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Outdoor Retailer show makes Denver debut this week

The show was in Salt Lake City for more than 20 years before deciding on Denver for the next five years.

We all know how beautiful Colorado is, but so does a huge outdoor retail trade show that's bringing tens of thousands of people with it this weekend.

It'll be the first of what organizers expect to be many appearances in Colorado in the coming months and years, with some of the biggest brands and merchandise on display.

And while the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show will bring with it a big economic impact, there's something else it won't offer.

The show is being set up at the Colorado Convention Center, where around 1,000 brands representing everything from skis, heated socks and goggles will take over three floors.

"We picked Denver because of access to outdoor recreation aligns with the culture of our industry," said Marisa Nicholson, the show director for the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show.

The show was in Salt Lake City for more than 20 years. Nicholson says they outgrew the convention center and airport and ultimately decided on Denver as their next home for a five-year agreement.

"We had great support from the folks at Visit Denver, as well as Colorado Convention Center, Mayor Hancock's office as well as Governor Hickenlooper's office," Nicholson said.

That's why brands from around the world, nearly 300 representing Colorado, are setting up inside the convention center. But many of you will not -- the trade show is closed to the public.

It's mostly for the industry to look at next season's gear without outshining what's already in their stores.

But they are in Colorado for a reason. People spend around $28 billion a year here on outdoor activities. It supports 229,000 jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.

"Anticipating anywhere from 25,000 to 30,000 attendees over the next four days of the show," Nicholson said.

Organizers said they will hold three shows in Denver, which could pump around $110 million through hotel bookings, restaurants, shopping as well as of course enjoying outdoor recreations.

Organizers say they are encouraging visitors to take the light rail and are expecting many people to be on foot so are hoping to not clog up roads anymore than they already are.

There will be a Fashion Show Jan. 26 at 7 p.m: Icelandic's Winter on the Rocks. This is open to the public who can check out the the latest and upcoming fashion brands at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Night of Stoke is Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. This is a new event with films as well as hear from professional athletes.

For more info, click or tap here.

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