The owner of the popular Outdoor Retailer trade show will merge the event with an existing snowsports show in Denver starting in 2018—the move coming as a result of a political dispute about the future of public lands in Utah.

Emerald Exhibitions announced Wednesday it had closed a deal with SnowSports Industries America to purchase the association's Denver-based SIA Snow Show. The company will combine the event with the Outdoor Retailer winter show, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Industry Association.

Outdoor Retailer is a biannual event showcasing outdoor clothing and recreational equipment that has been held in Salt Lake City for several years. However, the outdoor industry and OIA told Emerald Exhibitions to yank the trade show from the city in protest of efforts by Utah lawmakers to transfer federal public lands to state control. The industry is particularly incensed by efforts to rescind federal protection for Utah's Bears Ears National Monument, which was created by former President Barack Obama but opposed by many conservative lawmakers in Western states.

The new Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show will be jointly sponsored by SIA and OIA, according to Emerald Exhibitions. The first show will be held in January 2018.

"For quite some time, the industry has asked to merge the shows," SIA President Nick Sargent said in a statement. "A consolidated trade show not only helps reduce the stress on our industry, but also provides a platform that offers more impact for our members to do business, while delivering a greater ROI."

Emerald Exhibitions didn't disclose what it paid SIA for the Snow Show but the Denver Post previously reported the deal cost the company $16.7 million. The company also produces an Outdoor Retailer summer show but hasn't announced which city will host the event. http://bit.ly/2qkB3RY

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