The 2022 Higher Education & the Outdoor Industry Summit, led in partnership with the Appalachian State University Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education, Western Carolina University Division of Educational Outreach, and the Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University, will connect schools, colleges, and universities committed to drive economic advancement through innovative education, with practitioners and professionals in the industry to better understand their needs and play a larger role in growing the outdoor economy.
Photo: Rebel USA
This Summit is designed for educators, staff, and administrators at higher education institutions who are leading programs focused on the outdoor economy, as well as industry practitioners and professionals interested in engaging around this area of work. Higher Education is defined as two year, baccalaureate, certificate, graduate-level and post-graduate (including doctoral) programs.
The Higher Education Summit at the Outdoor Economy Conference aims to:
This half-day Summit will be held on Thursday, April 7th from 9:00am-12:00pm at The Cherokee Convention Center, at the tail-end of the Outdoor Economy Conference.
Additionally, participants are invited to take part in a happy hour event just before the Conference kickoff in the Expo on Monday, April 4th.
** Please Note: You MUST be registered for the Outdoor Economy Conference to attend this Summit. **
9:00 AM EST | Welcome & Acknowledgements
9:10 | Opening Session – Higher Ed Summit Framing & Schedule Overview
9:30 | Outdoor Industry Panel – What Are The Needs of the Industry & How Can Higher Ed Support?
Panelists will include Industry Leadership/Manufacturers, Access/Policy/Advocacy, Economic Development, Tourism/Outdoor Experiences
10:15 | 15 Min Break
10:30 | Workshop – How can Higher Ed Faculty and Staff better support the Outdoor Industry through Teaching (incl. Workforce Development), Research, and Service
11:45| Next Steps and Core Takeaways
12:00 PM | Adjourn
You must be registered for the Outdoor Economy Conference to participate in the Higher Education & the Outdoor Industry Summit
Working Together to Ensure a Vibrant Future for the Outdoor Economy and Our Outdoor Communities.
