Make the World Like Camp with the Latest Chaco Collaboration

Chaco Footwear, the iconic outdoor lifestyle brand, announced today its 2023 Brave Trails Collection, a color-blocked, Pride-inspired line of sandals. For the third year in a row, this collection supports Brave Trails, a non-profit that provides a safe and inclusive space, along with leadership programming for LGBTQ+ youth, and this year directly supports their Family Camp.  

 Brave Trails Family Camp is a weekend-long adventure filled with exciting activities, LGBTQ+ pride, and all the fun of a quintessential camp experience while celebrating what makes their families unique. Brave Trails provides two weekends for LGBTQ+ families, one dedicated to LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers and their children and one for LGBTQ+ youth and their families/caregivers.  

“Brave Trails Family Camp is the perfect place for families to come together, unplug, and make lifelong memories,” said Jake Young, Communications Director, Brave Trails. “We love watching families experience the magic of camp and bond with each other.”  

The collection is crafted in Rockford, MI, and includes bold, colorful Z/Sandals (MSRP: $110), Chillos Slides (MSRP $60), and Kids Ecotread (MSRP: $70) that feature the Progress Pride flag. The line is designed to help spread awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community while providing comfortable and durable footwear for outdoor enthusiasts. 10% of proceeds from each sale of the Brave Trails Collection will go to supporting Brave Trails Family Camp.   

“For many, summer camp is a place where they can be themselves and feel seen and accepted. Chaco believes in making the world more like camp, which is why we have loved partnering with Brave Trails over the years,” said Lauren Poole, Sr. Marketing Director, Chaco. “Plus, summer camp is often where people are introduced to Chaco for the first time.” 

Learn more about the 2023 Brave Trails Collection at chacos.com/camp-brave-trails. 

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About Chaco: 

Born on the river in 1989, Chaco, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. The brand’s iconic Z/sandals are repairable at Rechaco and more than 20,000 sandals a year are kept out of landfills every year. Plus, as a result of the brand’s proprietary LUVSEAT™ foot bed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to all Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, health, and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure. Please visit us at www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chacos, Instagram: ChacoFootwear, Twitter: Chacousa.    

 

About Brave Trails: 

Brave Trails is a national non-profit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership. We offer accredited summer camps, backpacking trips, family camps, mental health services, meet-up groups, and year-round leadership programming. All of our programs focus on helping LGBTQ+ youth find what they need most to thrive: their people, their place, and their passion. Nothing makes us more proud than seeing our youth take the skills they gain in our programs and use them to create meaningful change in their communities. 

Fleet Feet Launches “#ReasonsWeRun” Brand Campaign

Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores, today announced the launch of its new “#ReasonsWeRun” brand campaign, a cross-channel effort highlighting people who decide to start running, and the positive effects it has on their lives.   

Developed in partnership with creative agency MMGY Origin,  the “#ReasonsWeRun” campaign is Fleet Feet’s largest brand campaign to date with a mix of paid and organic content,  a fully integrated media plan and store-specific assets designed to bring the campaign to life locally.  

“Fleet Feet believes that running has the power to change lives. At the same time, we know how intimidating it can be to take the first step,” says Ashley Arnold, director of brand marketing for Fleet Feet. “The campaign showcases the true impact running has on our lives through inspiring and relatable stories of our real customers, and the communities they find as a result. We view #ReasonsWeRun as an invitation to share those stories and encourage everyone to keep moving.”  

“Fleet Feet has an incredibly strong dedication to its community of runners,” says Danielle Kristmanson, partner and executive creative director at MMGY Origin. “When we landed on the idea of telling stories about the reasons people run, their team pressed us to tap that community directly. The real Fleet Feet customers we met during the process and their true stories that were documented for the campaign were an inspiration to all of us.” 

Working with media agency Goodway Group on a distribution strategy, “#ReasonsWeRun” will initially launch in March through the Spotify Ad Network. Additional spots and in-depth storytelling will run across CTV, display advertising, online video and Fleet Feet’s social media channels, complimenting in-store assets and displays throughout the spring and summer.  

For more than 46 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment.  

The brand campaign comes on the heels of recent acquisitions, including JackRabbit  and Marathon Sports. JackRabbit stores have folded into the Fleet Feet brand while Marathon Sports remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet supports more than five million customers across 250 locally owned and operated stores. 

