A Force For Advocacy
Join OIA at Outdoor Retailer Winter Online for in-depth discussions on DEI, outdoor recreation, climate action, participation and trade, as well as the catalyst that moves all these issues forward: our shared commitment to advocacy.
As your trade association and the industry’s collective voice, we work with and on behalf of our members to advocate for policies that promote Thriving People, a Thriving Planet, and Thriving Outdoor Businesses. We provide meaningful opportunities that members might not have otherwise to engage in policy, and the impact is made more meaningful through collaboration and access that we facilitate.
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How to Navigate OR Winter Online Education:
To access sessions live or on demand you will need to be logged in to the OR Winter Online platform (Swapcard). You can view the session live at the time noted or later on-demand from the “Education & Events,” section of the platform. The orange “sign up” button under each session below will allow you to add the session to your online attendee profile. You can add sessions to your personal calendar in the OR platform by going to My Event > My Schedule > Export to My Calendar. The sessions will auto-play in the OR platofrm session window at the listed time.
Climate Action
Participation + DEI
Trade
Outdoor Recreation
Inclusivity at the Forefront: The Time Is Now for Brands to Change
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. MT
Moderator: Lindsay Peoples Wagner; Editor-in-Chief, Teen Vogue
Description: Learn how the fashion industry is taking meaningful action to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion principles and how the outdoor industry can find ways to truly allow everyone to use their voice.
Customers, employees and other stakeholders are demanding more than just words – they are expecting real action and accountability on diversity and inclusion. In response, Lindsay Peoples Wagner, who has shaped the Teen Vogue brand to be a model for inclusivity, social values and community, co-founded the Black in Fashion Council. The council has enlisted the support of the Human Rights Campaign to provide benchmarking around corporate policies and practices pertinent to the inclusivity of Black employees and to establish an Equality Index Score.
In her keynote presentation, Peoples Wagner will walk through the components of this index, flag harmful practices and provide actionable steps to increase inclusivity and make employees of color feel seen and heard. You’ll learn what brands should do (and not do) to authentically reflect and connect with customers, employees, stakeholders and their communities.
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Climate Action: Ambition, Collaboration and Practical Steps to Guide Our Industry’s Path to Climate Positive
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. MT
Description: The launch of the Climate Action Corps one year ago kicked off our industry’s bold and collaborative mission toward climate positive by 2050 or sooner, and is now nearly 100 companies strong. The climb to “climate positive” is an adventure like no other, the next decade of which is critical. Outdoor companies who excel in this race to the top will be rewarded by customers, employees, consumers and investors. Those who don’t will lose out. But what does “climate positive” even mean? How can we get there? This session will open with a powerful call to action for why and how the outdoor industry can (and must) lead by example despite volatile times from business strategy expert and sustainability guru Andrew Winston, followed by practical, achievable steps you can take in your day-to-day outdoor business to transform the status-quo by reducing what you emit, removing even more, and advocating for policies that matter most.
Keynote: The Big Pivot – Sustainability and Climate Action in Volatile Times, Andrew Winston, a globally-recognized expert on building resilient, profitable companies that help the world thrive.
Additional Speakers:
Reduce: Tackle the major sources of emissions in a bottle, a boot and a snowboard (Michael Sadowski, independent advisor to OIA’s Climate Action Corps)
Remove: Two outdoor companies’ approaches to carbon removal (Mike Gass, Timberland, and Matt Thurston, REI)
Advocate: Why the unique voice of the outdoor industry business community matters (Katherine Hamilton energy policy guru and thought leader, co-host of The Energy Gang podcast).
Moderator: Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association
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The Outdoor Business Climate Partnership Presents: Climate Advocacy in 2021
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. MT
Presenters: Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association; Geraldine Link, National Ski Areas Association; Chris Steinkamp, Snowsports Industries America; Representative John Curtis (R-UT); Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO); Brendan McGuire, Vail Resorts
Description: The new administration has the most progressive climate agenda of any administration in U.S. history. There are lots of exciting changes in store, but also lots of hard work from all of us to make the most out of this opportunity to tackle this existential threat. Join us to learn more about the outlook and opportunities for progress at the federal level and how the winter outdoor industry can play a lead role in advancing federal climate policy in the new administration and 117th Congress.
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Climate Action: Run Cleaner. Renewable Energy 101: Sourcing 100 Percent Renewable Is Easier Than You Think
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. MT
Presenters: Bret Estep, Tenaska Renewable Energy Advisory Services; Michael Sadowski, Advisor to OIA; Sue Long, Sustainability Initiative Manger, REI
Description: Green Tariffs. REC. PPA. What does it all mean? If your company wants to source renewable energy in the United States but finds the landscape of acronyms and complex terminology dizzying, join this 101 session and let us cut through the clutter to bring you the need-to-know basics.
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Thriving People and Planet: How Public Policy Can Build An Outdoors for All
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT
Moderator: Stephanie Maez, Outdoor Foundation
Presenters: Lesford Duncan, Outdoor Outreach; Deb Haaland, Secretary-Designate of Interior; Mike Knopp, RIVERSPORT Foundation; Axie Navas, New Mexico Office of Outdoor Recreation; Matthew Millspaugh, California Department of Parks and Recreation
Description: The Thrive Outside Initiative is focused on reversing the declining trend of outdoor engagement by working at the grassroots level, empowering diverse communities across America to make outdoor recreation an accessible lifestyle for all. While engaging in local communities and networks is critical, it is also imperative to work with policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that all youth and their families can thrive outside.
Join a panel of outdoor leaders, including Secretary-Designate of Interior Deb Haaland, as we discuss how public policy can increase outdoor participation in diverse communities and how increasing participation, in turn, supports outdoor policy and benefits such as youth development, environmental stewardship, overall health and wellness and more.
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Thriving People and Thriving Planet: The 30 by 30 Initiative Is An Opportunity to Create a Shared Outdoor Future
Thursday, January 21, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT
Presenters: Lise Aangeenbrug, Outdoor Industry Association; Raina Thiele, Thiele Strategies; Maite Arce, Hispanic Access Foundation; Whit Fosburgh, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Azul; Hans Cole, Patagonia
Description: Join us to find out more about 30 by 30 for People & Planet — an effort to protect at least 30 percent of America’s land and ocean area by 2030. Embraced by national and global thought leaders, the movement is likely to get more attention under a Biden administration. We’ve invited panelists with diverse perspectives — outdoor recreation advocates, sportsmen, tribal leaders and equity in the outdoors experts — to discuss how we can work together to simultaneously and symbiotically support public and private land conservation traditions in the U.S., address climate change, honor the sovereignty of tribal nations and ensure equitable access for current and future generations.
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Thriving People, Thriving Planet and Thriving Businesses: Biden, Congress and the Outdoor Recreation Economy
Friday, January 22, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT
Presenters: George Cooper, Forbes-Tate; Rich Harper, Outdoor Industry Association; Taldi Harrison, REI; Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association; Mike Ratchford, W.L. Gore & Associates; Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.); Jeannie Renne-Malone, VF Corporation
Description: The 2020 general election was one of the most consequential in U.S. history for the outdoor recreation economy. And outdoor voters responded in record numbers in support of all aspects of our policy priorities. With a new administration and Congress, we now have the opportunity to build on the success of the Great American Outdoors Act and help tackle climate change, protect our public lands and waters, expand access to the outdoors for all Americans and help our industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic with new investments in green infrastructure and close-to-home recreation and a balanced trade agenda. Join us for an exciting conversation on what lies ahead for the outdoor recreation economy and how we can play a meaningful role.
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Thriving People and Thriving Business: Outdoor Companies Leading With Inclusive and Representative Marketing
Saturday, January 23, 2021 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m MT
Moderator: Miho Aida, NatureBridge
Presenters: Janice Tennant, Merrell; Mirna Valerio, Merrell Brand Advocate; Allison Miles, Ruffwear; Vasu Sojitra, The North Face Athlete
Description: Diversity and inclusion should not be performative buzzwords. Hear from brands that are doing the work to rethink their marketing strategies, build authentic relationships and incorporate strong representation in their advertising. These industry voices will explore best practices in diversity and inclusive marketing, give insights into steps their companies are taking and discuss the future of marketing within the outdoor industry.
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Climate Action: Make Better. Unlocking GHG Reductions Through Low Carbon Materials*
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. MT
Presenters: Jessie Curry, Outdoor Industry Association; Ashley Gill, Textile Exchange; Jane Turnball, European Outdoor Group; Krishna Manda, Lenzing; Colm Jordan, Indorama Ventures; Mike Joyce, Primaloft
Description: Materials and their manufacturing processes make up the bulk of a products’ emissions, making the pursuit of “low carbon” materials a critical piece of any reduction strategy. Many leading fiber and material suppliers already have a range of solutions – yet, once you know what to source, do you know how to make it happen? Join to hear from industry leaders and innovative suppliers for key insights on overcoming barriers to aggressive substitution and actions brands can take to help unlock this transition at scale.
*This session is only available to current members of the OIA Climate Action Corps. Learn more and join the Corps.
A New Beginning? Opportunities and Challenges for Outdoor Products and Global Supply Chains in 2021
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 10:00 a.m. MT
Moderator: Rich Harper; Outdoor Industry Association
Presenters: Sara Bowersox, Keen; Ben Christensen, Simms Fishing Products; Brent Meriam, NEMO; Loren VandenBerghe, REI; Emily Vedaa, Columbia Sportswear
Description: Over the past few years, outdoor companies, from importers to domestic manufacturers alike, have had to deal with a series of threats to their supply chains, from steel and aluminum tariffs and the US-China trade war, to the covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of what may come next. With a new administration and Congress, outdoor companies look to turn the corner and take advantage of a surge in interest in outdoor recreation by doing what they do best: develop and bring to market innovative outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment to enhance the outdoor experience. Join us for an informative discussion with representatives from several outdoor companies on how they have dealt with multiple disruptions to their businesses and supply chains and where they see opportunities for growth in 2021 and beyond.
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Climate Action: Advocate and Engage. These 7-Minute Flash Talks Will Prepare You for a Year or More of Climate Advocacy
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. MT
Presenters: TBA
Description:
We’ve assembled a panel of experts to deliver short, informative and action-oriented talks on:
- The top climate policy opportunities we’re tracking for outdoor businesses
- What lawmakers and agency leaders want to hear from outdoor industry companies
- How to talk to Republicans about climate change
- How the outdoor industry can build climate justice into policy priorities
- Climate risk and disclosure: What to expect from regulators and how that will impact your business
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Climate Action: Grow Creatively. A How-To Guide to Circular Business Models in the Outdoor Industry*
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. MT
Presenters: Jessie Curry, OIA; Maura Dilley, Consultant to The Renewal Workshop
Description: Growing your business while reducing your impact – it’s easier than you think. Circular business models are available, scalable and profitable today. Join this workshop session to go beyond foundations and learn how to dive into your products’ potential to uncover the low-cost circular business opportunities that your company can kick off this year.
*This session is only available to current members of the OIA Climate Action Corps. Learn more and join the Corps.
Climate Action: Make Better. A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Climate Action Corps Companies are Reducing Supply Chain Emissions
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. MT
Presenters: TBA
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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WATCH PAST EDUCATION SESSIONS ON DEMAND
Summer 2020 Industry Breakfast
Systemic Change: What Might That Look Like in the Outdoor Industry?
WATCH ON DEMAND
Summer 2020 Industry Lunch: Thriving People
Building A Generation of Diverse Outdoorists & Outdoor Industry Professionals
WATCH ON DEMAND
Summer 2020 Industry Lunch: Thriving Planet
Emission Reductions or Policy Revisions: Which Is The Outdoor Industry’s Best Opportunity For Climate Impact?
WATCH ON DEMAND
Summer 2020 Industry Lunch: Thriving Outdoor Industry: Election 2020
What the Polls Say and What They Can’t Tell Us.
WATCH ON DEMAND