Outdoor Retailer Summer 2021 Held With Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
Outdoor Retailer canceled its summer 2020 meet-up and moved winter 2021 online. With a strict initial COVID-19 safety policy that required masks for all at all times during the event, it took place with updated guidelines as had been suggested by the organizers.
Outdoor Retailer, the twice-yearly convention for the outdoor gear industry, returned with Summer in 2021 to an in-person format from August 10 to 12 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
Even as COVID-19 transmission rates had plummet in the U.S., restrictions eased and masks had become increasingly optional in public spaces, convention organizers released strict, initial COVID-19 safety guidelines back in late February.
According to the first safety plan for Outdoor Retailer Summer 2021, masks were required at all times by anyone older than 2 (and they meant masks, the plan clarified — not bandanas, shields or gaiters). Physical distances of six feet was required. A no-contact policy prohibited hugs and handshakes. Guests were to be temperature-checked at entrances each day. Many of these precautions went further than the mitigation efforts required by the City of Denver or State of Colorado. Furthermore, the organization wanted that its floorplan allowed for social distancing, with one-way entrances and exits. Seating areas were to be properly distanced. Transparent shields were to be placed at food and beverage locations and at registration counters. Staff and security were increased. Exhibitors were required to have disinfecting gel at their booths. Medical personnel were required to be on site.
Even if on the outside, the world had started to resemble normality, inside you were to expect the height of 2020.
The organizers of Outdoor Retailer Summer 2021 did say in February when they announced the initial COVID-19 safety guidelines that “given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans will continue to be updated in accordance with the most current recommendations and communicated to all involved with the show.”
And the safety plan seemed to have been updated.
Check out below glimpses of all three days of the event as released by the organizers on their official YouTube channel.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Following the lead, and as they did not want to risk another cancellation, organizers of many annual professional conventions also cautiously announced plans to gather this year, which was a relief to economically suffering convention cities like Denver, Chicago and Las Vegas. Given the anxiety of the public over super-spreaders and transmission chains, many instituted extensive safety precautions.
The fitness world is divided between some willing to brave an in-person convention and those sticking with online meetups. Idea World, a gathering for fitness instructors, was held online this July, with Peloton’s Ally Love giving a virtual keynote. The IHRSA (International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association) has plans to meet in Dallas in October.
Last year, Outdoor Retailer cancelled its Summer Market and moved the 2021 Winter Market online. The summer event for this year was moved from June to August, presumably with the prediction that transmission risks will continue to decline.
