs Thursday through Sunday and is not open to the general public. Only authorized buyers and members of the trade will be admitted.