To view the full length #ReasonsWeRun video, click here 

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About Fleet Feet  

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 250 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and was recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List and Inc.’s Best in Business List. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.  

About MMGY Origin 

MMGY Origin is an outdoor-focused, digitally-driven creative, content and marketing agency. Founded more than 20 years ago, the agency has worked with a multitude of prominent outdoor brands such as Whistler Blackcomb, L.L.Bean, lululemon, Smartwool, The North Face, and many more. With offices in Montreal and Whistler, as well as a US subsidiary based in Vermont, MMGY Origin provides a bilingual suite of capabilities to the outdoor brands it helps succeed and grow in both Canada and the US. Subscribe to MMGY Origin’s “Insights On The Outdoors” monthly newsletter at originoutside.com/newsletter-sign-up. 

Houdini Expands “Odd Band of Friends,” and relaunches “Houdini Hangouts” Adding Award-Winning Snowboarders Kjersti Buaas and Chanelle Sladics, Nurturing Female Camaraderie and Outdoor Adventures

Houdini, the functional life wear company committed to designs that are timeless, versatile and minimalist, today announced it will expand its “odd band of friends”, adding accomplished snowboarders  Kjersti Buaas and Chanelle Sladics, combining their passion for snowboarding and van life traveling across Europe and the Western US over the past 20 years. Committed to bringing more outdoor devotees to the growing community, Sladics and Buaas founded PRSNT, a female-led company hosting women’s adventure retreats around the world, celebrating female camaraderie and connection with nature. Houdini teamed up with this dynamic duo to offer an opportunity to win a spot at their upcoming retreat and our first Houdini hangout together. 

“In building a group of like minded friends, Houdini is happy to partner with Kjersti and Chanelle, whose devotion to preserving nature aligns with our own,” says Niclas Bornling, Houdini’s GM North America and Head of Global Brand. “Their love of sport, efforts to bring women together and commitment to planet-friendly solutions along with their passion and positivity all lead to this relationship.”

Buaas, from Trondheim, Norway, competed on the professional Snowboard Tour for 20 years, earning over 30 international medals in the Olympics, X Games, and US Open. She incorporates her devotion to the environment through the women’s retreats she hosts all over the world, focusing on nature infused activities, community, meditation, breath and CO2 tolerance training, which helps with anxiety and stress management, allowing for better control of the rate and depth of breath.

“To me, Houdini dares to think and act differently as they pave the way with an honest, bold and clean mission,” Buaas shares. “As an athlete loving the mountains, I want gear I can trust and products that hold up to a variety of weather conditions, but do not compromise nature and the earth in the process; this is why I wear Houdini.” 

Originally from California, Sladics became one of the world’s best snowboarders, winning medals at the top World Tour events: X Games, Dew Tour, US Open, and the Nippon Open. Snowboarding, surfing and freediving deepened her bond with nature and the environment. In 2012, Sladics started Simply Straws, providing solution-based alternatives to plastic straws. She has spoken at the United Nations and coached at the PyeongChang Olympic Games, while also working for ESPN as a sideline reporter and sports commentator.

“Houdini’s CEO Eva Karlsson is an inspiration to us because she follows her dreams and is 100% dedicated to protecting the planet,” says Sladics. “We love that Houdini has a female founder and is a female lead company that offers a versatile, sleek and environmentally friendly option for consumers.”

Look to see stories with PRSNT and Houdini gear suited up for all sorts of adventures from snowboarding, splitboarding, and x-country skiing, to rock climbing and more. The Shelter Anorak is a favorite of Buaas’ for its non-toxic, PFAS-free waterproofing, keeping her warm while making her environmental footprint lighter and less invasive on nature. They both love The Cloud for a variety of occasions- morning meditations, an extra layer while warming up for winter activities, and after surfing in the ocean. Sladics loves the Desoli shirt , as it is the perfect combination of fashion and function, and as avid snowboarders, the Purpose Pants are the only snow pants Buaas and Sladics reach for. 

