The Outdoor Economy Conference brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and enthusiasts from across the nation to explore, learn, and collaborate on fostering a sustainable and thriving outdoor economy. As the nation’s largest outdoor recreation-focused economic development gathering, the Outdoor Economy Conference aims to provide a holistic understanding of the intricate relationship between outdoor recreation, community health, and economic vitality.
Expect the return of our hugely popular Expo space, inspirational programming, workshops & field visits, cross-sector summits, facilitated networking opportunities, and much more.
This year’s theme of “Investing in the Ecosystem” and its four main tracks focus on: People, Community, Businesses, and the Natural World. The conference aims to provide a holistic understanding of the intricate relationship between outdoor recreation and economic vitality.
We invite dynamic and knowledgeable individuals to submit a proposal to speak at this year’s conference. Successful proposals will align with one of the four main tracks and address topics relevant to the intersection of outdoor recreation and economic development!
All proposals must be submitted by April 19th.
All tracks and sessions are all organized around the greater conference theme of Investing in the Ecosystem.
Woven throughout these core Program Tracks are common threads, including:
Community Engagement
Long-Term Planning & Adaptability
Funding
Public Access
Workforce Development
Leadership
Participation Growth & Retention
Policy
Data & Emerging Trends
Our 2025 conference (new dates due to Hurricane Helene) features some of the most prominent movers and shakers in outdoor industry, community, conservation, educational institutions, land management and more.
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
2024 Sponsorships and Exhibitor Opportunities are Available Now!
See what happened in 2023 by checking out the gallery below.
Photos by David Huff Creative
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 6th 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.
Working Together to Ensure a Vibrant Future for the Outdoor Economy and Our Outdoor Communities.
