Final decisions on the 48 hour design contest that takes place at the O.R. show
Outdoor Retailer is on to something! An existing idea plugged in to a new environment. Reality show Project Runway redone for the Outdoor industry, at the Outdoor industry’s national tradeshow. project O.R. is headed for it’s third edition at the upcoming summer market.
It’s a great idea. Here’s why – it puts the Outdoor industry in front of students across the nation, and demonstrates the appeal of a career in the industry. Plants the seed, so to speak, to attract talented people from the next generation. It also puts brands in front of “customers” or students. It adds a new element to tradeshows. And as Bob McKnight so eloquently said years ago, “grows the pond.”
Here’s how it works. Students are selected from universities across the country. O.R. provides all transportation, lodging, etc. They’re given a design brief, and have 48 hours to produce the design. Then the judging panel (or jury, if you prefer) gathers, reviews, and chooses a winner. Done! What a great way to meet prospective new talent.
Here’s a video clip. And yes, more of this please.
