Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026

August 18, 2026 - August 20, 2026
Minneapolis, MN, USA

About Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

The premier B2B trade show for outdoor apparel, equipment and gear, featuring new product launches and industry networking.

Event Description

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026: The Outdoor Industry's New Central Hub in Minneapolis

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026, taking place August 19-21, 2026 at Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN, marks an exciting new chapter for the outdoor industry's premier summer gathering. This strategic move establishes a central hub in one of the nation's most vibrant outdoor business ecosystems, bringing together retailers, brands, and industry leaders for three days of connection, innovation, and business growth. The event's timing—positioned after peak summer sales and before fall production—offers optimal scheduling for buyers to make strategic purchasing decisions while experiencing the latest in outdoor gear and equipment.

The 2026 edition introduces an innovative format designed to maximize connection and drive sell-through growth. Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 emphasizes brand storytelling and meaningful relationships over traditional trade show experiences, creating an environment where business outcomes align with industry advancement and community building.

Comprehensive Show Features and Innovative Pavilions

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 features activity-focused zones that streamline the buying experience and showcase products in context. The show floor is organized into distinct categories including Camp & Hike, Run & Cycle, Climb, Water, and Lifestyle, allowing attendees to efficiently navigate thousands of products across their areas of interest. This thoughtful organization helps retailers discover new brands while deepening relationships with established partners.

A standout feature is the Garage Grown Gear + Founded Outdoors Campsite Pavilion, a dedicated space spotlighting independent and specialty brands that are driving innovation in the outdoor sector. This pavilion provides emerging companies with visibility alongside industry leaders, fostering the discovery of unique products that can differentiate retail offerings. Additionally, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 introduces the inaugural Ascent Summit, bringing new thought leadership opportunities to the outdoor business community.

Education takes center stage with a full day dedicated to retailer education and industry thought leadership. The programming includes focused tracks on sustainable growth strategies, artificial intelligence applications in outdoor retail, and supply chain management—critical topics for navigating today's complex business environment. These sessions provide actionable insights that attendees can implement immediately to strengthen their operations.

Why Attend Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026

Retailers and industry professionals attend Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 to gain competitive advantages through early product discovery, strategic partnerships, and industry intelligence. The show's timing allows buyers to assess summer performance data while making informed decisions about inventory for upcoming seasons. The concentrated format maximizes productivity, enabling attendees to accomplish in three days what might otherwise require months of individual brand meetings and research.

Beyond the show floor, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 offers unique networking through the "Celebrate Minnesota Outdoors" program. This initiative provides guided outdoor activities that connect attendees with Minneapolis's exceptional local landscapes, from pristine lakes to extensive trail systems. These experiential opportunities foster authentic relationships between industry peers while demonstrating Minnesota's commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation.

The Minneapolis location itself offers strategic advantages, providing central accessibility for attendees traveling from across North America while immersing them in a region with deep outdoor industry roots and a passionate recreation community. This setting creates natural synergies between business objectives and the outdoor lifestyle that drives the industry forward.

Minneapolis Convention Center: Your Gateway to Minnesota's Outdoor Culture

Minneapolis Convention Center provides a world-class venue for Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026, offering modern facilities and flexible spaces that accommodate the show's innovative format. Located in downtown Minneapolis, the venue places attendees at the center of a walkable city known for extensive park systems, craft breweries, and distinctive dining. The surrounding area offers easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities that exemplify why Minneapolis serves as an ideal host city for the outdoor industry's summer gathering.

Plan Your Visit to Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026

Registration and detailed information about Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 are available at https://summer.outdoorretailer.com/. Whether you're a specialty retailer, outdoor brand, or industry professional, this event offers unparalleled opportunities to advance your business, discover innovation, and connect with the outdoor community. Mark your calendar for August 19-21, 2026, and experience the future of outdoor retail in Minneapolis.

Show Highlights

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 introduces innovative features designed to enhance connection and business growth in Minneapolis. The show's strategic timing after peak summer sales and before fall production provides optimal conditions for buyers and manufacturers to assess market performance and plan future strategies.
  • Activity-Focused Zones: Dedicated areas for Camp & Hike, Run & Cycle, Climb, Water, and Lifestyle categories provide targeted networking and product discovery opportunities
  • Garage Grown Gear + Founded Outdoors Campsite Pavilion: A specialized showcase highlighting independent and specialty brands, fostering innovation in the outdoor industry
  • Inaugural Ascent Summit: A new thought leadership platform bringing together industry experts and decision-makers
  • Comprehensive Education Program: Full-day retailer education featuring tracks on sustainable growth, AI implementation, and supply chain management
  • Celebrate Minnesota Outdoors: Guided outdoor activities connecting attendees with local landscapes while building business relationships
The Minneapolis location establishes a central hub in a vibrant outdoor business ecosystem, making it easily accessible for industry professionals across North America while showcasing the region's commitment to outdoor recreation and sustainable business practices.

