Adventure Outdoors 2003 Provides Active Consumers Exciting Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Travel Options; January 17-19th at the Dulles Expo and Conference Center.

Business Editors

Adventure Outdoors 2003

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003

Adventure Outdoors 2003, an exciting new consumer expo promoting outdoor recreation and adventure travel, is taking place January 17-19th, 2003 at the Dulles Expo and Conference Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The show, open to the public on all three days, will promote adventure travel and outdoor recreation with up to 60+ exhibitors and many interactive exhibits that attendees can participate with. The show expects up to 10,000 attendees during the 3 day event. On Friday from noon to 6:00, the show will also be open to the travel industry.

The show, sponsored by National Geographic Adventure magazine, will offer consumers an interesting and broad range of outdoor activity options and adventure travel destinations. The expo has exhibitors that represent regional, national and even international activities. "We have outfitters coming from as far away as Mongolia and Alaska, as well as many great local companies that offer climbing and paddling excursions," said Heidi Valbusa, President of Adventure Outdoors. "We also have world class adventurers presenting, such as Christine Boskoff from Mountain Madness, who is considered North America's premier female high altitude alpinist and who has summitted six of the world's highest 8000-meter peaks including Mt. Everest." Potomac Outdoors, a local Maryland retailer, will have an onsite retail store, offering the latest in outdoor gear and services. In addition, the expo will provide active consumers a chance to experience some exciting hands-on activities via the many challenging and interesting interactive elements including a rock wall, provided by Sport Rock, a local climbing center, a ropes course and traverse line from Upwards Enterprises, and an indoor scuba pool, where interested participants can try on a wet suit and get a scuba demo (provided by the Diving Equipment Manufacturers Association).

"Washington area residents are very active and adventurous and have a diverse interest and appetite for all things active and outdoors. Our goal is to bring these companies together and provide consumers with exciting and interesting options, both through this annual expo and our searchable website, www.adventureoutdoors.com." Adventure Outdoor launched their website this past fall, (www.adventureoutdoors.com), as an additional search vehicle for individuals to discover exciting adventure travel and outdoor recreational companies and options.

Adventure magazine, winner of two 2002 National Magazine Awards, for General Excellence and Personal Service, was launched in spring 1999 to serve an audience of active, adventurous readers and to expand the National Geographic Society's mission of exploration and discovery into the new century. Published 10 times a years, the magazine is available by subscription

(800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($3.95) and Canada ($3.95). Adventure's Web site is at www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure: AOL Keyword: NatGeo.

Adventure Outdoors was founded in 2002 to provide active consumers with both an annual consumer show and website as vehicles to easily access adventurous outdoor activities and recreation, both in their immediate area, as well as nationally and internationally. Through both the annual consumer expo and website, the company provides extensive information on outfitters, trip operators and activities. Consumers, Exhibitors and Outfitters can get more information on Adventure Outdoors by visiting the web at www.adventureoutdoors.com, via email at [e-mail], or via phone at 703/758-6682.