A Washington Town Hall on Trade for Outdoor Companies

When: Wednesday, May 5

OIA Director of Government Affairs Rich Harper will lead a discussion with OIA’s outside trade counsels, Ron Sorini and Andrew Samet, on the wide range of issues that impact global supply chains of critical importance to outdoor companies. Sorini, Samet & Associates has represented OIA for over 15 years, helping our membership navigate a myriad of issues, from punitive tariffs on products sourced from China to securing duty-free treatment for travel goods in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

These are among the topics that Rich, Ron and Andrew will discuss:

  • China tariffs: how long they might continue and prospects for a new exclusion process
  • What the focus in Washington on forced labor means for the industry
  • Implications of the Biden administration’s Build Back Better plan for the industry
  • Shipping challenges for outdoor companies
  • The prospects for new tariffs or free trade stemming from the Section 301 investigations with Vietnam
  • The future of critical trade programs such as GSP and miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs)
  • Your questions

Webinar: ​​​​​​2021 E-Commerce Growth in China for the North American Outdoor Industry

Speakers: Joseph Cooke, President and Co-founder of WPIC Marketing + Technologies; Todd Embley, Host and Executive Producer of The Negotiation podcast

Is growing your brand in the world’s largest online market on your organization’s trajectory for the next year? As the world emerges from the COVID pandemic, do you see opportunity for market growth across Greater China in the next year?

Join WPIC, a leading APAC e-commerce consultancy, for an exclusive webinar, discussing how outdoor industry brands from across North America can succeed in the Chinese market in 2021.

Whether your organization is in the market, is actively looking to launch in China in 2021 or is interested in learning more about the mechanics of a market entry, this webinar will feature insights across a variety of topics, including the following:

  • What sort of growth the outdoor industry can expect in 2021 and beyond
  • Which tactics drive growth in the market today
  • What are the first steps to successfully enter the market and what sort of results can a brand expect in its first year?
  • How will the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics affect consumer behavior?
  • How can North American brands solve challenges around logistics and capital expatriation?
  • What sort of data can be leveraged to drive decisions?

Webinar: 2021 Threats to the West and the Best Policies to Address Them

Speakers: Dave Metz, Partner and President, FM3 Research
Lori Weigel, Principal, New Bridge Strategy

The 11th annual Conservation in the West survey sponsored by Colorado College’s State of the Rockies Project is the most comprehensive view of Western-state voters’ attitudes about conservation issues and challenges. In years past, the survey has focused on issues such as state control of public lands, water rights and wildfire. The 2021 survey has a heavy focus on climate change and how lands and waters can affect that crisis. Our panel of pollsters will highlight findings from this year’s report, key distinctions among different racial/ethnic sub-groups within this region and how current or future federal and state policies can address conservation issues.

CLIMATE ACTION: MAKE BETTER. A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT HOW CLIMATE ACTION CORPS COMPANIES ARE REDUCING SUPPLY CHAIN EMISSIONS

Presenters: Theresa Conn, Global Distribution and Sustainability Manager, NEMO; Rachel Lincoln, Director of Sustainability & Product Ops, prAna; Joleen Ong, Sustainable Manufacturing Manager, Columbia Sportswear Co; Steve Richardson, Brand Solutions, Archroma US Inc; Jenn Swain, Director of Global Sustainability Burton; Michael Sadowski Advisor to the Climate Action Corps

Description: If you’re not already down the path of reducing your carbon footprint, let us help you get a jump start. From recycled content to renewable energy, join this session to gain inspiration and practical know-how to drive down carbon emissions where it matters most – your supply chain. Find out what collaborative projects and new resources the Climate Action Corps has in store for 2021.

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PROSPECTS FOR CLIMATE SOLUTIONS IN THE 117TH CONGRESS: A CONVERSATION WITH SENATOR SHELDON WHITEHOUSE

Presenters: Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association; Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, (D-RI)

Description: Climate change threatens the outdoor experience that our industry depends on. While our businesses invest in ambitious carbon reduction and removals in our operations and supply chains, we must also step up to advocate, engage our consumers and enable broader system change through effective policy at all levels of government. Recent legislative and administrative action brings hope, but narrower margins in both the House and Senate impart cautious optimism. In this session, long-time climate champion Senator Sheldon Whitehouse reveals his optimism for what can get done this Congress and why now is a critical time for outdoor businesses to show up. This discussion will both inspire and provide practical insight on what federal legislative action is possible, what it will take and how the outdoor business voice can play a key role.

  • Welcome, intros and summary of outdoor industry climate policy priorities, Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association
  • Long-time climate champion Senator Sheldon Whitehouse shares his prospects and strategies for climate policy progress and suggestions for how the outdoor business community can be a helpful partner.
  • Q&A from OIA members and partners