The Outdoor Retailer show can make dreams a reality

Like most manufacturers, Hackbart and Jackson would likely attend the show wherever it were held. But unlike some of the other business gatherings, those who work in the outdoor industry tend to live the lifestyle they're selling.

"Florida would be easier for us," said Jackson of the Tennessee-based company. "But Las Vegas, I don't really understand, except for the convention centers. That's not an outdoorsy mind-set. I can see why people would want to have conventions in Las Vegas, but that's not the purpose of this show. … I don't think we'd have the best experience in Las Vegas."

She said many of the people they do business with at the Salt Lake show attend with outdoor adventures in mind.

"A lot of our vendors plan mountain bike trips before or after the show," she said. "I think Denver is probably the most appropriate pick, if they leave Salt Lake."

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