Kjersti and Chanelle will be hosting their first collaboration with a Houdini Hangout for their Women’s Winter Retreat in Mammoth Lakes, CA next month, March 16th- 23rd, 2023. All participants will gain an AIARE 1 avalanche certification and 3 days backcountry touring with Sierra Mountain Guides. The remaining 3 days will be riding and playing on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain resort, sharpening their all-mountain skills and having a blast. When not on the mountain, there is plenty of time to turn your focus inward, rest and restore your spirit. “Through daily breathwork, yoga movement and meditation you will learn to turn off your mind and use your breath as a tool for healing and grounding. At this retreat you can be sure to experience a solid mix of both Yin and Yang energy,” says Kjersti.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Kjersti and Chanelle and be able to offer unique experiences such as their retreats through their B PRSNT platform. We’ve always believed in offering experiences to our end users as a way to connect with our community, allowing us all to learn from one another and create shared memories in the space we all feel our best: Nature.” 

About Houdini Sportswear

Houdini is an odd band of scientists, artists, designers and adventurers from Sweden on a quest to reimagine the future of functional life wear. Ever since the start in 1993 Houdini has challenged the norms of the textile industry, as a company led by women, as innovators of responsible design and as pioneers of circular business models. Humans are not built to go backwards, but we can go pretty fast when we know the right way forward. 

Forward to Nature.

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Houdini US Media Contact:

Kelly Blake – CGPR

Kelly@cgprpublicrelations.com

415-624-7030

Cleveland’s LAND Energy, Pioneer of E-Moto System for Electric Bikes, Sees Strong Brand Momentum for 2023 Leveraging Growing Consumer Demand for Green Transportation Options

Proprietary Technology Garnering Industry Awards; Staff Expands to Accommodate Growth

LAND Energy, the Cleveland based tech company that pioneered a proprietary ecosystem of light electric vehicles (LEVs), enters 2023 with strong brand momentum due to increased orders from the surging consumer demand for planet – friendly transportation options. Since this past January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), LAND Energy earned the Gear Junkie Best in Show Award recognizing its connected CORE battery’s capabilities and made it to the final rounds of the Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards, honoring brands, retailers and nonprofits that find creative solutions encouraging people to go outdoors. To accommodate a steady cadence of orders, LAND Energy is adding staff and announcing promotions including Evan Painter, named brand director, and Ladd Forde, elevated to director of photography. In addition, Steve Westover and Chris Davis are joining as an advisor and production manager, respectively.

“Evan, Ladd, Steve and Chris bring a tremendous amount of creativity and fearlessness LAND Energy needs to broaden its reach and tell its story to the consumer,” said Scott Colosimo, CEO of LAND Energy. “Our goal is to create a new standard for the micro mobility and outdoor industries. Our expanded team has the creative thought leadership and strategic experience to make that happen.”

Promotions, New Hires and Event Attendance

Painter, with over 8 years of experience, is a seasoned brand and product development professional within the micro mobility and transportation industries. Forde brings over 17 years of lifestyle photography experience, having previously worked with Boulder Lifestyle Magazine and Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine.

Westover, who brings expertise from the venture capital world, will provide guidance on digital marketing and brand development, while Davis will be an important piece to LAND Energy production overseeing the quality and development of all LAND Energy products.

To introduce its story to key B2B and consumer audiences, LAND Energy will attend the following events:

  • South By Southwest (March 10-13, 2023) LAND Energy is a finalist in the Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability pitch taking place March 12.
  • Sea Otter (April 20-23, 2023)
  • ONE Motorcycle Show (April 28-30, 2023) LAND will be teasing some new customizations to come through a new version of their iconic District motorcycle.

 LAND Energy App Introduction

LAND Energy’s new app has been released for all IOS devices enabling owners of the District to connect to their bike remotely via their Apple device. The app enables users to have more control and visibility over their District’s specifications, modes and anti-theft features.

Expanded Distribution Network

LAND Energy has added Tucker Powersports (Fort Worth, Texas) as a distributor and Revival Cycles (Austin, Texas) as a partner to its network for improved access to consumers. Both partners will sell LAND Energy District motorcycles as well as engage in future projects through the brand’s Cleveland, Ohio facility.

Finalizing Improved Manufacturing Facility

LAND Energy is finalizing its 14,000 square foot renovation project of connected manufacturing space in Cleveland for March, 2023. This will enable LAND Energy to produce up to 5,000 bikes per year and additional staff to support production and R&D.

