The Top Outdoor Industry Trade Shows and Conventions in 2025–2026

When it comes to generating buzz and building strong leads, nothing beats face-to-face contact. Trade shows and conventions are still one of the best ways to connect with potential clients, showcase your products, and grow relationships in the outdoor lifestyle space.

If you’re in the hunting, fishing, shooting, tactical, or outdoor sporting industries, here’s a list of the top outdoor conventions in 2025 and 2026 that you won’t want to miss:

Outdoor Retailer & Outdoor Design + Innovation (Summer Show)

Date: June 18–20, 2025
City: Salt Lake City, Utah
Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center

The largest outdoor industry event in North America, featuring brands across categories like camping, climbing, hiking, and fishing. Organized gear zones help connect retailers, brands, and media.

SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show)

Date: January 21–24, 2025 and January 20–23, 2026
City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Venue: Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum

The biggest event for firearms, hunting, shooting sports, and law enforcement professionals. Tens of thousands of industry attendees gather annually in Las Vegas, making it one of the most important trade shows in the outdoor space.

ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades)

Date: July 15–18, 2025 and July 14–17, 2026
City: Orlando, Florida
Venue: Orange County Convention Center

The largest sportfishing trade show in the world. Retailers, media, and manufacturers come together for the latest in gear, accessories, and apparel.

Great American Outdoor Show

Date: February 1–9, 2025 (2026 dates TBD)
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Venue: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center

The world’s largest outdoor recreation show, celebrating hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions. Nine halls packed with gear, outfitters, boats, RVs, and family activities.

Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show

Date: March 21–23, 2025
City: Uncasville, Connecticut
Venue: Mohegan Sun — Earth Expo & Convention Center

Over 200 exhibitors, plus fly-casting demos, dog training seminars, wildlife displays, and a Kids Zone featuring a live trout pond.

Outside Festival

Date: Late May 2025
City: Denver, Colorado

A fast-growing outdoor lifestyle festival that combines music, outdoor gear showcases, and cultural programming. It’s quickly becoming a staple event for brands looking to reach a wide audience beyond industry insiders.

Switchback Spring

Date: June 16–18, 2026
City: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

An outdoor specialty business and education event, focused on connecting retailers, brands, and media. Features workshops, industry discussions, and product showcases.

Surf Expo

Date: September 4–6, 2025
City: Orlando, Florida
Venue: Orange County Convention Center

The leading trade show for watersports, boutique, coastal lifestyle, and resort markets. Exhibitors include surf, paddle, swim, and outdoor lifestyle brands.

America Outdoors Conference & Outfitter Expo

Date: December 9–12, 2025
City: Salt Lake City, Utah
Venue: Hilton Salt Lake City Center

A national gathering for outfitters and outdoor recreation providers, featuring education sessions, business workshops, and a large expo floor.

Equip Expo

Date: October 21–24, 2025 and October 20–23, 2026
City: Louisville, Kentucky

One of the largest shows in the green and landscaping industries, featuring massive outdoor equipment demos and education sessions.

Outdoor Economy Conference

Date: September 15–18, 2025
City: Asheville, North Carolina

The nation’s largest gathering focused on the economic development side of outdoor recreation, including conservation, sustainability, and community growth.

Colorado Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit (COILS)

Date: October 1–3, 2025
City: Estes Park, Colorado

A statewide event bringing together outdoor leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Offers networking and collaboration in a retreat-style setting.

ISPO Munich & ISPO Shanghai

Date: Munich — December 2025 (exact dates TBD)
Date: Shanghai — July 2025
City: Munich, Germany / Shanghai, China

The largest global trade shows for sports and outdoor gear. ISPO brings together thousands of brands and retailers with an international focus on sustainability and innovation.

Hunting & Outdoor Events to Watch (2026)

• ATA Show — January 7–10, Indianapolis, IN
• TTHA Hunters Extravaganza — January 9–11, Dallas, TX
• Wild Sheep Foundation Show — January 22–24, Reno, NV
• Houston Safari Club Convention — January 23–25, The Woodlands, TX

About Richardson Marketing

Richardson Marketing provides marketing strategies, branding, social media, marketing automation, analytics and lead generation campaigns targeted at the hunting, fishing, shooting, and outdoor lifestyle consumer.

If you want a no-obligation consultation on what it takes to set up your conversion tracking, give us a call at 702-487-5270 or head on over to our contact page and fill out our contact form.

Learn more about our Outdoor Lifestyle Marketing Solutions.