TGA Tests New Value-Add Strategy with Pavilion at Outdoor Retailer Show

Salt Lake City — June 2025 — In a bold test to expand value for its members beyond the annual Travel Goods Show, the Travel Goods Association (TGA) participated in the Outdoor Retailer (OR) Show this June with a hosted Travel Gear Pavilion — pulled together in just ten days.

TGA President & CEO Josh Cross reached out to OR Show Director Sean Smith with the idea, and in short order, TGA mobilized. Forty-one TGA member brands were invited to participate, contributing a wide range of products — from performance outdoor gear to premium luggage and travel accessories. The result: Over 300 attendees visited the TGA Pavilion over three days, including 91 verified buyers.

Of the 41 participating companies, five sent representatives in person. The Travel Gear Pavilion created meaningful engagement not only with buyers but also with industry leaders and policy influencers. TGA used the opportunity to highlight its advocacy efforts on key issues like GSP, tariffs, and global trade, and to engage members in conversations about shaping the future of the association.

Adding to the momentum, OR’s Sean Smith gave TGA the main stage to introduce the organization to a broader audience. Products were given away throughout the show, generating buzz and attracting foot traffic to the Pavilion.

“While the OR Show is clearly working to rebuild past attendance levels,” said Cross, “this experiment proved there is a compelling opportunity for TGA to support its members in new, creative ways.”

Looking Ahead

While the TGA’s annual Travel Goods Show continues to grow and remains our flagship event, hosting a pavilion at other trade shows presents a new opportunity to expand our reach and deliver added value to members throughout the year.

“We’re actively exploring strategic partnerships with other trade events where a TGA Pavilion could bring additional value to its members,” Cross added. “This is only the beginning.”

If your brand is interested in participating in future events like this, please sign up here.

Next Stop: 2026

The association is already deep into planning for the 2026 Travel Goods Show — with a major industry announcement coming soon.

Stay tuned.