Expert-led education sessions offer strategic insight into the future of the outdoor business, highlighted by sustainability, consumer and market insights, and advocacy.
BOULDER, CO (October 5, 2023) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced its diverse lineup of education sessions at the Outdoor Retailer Winter show, held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah, November 14-16, 2023.
Featuring experts in their field, OIA education sessions are uniquely programmed to serve the outdoor industry as it drives business into the future, addressing critical topics like sustainable business practices, advocacy issues, and consumer and market trends. A source for trusted guidance, verified research and pragmatic approach, OIA’s education lineup ensures that outdoor businesses continue to thrive in an ever-changing economic, political, and social landscape.
“As we evolve the business of the outdoors into the future, our industry will continue to be met with a multitude of challenges,” said OIA President, Kent Ebersole. “The goal of the OIA education sessions at Outdoor Retailer is to identify the most important issues facing the industry, address them with expert research and intelligence, and supply our business community with guidance and the required skills and tools to confidently adapt and grow.”
One of the most pressing issues confronting the outdoor industry is the imperative to phase out PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, from the supply chain. Launched in July of 2023, OIA’s new industry-wide sustainability program, Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition, is a consulting service and working group designed to help member companies balance financial and product management risks with new and existing sustainability legislation. PFAS Phase-Out: The trail to sustainable product development will provide guidance on how to best approach PFAS compliance standards, led by OIA’s CCMC legislative advisor, James Pollack.
A $862 billion economic engine accounting for 2% of US GDP, the outdoor industry supports over 4.5 million American jobs. From climate, conservation, and equity in the outdoors to international trade, there is an urgent need for outdoor businesses to engage in advocacy to protect the future of outdoor recreation economy. OIA’s Director of Government Affairs, Rich Harper, will lead a robust conversation on the key issues facing our industry, why it is so important to participate in advocacy, and the tools businesses can use to engage policymakers at the state and federal level in Lobbying 101: The tools for effective advocacy for your outdoor business.
The definitive authority on outdoor participation trends, research, and data, OIA’s Research Director Kelly Davis will explore the state of the outdoor market and the latest trends in outdoor recreation participation in How to Adapt to the Evolving Outdoor Consumer. Davis will share valuable insight into economic conditions impacting the outdoor industry, consumer confidence and sentiment, trends in consumer spending, and a full view of the evolving and emerging outdoor participant base.
The Path Ahead: How the Emerging Outdoor Consumer and Sustainability Will Shape the Future of Our Industry will provide a deep dive on outdoor recreation participation and consumer behavior, delving into critical market issues such as demographic shifts and the influence of sustainability issues on outdoor recreation, consumer behavior, and the industry at large.
To view the complete lineup of educational opportunities at the Outdoor Retailer Winter show, please visit OIA’s website.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
