New and Old Friends

It seems like the theme of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market for everyone this year was meeting old and new friends. The tribute to Andy Knapp at the Outdoor Demo was moving for everyone and all of the tributes to John Bachar made us realize just how mortal we all were.

Kenji, Bern, and Todd Jamming at the Conservation Alliance 10th Anniversary Party

I think all of this contributed to the communal feeling this year. Yes, OR is always a great place to meet with friends and colleagues, but this year was special.  Geoff over at ARP penned a great piece on his feelings about the show and Kenji posted it on his blog.

The Conservation Alliance 10th anniversary also celebrated the web of friendships that make up this industry in grand form. It was great to talk, catch up and tell stories with some amazing people.

Even with the “official business” meetings, the most memorable part of the show was checking in on the folks I have been working with for the past eight years.

Josh over at Oboz put it best when he described the outdoor industry as a “99% relationship-based business.” We all share the same business and industry, but we have also shared climbing, backpacking, canoing, trail running, and much more.

I feel quite lucky to be a part of it all.