2022 Stewards of Opportunity Conference Track:

Responsible Outdoor Product Innovation

About the Responsible Outdoor Product Innovation Track

There’s a reason that the top companies in the world are integrating environmental and social responsibility strategies into every aspect of their businesses, and innovating their core products to make a positive impact. They are doing so because today’s consumers demand that their brands stand for something, and because it makes good business sense. This track will focus on how outdoor brands both large and small can design and build products that have positive impacts, create value, and provide a competitive advantage.  From sourcing, supply chain, and manufacturing, all the way to waste management and circular economies – this track will highlight a whole-systems approach to innovative and regenerative company and product development.

Topics for this Track Include:

Speakers for This Track Include:

  • David Billstrom, CEO, Kitsbow
  • Rommel Vega, Founder, HOLO Footwear
  • Dr. Karen Leonas, NCSU Textile Consumer Science and Sustainability
  • Patrick Kennedy, Vice President of Operations, SylvanSport
  • Jasmine Cox, Director of Textile Technology Programs & Business Innovation, Manufacturing and Textile Innovation Network
  • Lauren Rash, Chief Operating Officer, Diamond Brand Gear Company
  • Anne Wiper, Vice President, General Merchandise Manager (Smartwool), VF Corporation
  • Eric Henry, President, TSDesigns

Early Bird Tickets end fEB. 28TH!

Conference schedule

To simplify the schedule to your preferred program track, please see the “Filter By Track” color-coded list on the right-hand side, and check the box of your preferred track. If all boxes are checked, you can uncheck them to narrow down your view.

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The past year has been life changing, not just for us as individuals, but for our communities, economies, and the outdoor industry as a whole. The need to grow and strengthen our respective outdoor economies is more relevant than ever. 

Since its inception, Outdoor Economy Conference has provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by the leaders and doers who are working to grow the outdoor industry and craft an economy that’s intimately tied to the well-being of their places and communities.

This year’s conference is no exception. Our team is passionate about their work and has been busy crafting an amazing program centered around place driven community and economic development.

Did we mention that the conference is in the legendary outdoor playground that is Western North Carolina? You’ll be just 5 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 minutes from some of the country’s most epic mountain biking, and within walking distance of fantastic fly fishing.

Maybe you’re more of a luxe digs sort of person – well, we’ve got that too. The Outdoor Economy Conference will be one of the first events at the swanky, newly-constructed, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center. And the room rates are crazy good. Oh, and it’s also during those magical first few weeks of spring, when the trillium and the trout are rising. So what are you waiting for? Register now! 

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harrah's cherokee conference center

777 Casino Dr. Cherokee, NC 28719

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