2020 Outdoor Economy Conference
The Future of Outdoors
The Future of Outdoors
5 workshops, 5 key topics shaping the future, one Outdoor Economy
All Online | Recordings Now Available
Days
Hours
Mins
Secs
Image Credit: © Blake Schultz / Rebel USA
#OutdoorEconomy October was amazing! Thank you to all of the 415 people from 31 states and 5 countries who joined us for the live workshops!
Catch all of the recorded videos, and keep the conversation going, at outdooreconomy.org/watch
Don't have an all-access pass yet? Buy a pass today for 20+ hours of professionally-produced workshops, along with a great community.
The Outdoor Economy Conference connects, educates, and inspires leaders and doers working to grow the outdoor industry and craft an economy that's intimately tied to the well-being of their places and communities.
The 2020 Conference: The Future of Outdoors
With the outdoors more essential than ever, this year's conference will bring together outdoor leaders from around the country to advance 5 timely topics and ensure a better future for the outdoor economy, and for the people and places that it serves.
Healthy Communities Through Recreation
Growth Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Outdoor Innovation + Entrepreneurship
Next Generation Outdoors
Building Outdoor Communities
Â
Join hundreds of your peers to take action together and grow an outdoor economy that works for all!
What was the 2020 Outdoor Economy Conference like?
> Entirely online
> Workshops Every Thursday in October, from 12-4 EST
> Ample Networking Time With Peers and Presenters
> Over 20 hours of high-impact workshops, available online as recordings
> Get an All-Access Pass today to view the workshops!
Â
We had 415 attendees this year, hailing from 31 states and five countries on four continents. Our speakers and attendees joined us from all over the US, making the most of our virtual format to join in every week for workshops packed with great ideas, replicable models, inspiring speakers, and all the tools needed to secure the future of our outdoor economy. While we certainly miss the shared stoke of an in-person event, it was exciting to see how this new online format made the content and the community more accessible than ever.
Â
If you joined us this year, thank you! And if you haven't gotten your pass(es) yet... what are you waiting for?!! There's so much goodness just a couple of clicks away.
More Information About Our Sessions
Growing public and private investments in outdoor recreation access and infrastructure by demonstrating the health and wellness benefits of outdoor recreation, and of greater and more equitable access to the outdoors
The health of our outdoor economy and the outdoor infrastructure that it relies on are tied to the health and well-being of our communities. It is well documented that access to outdoor recreation is essential for both individual and community health (physical, mental, and emotional).
Investing in outdoor infrastructure and increasing equitable outdoor access will improve social determinants of health and boost our economy at the same time.
Ensuring that the outdoor industry and outdoor communities are embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as growth and development strategies
The future of the outdoor recreation economy is dependent upon our companies and communities becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. There is major work needed to ensure that the outdoors, and the outdoor industry, are welcoming and accessible to people of all races, identities, and abilities.
This year, we are specifically focused on racial equity as a strategic priority for the outdoor industry. Addressing this priority now will lead to current and long-term gains in innovation and economic opportunity, and be critical for engaging future generations of outdoorists.
Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the outdoor industry to drive economic growth and job creation
To build a stronger outdoor economy, we must start, grow, and nurture a thriving ecosystem of outdoor industry companies and partners.
What kinds of programs, infrastructure, and networks are forward-thinking regions putting in place to encourage and train outdoor industry entrepreneurs and innovators?
What resources and initiatives are in place, and which ones are still needed, to help design cutting-edge outdoor products and equipment, start new outdoor businesses, and drive existing companies to success?
What will it take to co-create a thriving outdoor economy that works for and welcomes everyone?
Engaging youth around the outdoors to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for the outdoor economy
Â
The future of the outdoor recreation industry is dependent upon young people growing up with a love for the outdoors, a passion for recreating in our mountains & rivers, and an appreciation for the ways in which these special places can provide satisfying careers and keep their communities strong.
Unfortunately, kids went on 15 percent fewer annual outings in 2018 than they did in 2012, and Americans went on one billion fewer outdoor outings in 2018 than they did in 2008. How can we reverse this trend and secure the future of the outdoor economy?
Putting ideas into action to build outdoor communities, with guided sessions and a supportive workspace for addressing the shared needs and opportunities brought forth throughout the Conference (& beyond).
Â
It takes the whole community to build an outdoor community.Â
Come together with other leaders and doers from your own region as well as peers from around the country to prioritize your top action areas and get hands-on with valuable tools and expert facilitators to help you build strong and lasting partnerships, collect and make the most of data, and tell data- and community-driven stories that attract funding and get things done.
Meet Some of Our Speakers

Abby Dione
Owner, Coral Cliffs Rock Climbing Center
Sarah Calhoun
Owner, Red Ants Pants
Teresa Baker
Founder, Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge
Antony Chiang
CEO, Dogwood Health Trust
Amy Allison
Director, NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
Dr. Nooshin Razani
Director, Center for Nature and Health at UCSF
Jessica (Wahl) Turner
Executive Director, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
Ray Rasker
Executive Director, Headwaters Economics
Lise Aangeenbrug
Executive Director, Outdoor Industry AssociationWhat Makes This Event Great?
TESTIMONIALS
A rare opportunity for a community gathering for outdoor recreation. The sense of community was great. The industry is huge but everyone is often forced to operate on their own island due to geography and type of business. This pulled everyone together.
2019 Attendee
It was great to connect with the variety of attendees from destination managers to elected officials, to business owners, and so on. Lots of good ideas from industry professionals.
2019 Attendee
I love the energy and enthusiasm behind this event --it shows that even in this crazy world right now we can get together, have fun, and learn from each other.

Ray Rasker
Executive Director, Headwaters EconomicsThank You to our sponsors
EVENT SPONSORS