Key Topics

  • Camp & Hike Equipment and Gear
  • Run & Cycle Products and Innovation
  • Climbing Equipment and Technology
  • Water Sports and Aquatic Recreation
  • Outdoor Lifestyle Products
  • Sustainable Growth Strategies
  • Artificial Intelligence in Retail
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Independent and Specialty Brand Development
  • Brand Storytelling and Marketing

Who Should Attend

The target audience for Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 consists of outdoor industry professionals focused on business growth and innovation in Minneapolis's thriving outdoor ecosystem. Primary attendees include retail buyers and purchasing managers from specialty outdoor stores, sporting goods retailers, and independent shops seeking new products and brands. The audience encompasses outdoor gear manufacturers, apparel companies, and equipment brands looking to expand their retail partnerships and demonstrate product innovations. Supply chain professionals and logistics specialists attend to explore operational improvements and sustainable business practices. The event attracts independent outdoor brands and emerging companies, particularly those featured in the Garage Grown Gear + Founded Outdoors Campsite Pavilion. Technology professionals and digital transformation specialists focusing on AI implementation and e-commerce solutions form a growing segment of attendees. Retail executives and store owners participate in educational programming covering sustainable growth strategies and market trends. Industry analysts, consultants, and thought leaders contribute to the knowledge-sharing environment during the inaugural Ascent Summit and educational tracks, creating a comprehensive gathering of outdoor industry stakeholders committed to connection, innovation, and sustainable business growth.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 is essential for retail buyers, purchasing managers, and merchandise planners from specialty outdoor retailers, sporting goods chains, and independent outdoor gear shops. The timing after peak summer sales and before fall production makes it ideal for buyers looking to assess market trends and plan inventory strategies. Product managers and brand managers from outdoor companies should attend to gain insights into sell-through growth and brand storytelling opportunities. Retail executives and store owners will benefit from the comprehensive retailer education program featuring tracks on sustainable growth, artificial intelligence implementation, and supply chain management optimization. E-commerce managers and digital marketing professionals will find value in learning about emerging technologies and online selling strategies. Independent retailers and specialty store operators should particularly attend to explore the Garage Grown Gear + Founded Outdoors Campsite Pavilion, which highlights innovative independent brands. Sales representatives, regional managers, and territory managers covering the outdoor industry will discover new partnership opportunities across the activity-focused zones. Supply chain professionals, logistics managers, and procurement specialists will gain valuable insights from educational sessions on supply chain management. The event also attracts outdoor industry analysts, consultants, and thought leaders who contribute to and benefit from the knowledge-sharing environment focused on sustainable business practices and industry innovation.

Who Should Exhibit

Companies across the outdoor recreation industry should exhibit at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2026 to reach key decision-makers in Minneapolis's central location. Camping and hiking equipment manufacturers can showcase their latest gear in the dedicated Camp & Hike zone, while running and cycling brands have targeted exposure in the Run & Cycle area. Climbing equipment companies and water sports manufacturers will find specialized audiences in their respective activity-focused zones. Lifestyle outdoor brands can connect with retailers seeking versatile products that appeal to broader consumer segments. Independent and specialty outdoor brands should particularly consider the Garage Grown Gear + Founded Outdoors Campsite Pavilion, designed specifically to spotlight emerging and innovative companies. Established outdoor gear manufacturers can leverage the show's focus on brand storytelling to strengthen retailer relationships and demonstrate product innovations. Sustainable outdoor brands will benefit from the show's emphasis on sustainable growth and environmentally conscious business practices. Technology companies serving the outdoor industry, including those developing AI solutions for retail optimization, should exhibit to connect with retailers exploring digital transformation. Outdoor apparel companies, footwear manufacturers, and accessory brands will find comprehensive coverage of the outdoor lifestyle market. Supply chain solution providers and logistics companies can reach outdoor industry professionals seeking operational improvements during this strategically timed event that bridges summer sales analysis and fall production planning.

Quick Info

Venue
Minneapolis Convention Center
Location
Minneapolis , MN
USA
Show Status
Confirmed
Last Updated
Dec 4, 2025