Archives: Press Releases

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.

With new products and significant updates to its existing lines, VSSL resolidifies itself as a leader in backcountry preparedness

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia – March 1, 2023 – VSSL, creator of premium gear that enables self-reliance in the outdoors, today introduced a multitude of new products to its Outdoor Essentials Collection, including the Camp Supplies II, Camp Supplies Stash Light, Mini Stash Light, and Mini Stash Speaker. Across the Provisions Collection, VSSL is also launching an extension of the Insulated Flask series, which launched with the pinnacle Insulated Flask + Speaker in December. The series will now be accompanied by the Insulated Flask and Insulated Flask + Light, both available in black.   

“Camping season is nearly here – and what better way to celebrate than launching new products to keep our fans safe and prepared,” said Todd Weimer, founder of VSSL. “From the reinvigoration of our Camp Supplies kit to new offerings in our Stash series and more, we’re thrilled to offer more peace of mind than ever before.”

VSSL’s new launches include:

• Camp Supplies II (MSRP: $145) – A reinvention of the gear kit that started it all – a water-resistant, indestructible military-grade aluminum cylinder paired with an oil-based compass cap and four-mode LED Lantern, packed with over 50 pieces of essential gear, including VSSL’s best-selling Fire Striker Tin. The ultimate tool for outdoor preparedness so users can take on adventures with confidence.
• Camp Supplies Stash Light (MSRP: $100) – A must-have for all outdoor enthusiasts. With military-grade aluminum and a water-resistant design, this compact kit packs two critical camping essentials – VSSL’s exclusive Fire Striker Tin and multi-purpose adventure tape – with four additional empty aluminum refill tins so consumers can personalize based on the supplies they need, endcapped with a Split-Flip Carabiner top and a four-mode LED lantern.
• Mini Stash Light (MSRP: $80 – A compact, packable partner for any adventure. Combining water-resistant, indestructible military-grade aluminum materials with carabiner and LED lantern endcaps, the Mini Stash Light includes two empty aluminum refill tins in two sizes to allow users to customize the kit per their needs.
• Mini Stash Speaker (MSRP: $110) – A powerful audio punch in a compact, packable size. Outfitted with the crystal-clear sound of a True Wireless Speaqua Bluetooth® Speaker, with durable military-grade aluminum construction and two empty, refillable aluminum tins for customization, the Mini Stash Speaker is for anyone who wants to take their music (and a few essentials) wherever they go.
• Insulated Flask (MSRP: $85) – Built with military-grade aluminum and stainless steel, the Insulated Flask is engineered to fuel adventures for generations to come. A double-walled, vacuum-sealed vessel keeps up to eight ounces of beverage cold for up to 10 hours or hot for up to five hours. Ready to be enjoyed on the trail, at the campsite or anywhere users may roam, the patent-pending leak-proof double-port drinking cap makes for easy sipping. Celebrate the moments in between with the VSSL Insulated Flask.
• Insulated Flask + Light (MSRP: $120) – Ready to go all night, the Insulated Flask + Light is an always-on icon for the outdoors. Engineered for clarity in the darkness, a four-mode LED Lantern illuminates with precision while seamlessly integrating into a double-wall eight-ounce Insulated Flask. Durable, water-resistant and ready for anything, this combo is made to travel.

Whether users are looking for a better way to stay prepared in the backcountry or just want to have peace of mind for an everyday carry solution, VSSL has something for everyone.

VSSL’s new products are available at select retailers and online at www.vsslgear.com.

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About VSSL
VSSL makes integrated gear systems designed for the outdoors. We’re experts in self-sufficiency and believe good things come to those who are ready. Our essential supplies, purpose-built equipment and compact storage solutions are housed in durable vessels – field-tested in Canada and made to last.

Nomadix, a social purpose corporation and makers of The Only Towel You Need®, made from post-consumer recycled plastics, announced today the results of its 2022 Social Purpose Corporation Report. Notable 2022 accomplishments include: diverting more than 16,900,000 plastic bottles from landfills, preventing more than 2,300,000 kilograms of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, saving more than 380,000,000 gallons of wastewater, and conserving more than 2,800,000 kilowatts of energy.