Improvements on The District

For 2023, the LAND Energy team has continued quality enhancements of the District:

  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) parts
  • Improved electronics
  • Revised designs aiding with maintenance and service

For more information, please visit: landmoto.io

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About LAND Energy

Founded in 2020 by Scott Colosimo in Cleveland, Ohio, LAND Energy is based on the principle that energy continuity and mobility are essential to modern life. LAND Energy provides a transitional E Moto ecosystem with a portable power platform (CORE), a game-changing approach in the light electric vehicle industry. With products proudly manufactured in Cleveland, LAND Energy is unwavering in its belief in American ingenuity and world-class craftsmanship. As a design-forward company, LAND Energy is dedicated to constantly evolving to meet the needs of their customers, everyday consumers and businesses looking for energy efficiency.

LOWA Boots Announces Recipients of 2023 Give Back Program Launching with Big City Mountaineers

5% of Net Sales of Purchases During Select Weeks Go To Six Nonprofits Throughout the Year   

LOWA Boots, the global footwear brand known for its 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, today announced the recipients of its 2023 Give Back Programs, as part of their 100 Years of LOWA celebration. The LOWA Give Back Program benefits non-profit organizations that are removing barriers and increasing equitable access to the outdoors. Kicked off last week with Big City Mountaineers, LOWA will donate 5% of net sales made at www.lowaboots.com during select weeks to six nonprofits in 2023.

“LOWA’s continued support of our programs that help us bring more youth outdoors is so appreciated,” said David Taus, Executive Director of Big City Mountaineers. “Creating these transformative experiences isn’t possible without brands like LOWA helping us achieve our goals.”

LOWA’s Give Back program launches with Big City Mountaineers, whose vision is to have a nation transformed by youth connected to and empowered by nature. They provide free, fully outfitted backcountry trips, facilitating transformative experiences through nature that strengthen life skills and build community for youth from disinvested communities.

The complete list of non-profit recipients includes:

“As we enter our 100th year in business, giving back to our community continues to be a top priority,” said LOWA USA General Manager Peter Sachs. “Choosing non-profit organizations that work to introduce more people of all backgrounds the outdoors is our goal as a brand; aligning ourselves with non-profits doing just that is a perfect fit.”

For more information, please visit lowaboots.com

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About Big City Mountaineers

Big City Mountaineers breaks down barriers to outdoor access for youth from disinvested communities by providing free, fully-outfitted, and professionally-led backcountry trips for youth ages 8-18. For 30 years, we’ve partnered with youth development agencies in seven cities across the country to connect students with nature and reconnect them with their strengths, skills, and resiliency. We offer overnight camps for youth ages 8-12 and our flagship, week-long backpacking or canoeing trips for youth ages 13-18. To learn more, please visit www.bigcitymountaineers.org.

 About LOWA Boots

With almost 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, lifestyle, and fashion categories, always nurturing brand integrity. 95% of LOWA footwear is designed and handcrafted in factories in Europe. In recognition of these efforts, LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. Dedicated to sustainability, LOWA has resoling and rental programs.

For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.

GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill Event Smashes Records to Raise Over $75,000 for Environmental Education

Kahtoola is excited to announce that their 16th annual GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill event in February 2023 raised a new record amount, over $75,000, for environmental education programs at Friends of Camp Colton. The 2023 event broke several records, for fundraising and participation, with nearly 400 racers racing up the mountainous slopes of the Arizona Snowbowl.

“The GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill brings people of all ages together for an evening of fun and adventure,” said Ari Wilder, Executive Director of Friends of Camp Colton. “All of the proceeds from this much-loved race support Camp Colton outdoor programs for kids. Over the years, this race has made the Camp experience possible for thousands of local kids. The Kahtoola Uphill and Camp Colton make our mountain town special and we appreciate being part of a community that embraces challenges and learning in nature.”

In addition to raising funds for Friends of Camp Colton, participants in the race are also eligible to win dozens of raffle prizes from pinnacle outdoor brands and local companies.

“We are thrilled that the 16th annual Uphill was our most successful event to-date,” said Danny Giovale, Founder and Owner of Kahtoola. “We so are proud and incredibly grateful for all the sponsors and volunteers that have helped build this event into such an impactful experience for Kahtoola and Friends of Camp Colton.”

2023 event sponsors included GORE-TEX, W. L. Gore & Associates, Lumberyard Brewing Co., and the Arizona Snowbowl.

