Hickenlooper, Bennet Statement on Emerald X's Decision to Move Outdoor Retailer Show From Colorado to Utah

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet released the following statement after Emerald Expositions (Emerald X) announced its decision to move the Outdoor Retailer Shows from Colorado to Utah:

"Emerald X is ignoring the outdoor recreation industry's strong desire to keep the Outdoor Retailer Show in Denver. While this news is disappointing, we stand ready to work with leaders in outdoor recreation on new opportunities to showcase the community's strength. Colorado's long standing record of supporting outdoor recreation and protecting our public lands make us a leader in this space."

In January, Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis urged Emerald X to keep the Outdoor Retailer Shows in Colorado. In February, they welcomed support from the outdoor industry after leaders expressed that Denver remains the natural home of future Outdoor Retailer Trade shows.

The shows left Utah in 2017 after state leaders supported former President Trump's decision to shrink Bears Ears National Monument. In February 2017, then Governor Hickenlooper, Bennet, and former Colorado U.S. Senator Cory Gardner sent a letter to the show's owner, Emerald X, to encourage its consideration of Colorado as the new host for the popular recreation conventions as Colorado aligns closely with the values and priorities of the outdoor industry such as the restoration of Bears Ears National Monument.

In July 2017, Hickenlooper Bennet, and Gardner applauded the Outdoor Retailer's decision to move its Outdoor Retailer trade shows to Denver. Beginning in January 2018, the shows hosted in Denver have included both a winter and summer Outdoor Retailer Show that have drawn industry leaders to Colorado. Both shows have served as a gathering for important efforts to protect Colorado's public lands, including the launch of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act in January 2019.

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