“Reimagining the way textiles are made is no small feat, but the health and sustainability of our planet will continue to be our number one priority,” said co-founder and CEO of Nomadix, Zack Helminiak. “We are paving a path toward a more sustainable future and are proud of the progress we accomplished in 2022.”

In addition, the report details progress specific to Nomadix’s 2022 Climate Commitment including:

• A decrease in all airfreight by 45% in 2022 from 89 tco2e to 56 tco2e
• A savings of more than 17 kilowatts in emissions by switching all headquarter energy usage to 50% solar energy
• Phased out 90% of virgin plastic by replacing it with rPET or recycled and FSC certified paper goods

Recognizing the importance of building community to advance sustainability, Nomadix’s network of partner organizations in 2022 included:

• Brave Trails: Welcomed over 400 LGBTQ+ youth and purchased land to build their camp and community space.
• 1% For the Planet: Members donated over $66 million to environmental solutions.
• The Ecology Center: Donated 56,000 pounds of food to local families facing food insecurity.
• The Conservation Alliance: Permanently protected over 178,000 acres of land and river miles
• The Billfish Foundation: Worked worldwide to advance the conservation of billfish and other species.
• Surfrider Foundation: Achieved 775 victories concerning plastic pollution, ocean protection, clean water, and more.

Nomadix expanded its product offerings in 2022 with the Bandana Towel and Puffer Blanket, both made from post-consumer, recycled materials to further reduce its impact on the planet. To see the brand’s entire product line or for more information about its Social Purpose Corporation Report, visit nomadix.co.

 

ABOUT NOMADIX
California-based Nomadix launched in 2015 with The Only Towel You Need® – a multi-purpose towel that performs for any activity, including travel, yoga, boating, and at the beach. Nomadix understands that the environmental footprint of the products people buy will have an impact on the planet that lasts longer than we will. A commitment to discovering durable, multi-purpose, responsibly manufactured solutions that will leave the planet better than we found it is part of its ethos – Own less. Do more. Nomadix is a member of 1% for The Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Today, Nomadix is carried in major retailers in the United States, including REI, West Marine and Boardriders, and is distributed in 31 countries around the world. Visit www.nomadix.co for more information.

Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand and owner and producer of 30 premier athletic events, announces a $65,000 total prize purse for the Life Time Little Sugar MTB presented by Mazda, set to debut Oct. 15 in Northwest Arkansas. 

Life Time and OZ Brands have combined efforts to announce a $65,000 prize purse, a notable increase from the previously announced $25,000 prize purse, making it the biggest offering in a single day cycling event in the United States. The increased prize–along with other efforts such as the Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda–further affirms Life Time’s commitment to supporting elite cycling and growing cycling fandom and participation in the United States. 

The prize purse will be split evenly between the elite female and elite male fields. The breakdown will be as follows:

1st Place: $12,000

2nd Place: $8,500

3rd Place: $6,000

4th Place: $4,000

5th Place: $2,000

“We believe OZ is an access point for endless adventure. Our partnership with Life Time elevates Northwest Arkansas and OZ as a global destination for unique outdoor experiences,” said Scott King of OZ Brands. “The Big Sugar Classic Cycling Festival and Little Sugar MTB will inspire the next generation of cyclists and adventure seekers right here in our own backyard.”

“We are incredibly proud to have the privilege of working with OZ Brands to provide this unique opportunity for athletes,” said Kimo Seymour, President of Life Time Events and Media. “Not only will Little Sugar MTB be technically challenging for amateur and recreational riders, but the pros will be super focused on the end of season opportunity to earn a significant pay day.” 

Northwest Arkansas’ rich mountain bike culture, paired with the prize purse, have already inspired numerous elite mountain bikers to confirm that they will race Little Sugar MTB, including 2022 Life Time Grand Prix champion Haley Smith, Andrew L’Esperance, Cole Paton, Crystal Anthony, Savilia Blunk, Taylor Lideen, and Emily Newsom. With the Life Time Grand Prix finale, Big Sugar Gravel, taking place the following weekend, even more elite athletes are expected to commit to Little Sugar MTB. 

