Colorado leaders look to snag Outdoor Retailer Show from Salt Lake City

A bipartisan group of Colorado politicians is making a pitch to poach the lucrative Outdoor Retailer Show after its final event in Salt Lake City in the summer of 2018.

Organizers are angered at the aggressive attempts by Utah lawmakers to assert state control over federally-owned public lands.

Here’s a press release on Colorado’s bid to host the Outdoor Retailer Show:

Gov. Hickenlooper, Sen. Bennet & Sen. Gardner invite one of the country’s most iconic conventions to Colorado

DENVER — Monday, Feb. 27, 2017  — Governor John Hickenlooper, Senator Michael Bennet and Senator Cory Gardner today sent a joint letter to the Outdoor Retailer Show to encourage its consideration of Colorado as its new home for the popular recreation convention.

In the letter, Colorado’s senior leadership states that the state is the perfect new location for the Outdoor Retailer show given Colorado’s bipartisan commitment to maintaining and protecting public lands.

“Colorado is unmatched in the opportunities to connect with outdoor enthusiasts,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “We truly believe the show will not only find a new awesome home here but will also land new audiences.”

Senator Bennet added that the outdoor industry’s values are aligned with those of Colorado.

“As Coloradans, we value and protect our public lands because we recognize the enormous influence they have on our quality of life and our outdoor economy,” said Bennet. “The abundance, accessibility, and beauty of public lands in our state makes Colorado a perfect destination for the Outdoor Retailer show.”

Senator Gardner echoed that Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry makes this opportunity a win-win for both the state and the show.

“Colorado’s commitment to public lands coupled with its booming outdoor recreation industry makes it the premiere location for the Outdoor Retailer show,” said Gardner. “I’m thrilled to support Colorado’s bid to host this event and showcase our state’s natural beauty.”

The Outdoor Retailer Show announced earlier this month that it is looking for a new host state. Colorado on Thursday submitted the letter to the show’s organizer, Emerald Expositions, indicating that the State plans to respond to the company’s request for proposal (RFP).