Since its inception, the GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill event has raised almost $600,000 to help educate the next generation of environmental stewards. For more information on Friends of Camp Colton, please contact Ari Wilder at ari@friendsofcampcolton.org or call 928-864-8129.

About Kahtoola:

Since 1999, Kahtoola has been creating reliable gear that makes the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons, and flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes®, EXOspikes™ and NANOspikes®, are built to improve safety and performance in wintry locales around the globe. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, AZ headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales to fund projects that support indigenous cultures and improve communities, healthcare, education, resources and the environment. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

About Friends of Camp Colton

For over 21 years, Friends of Camp Colton has cultivated exceptional outdoor learning experiences that instill the value of preserving the natural world and inspire growth and discovery. By enriching the student experience at Camp Colton, an outdoors learning and discovery center for Northern Arizona youth, Friends supports adventure, discovery, personal growth, and environmental education. Through program innovation, hosting events and building community partnerships, Friends raises funds so all kids — regardless of income or circumstance — can have an uplifting and rewarding connection with nature and with each other. Working with the Flagstaff Unified School District, Friends of Camp Colton is committed to preserving this community tradition for generations to come.

American Mountain Guides Association applauds introduction of Protect America’s Rock Climbing Act

The American Mountain Guides Association applauds the introduction of the Protect America’s Rock Climbing Act by Utah Rep. John Curtis (UT-03) and Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02). The bill will preserve access to thousands of rock climbing routes in wilderness areas across the country. 

“Climbing guides rely upon climbing fixed anchors to provide safety-oriented, high-quality climbing experiences for the public in America’s wilderness areas such as the North Cascades, Joshua Tree National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison,” said Matt Wade, Deputy Director of the American Mountain Guides Association. “The Protect America’s Rock Climbing Act will ensure climbing guides are able to continue providing exceptional outdoor experiences for the public at a time when more and more Americans are seeking to experience the enjoyment, challenge, and connection to the natural world that is unique to rock climbing in wilderness areas. The American Mountain Guides Association thanks Representatives John Curtis and Joe Neguse for introducing this important legislation.”

Representatives Curtis and Neguse both represent districts with extensive guided climbing opportunities, large climbing communities, and economies that depend on the $12 billion climbing industry. “In Utah, recreation on public lands is a large and ever-growing industry,” says Congressman Curtis. “Ensuring access to these lands is vital not just for our economy, but also to ensure the millions of Americans who enjoy rock climbing can fully explore our nation’s national treasures.”

“Colorado’s natural areas are home to some world-renowned rock climbing locations. By requiring additional agency guidance on climbing management, we are taking steps to protect our climbers and the spaces in which they recreate,” says Congressman Neguse. “I am thankful to Rep. Curtis for his continued partnership in our efforts to bolster outdoor recreation, and am glad to join him in introducing this legislation.”

The American Mountain Guides Association looks forward to working with Representatives Curtis and Neguse to pass this critical legislation that will preserve access to world-class guided climbing opportunities in wilderness areas around the country.

About American Mountain Guides Association 
The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization that provides training and certification for climbing instructors, mountain guides, and ski guides throughout the United States. Founded in 1979, the AMGA institutes international standards for the mountain guiding profession and serves as an educational body for land management agencies, guide services, outdoor clubs, and others wishing to establish internationally-recognized standards for guided climbing and skiing activities. The advocacy arm of the AMGA supports sustainable use of public lands, facilitates stewardship opportunities, and works in cooperation with guides and land managers to preserve access to areas utilized by the guided public.

Life Time Sea Otter Classic Summit Announces Speakers and Programming for 2023 Event

The Sea Otter Classic Summit, which is owned and produced by Life Time, announces the speaker line-up for the second annual event taking place April 17-19 at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Summit speakers include leaders from the outdoor and various specialty industries, along with non-profit organizations’ founders, sustainability experts, and retail executives.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome such an elevated gathering of leaders to speak at this year’s Sea Otter Classic Summit,“ said Kimo Seymour, President of Events and Media at Life Time. “We’ve honed in on speakers who will deliver key insights into the trends and challenges facing our shared industry. Additionally, the Summit’s timing brings the incredible opportunity for brands to directly engage with consumers at the Sea Otter Classic  April 20-23.” 

