Big Gear Show Panel Reviews Retailers’ Role in Protecting Outdoors

The Big Gear Show presents a panel discussion at 3:30 p.m., Aug. 3, addressing retailers’ role in protecting access to recreation areas. The American Alpine Club and the Access Fund bring together outdoor industry, government and non-profit organization experts to address issues related to public outdoor recreation access.

Particular attention will be given to the issue of inviting new outdoor participants while reducing the impact on fragile public lands. The speakers will deliver tangible advice on how retailers can be a part of the solution.

“The Big Gear Show made a commitment to addressing complex issues like outdoor recreation access and this event is one of the ways we are achieving that,” said Kenji Haroutunian, outdoor show director with the Big Gear Show and former president of the Access Fund’s board of directors. “The collaborative efforts of both the American Alpine Club and Access Fund to sponsor and bring this discussion to the show are both needed and appreciated.”

The panel discussion titled, The Outdoor Retailer’s Role in Protecting Recreation Access, will take place on Day 2 of The Big Gear Show. Taylor Luneau, policy director, American Alpine Club, will moderate the discussion among these experts:

  • Pitt Grewe, director, Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation
  • Chris Winter, executive director, Access Fund
  • Julia Geisler, executive director, Salt Lake Climbers Alliance
  • Tom Adams, chief operating officer, Petzl America

“Across the country, people are flocking to recreate on our nation’s public lands in record-setting numbers, creating increased stress on infrastructure caused by overcrowding,” said Luneau.

Winter and Luneau believe climbers have a unique role when working alongside land managers and government officials to protect outdoor spaces. “It starts with all of us sharing the personal responsibility to minimize our own impact and take care of the places we love,” said Winter.

American Alpine Club and Access Fund will host a social networking happy hour immediately following the discussion.

The Big Gear Show is in its second year and the 2022 event takes place August 2-3 at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The two-day event will be attended by more than 2,000 professionals from top bike, paddle and outdoor specialty retailers, brands and media.

The Big Gear Show delivers a new model of B2B event designed for specialty retailers, and produced by specialty retailers. The event is all outdoors, in the elements, featuring brands and gear that get customers outdoors.

For information on attending: