Sunday, March 16, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority representatives have met with officials of the annual Outdoor Retailer Winter and Summer shows to convince them to move back to Reno.
The trade shows, which feature the latest in outdoor sporting gear, moved to Salt Lake City in 1996 and are committed to the Utah capital through 1998.
Loss of the shows has cost the local economy an estimated $28 million annually, said Michael Houghton, vice president of marketing for RSCVA. The conventions were Reno's largest.
"They enjoyed their experience with Reno, their exhibitors enjoyed Reno very much," Houghton said, adding his agency is doing everything possible to lure the shows back.
Trade show representatives said the shows' future location is up in the air and depends on what participants want.
"That's not to say we're questioning Salt Lake. We want to keep all opportunities open," said David Loechner, trade show director for Miller Freeman Inc. of Laguna Beach, Calif., which produces the shows.
Attendees at the 1996 summer show had trouble finding enough Salt Lake City hotels and taxis, but faced an easier time at the recent winter show, said Jeff Blumenfeld, a spokesman for the shows.
"Reno is a great town for this show and so is Salt Lake City," Blumenfeld said, adding a dialogue is open with RSCVA.
The shows left Reno last winter after organizers failed to get enough room commitments from local hotels, some of which considered the outdoor-oriented attendees weak gamblers.
After Reno's economy began struggling last spring, the resorts started loosening their room grip for conventions.
RSCVA, which got fewer than 5,000 rooms for last winter's show in Reno, has secured commitments for more than 7,000 rooms for a possible return date as early as 1999, Houghton said.
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