 

2023 Sea Otter Summit Speakers:

 

Day 1 – Tuesday, April 18-

 

Opening Keynote: Burning the Playbook to Build Perpetual Impact 

Bryce Phillips,  interviewed by Scott Kerslake

Evo Founder and CEO, Bryce Phillips, will share his journey of living through a perpetual re-invention of traditional retail and travel over evo’s 22-year trajectory. As part of the keynote  Scott Kerslake, an outdoor industry veteran will be interviewing Philips and diving into what helped mold Bryce into the leader we see today. As Phillip’s mentor, Kerslake has seen evo trajectory through the past, present and into the future. Scott and Bryce will dive into their personal journeys, relationships and the business decisions that helped to grow their businesses into industry leaders. 

 

Exploring the Intersection of the Cycling Industry, Business, Tribes and Land Management Reform on Federal Lands

Len Necefer, Aaron Mike and Jon Yazzie

This panel will explore the complex intersection of the cycling industry, business, tribes and current land management reform on Federal Lands. It will delve into the challenges and opportunities for the cycling industry and businesses operating in and around federal lands, as well as the potential impacts on Native American tribes and their cultural and natural resources. The panelists will discuss the role of land management reform in addressing these issues and promoting sustainable economic growth, while also preserving the unique and valuable resources of federal lands. The discussion will touch on topics such as access to public lands, environmental sustainability, economic development and the cultural and social implications of land use decisions.

 

Continued Expansion of Outdoor Recreation

Ajay Pant

Pickleball has gained tremendous popularity in recent years and is currently considered one of the fastest-growing sports. Ajay Pant, VP, of Life Time Racquet Sports, will discuss Life Time’s growth and investment to become the largest provider of Pickleball in the nation, along with the opportunities for businesses to engage in this thriving sport and capitalize on its increasing popularity.

 

Consumer Trends Panel

Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, Erik Saltvold, Rich Tauer and Elysa Walk

Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga of Omnitalk, a respected retail podcast and blog that’s taken the lead position for retail journalism serving big retail, marketplaces, and retail tech, are bringing their famous “Fast Five” podcast format live on stage at the Summit. They will also host a panel with Erik Saltvold of Erik’s Bike and Board, Rich Tauer from Quality Bike Parts,  and Elysa Walk, Chief Business Officer for Burton. They will cover upcoming consumer trends from the voice of brands and retailers.

 

Day 2 – Wednesday, April 19-

 

Using Your Business Voice for Positive Change 

Adam Cramer

Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, a nonprofit organization that protects and promotes outdoor recreation by uniting outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands, will speak about the positive change leaders can make by using the voice of their businesses. 

 

Climate Change and Sustainability Initiatives

Lia Colabello

Planet+Purpose Solution’s Managing Principal, Lia Colabello, will share her work with major organizations in  providing strategic guidance to help launch sustainability initiatives. Colabello has worked with the likes of Outside, Yeti, Costa Sunglasses, Lush, Yahoo Finance, and more to provide strategy, helping clients identify, prioritize, implement, and communicate sustainable business practices.

 

Investing in the Future

John Bastian

John Bastian, Director at Baird in the Outdoor, Enthusiast and Healthy Living Consumer Products sector, will discuss micro and macro trends in the mobility space,  recent investment projects, what investors should be focused on now, and what is ahead in the future. 

 

Closing Keynote:  Urgent Optimism & Driving Business Change through Perpetual Reinvention

Chris Speyer

Chris Speyer, Vice President of Merchandising and Co-op Brands at REI, will talk about brands’ needs to continuously adapt to new market trends and customer needs to stay ahead. This approach requires companies to be agile, flexible, and data-driven, as well as to be able to pivot quickly and make changes to their operations, products, and services based on customer insights.

 

For more information and to register, visit www.seaotterclassicsummit.com. Summit attendee numbers are limited to ensure the most effective, in-person networking, workshopping, and problem-solving. Attendees are also welcome to purchase tickets for the Sea Otter Classic Summit Aquarium Dinner, the capstone to the 2023 Sea Otter Classic Summit executive event.

 

About the Sea Otter Classic Summit

The Summit occurs just before the largest consumer cycling event, the Sea Otter Classic. This next-level executive gathering is designed to equip and inspire attendees to drive growth and impact through their businesses and brands at a pivotal time of growth and opportunity in the outdoor recreation industry.

https://seaotterclassicsummit.com/

About Life Time, Inc.

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.