Thank you to everyone who made our 4th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference an incredible event! With over 600 in attendance, it was the largest Economic Development gathering in North Carolina, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your support. The level of enthusiasm was igniting and the connections made truly inspiring. We look forward to that momentum continuing to build a bright and beautiful future of outdoor recreation in North Carolina, the Southeast Region, the United States and worldwide.
Save the date for the 5th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference, September 18-21, 2023 in Cherokee!
2023 Sponsorships and Exhibitor Opportunities are Available Now!
See what happened in 2022 by checking out the gallery, 2022 speaker roster and session info below.
Photos by Steven Reinhold — The Appalachian Adventure Company & Joanna Brown — MADE X MTNS
Our 2022 Conference featured some of the most prominent movers and shakers in the outdoor industry. See past Speakers below.
James Melonas
North Carolina Forest Supervisor, USFS
Dr. Aby Sène-Harper
Assistant Professor, Clemson University
D. Reid Wilson
Secretary, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Earl B. Hunter Jr
Founder & President, Black Folks Camp Too
Amy Allison
Director, NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
Scott Bricker
Interim Vice President, Travel Oregon
Dr. Melissa Weddell
Chair, Appalachian State Department of Recreation Management
Dr. Ryan L. Sharp
Associate Professor, Applied Park Science Lab, Kansas State University
Erin McCombs
Southeast Director, American Rivers
Steven Foy
Director of Outpost Operations, Nantahala Outdoor Center
Megan Lawson, Ph.D.
Economist, Headwaters Economics
This event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, who recognize the value that the outdoors brings to our communities and our companies. Our 4th Annual Conference sponsors include…
Our attendees regularly rate the Outdoor Economy Conference as one of the best events of the year, noting our top-notch production, engaging speakers and topics, and the awesome community of people they’ve connected with. Here’s just a few testimonials…
777 Casino Dr. Cherokee, NC 28719
Connect with and exchange ideas with outdoor industry and thought leaders from around the nation and the world.
Our in-person conferences sold out in 2019 and 2022.
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Working Together to Ensure a Vibrant Future for the Outdoor Economy and Our Outdoor Communities.