Life Time Little Sugar MTB presented by Mazda is a part of the week-long Big Sugar Classic cycling festival in October, which includes Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda, now heading into its third year. The festival is a world-class event in a region with a distinct and passionate cycling culture, which has become a hub for national and international cycling events.

The accessibility and diversity of the trail network in Northwest Arkansas has created a destination for cyclists from across the globe. OZ Brands and Life Time are a perfect pairing to help bring professional cyclists and outdoor adventurers to the MTB Capital of the world™.

To learn more about the Big Sugar Classic Cycling Festival, please visit: www.bigsugarclassic.com. Registration for both Little Sugar MTB presented by Mazda and Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda opens today, March 1, 2023 at 6pm CST.

The Life Time Big Sugar Classic is owned and produced by Life Time, the premier healthy lifestyle brand. It is among more than 25 premier athletic events owned by the company including the Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB, the Life Time Miami Marathon and Garmin Unbound Gravel presented by Craft. To view and learn more about Life Time athletic events, visit: lifetime.life/athletic-events. 

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.

About OZ Brands

OZ Brands is a collection of companies that inspire exploration of Northwest Arkansas. Made up of OZ Art, OZ Trails and Fly OZ, OZ Brands brings people the best of the heart of the region. Whether riding the unique Ozark trails, perusing the halls of world class art museums or taking to the sky for a backcountry adventure, there’s nothing quite like the land of OZ. https://www.ozbrands.us/

Experiential partnership is led by the award-winning production company and space will feature every MSP movie poster ever made, vintage cameras and state-of-the-art AV for world premiere film screenings

Elevation Hotel & Spa – the only ski-in, ski-out resort located at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort – is partnering with the award-winning production company, Matchstick Productions (MSP), to debut a new lounge concept called the Matchstick Lounge. Opening to the public in early March 2023, the new Matchstick Lounge celebrates the iconic Crested Butte-based ski film brand as well as Crested Butte’s longtime reputation for being one of the leading ski destinations in the world. 

Matchstick Productions is the world’s most awarded ski film brand and fully equipped production boutique. Inspired by MSP’s deep history in action sports and its cutting edge content, the new lounge at the Elevation Hotel will feature 30 years of MSP film posters, vintage cameras, skis and behind-the-scenes production photos; in addition to a pool table, darts and state-of-the-art AV for sporting events, film screenings and world premieres. 

“For more than 30 years, the crew at Matchstick Productions has been proud to call Crested Butte home,” says Murray Wais, Executive Producer and Director at Matchstick Productions. “We are excited to partner with Elevation to open a space where we can celebrate the sports we love, while sharing in the passion of film. We hope everyone can come to have a drink, play some pool and watch some shred flicks or other events. It’s going to be a really cool place and I know our team will be hanging out there. It’s the perfect place to hang after skiing or biking.”

An immersive destination for locals and visitors, MSP and Elevation will host film screenings, athlete signings, and industry and resort parties throughout the year. Food and beverage service will be available from José Crested Butte and the billy barr, both of which are located in Elevation Hotel & Spa. José offers a selection of regional Mexican-inspired dishes, cocktails and extensive tequila collection. billy barr offers a range of Crested Butte-inspired items including paninis and sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie boards, and craft cocktails.  

“We’re thrilled to launch this project in partnership with our friends at Matchstick Productions,” says Nick Klaus, managing director for Elevation Hotel & Spa. “With the hotel’s proximity to the lifts, we know this will become a sought-after destination for skiers and mountain bikers to gather and immerse themselves in the incredible content that MSP is known for.”

Matchstick Lounge is one of many projects Elevation has launched in an effort to create inspiring gathering spaces at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where locals and visitors alike can celebrate the Crested Butte community and its unique culture. 

About Elevation Hotel & Spa 

Elevation Hotel & Spa is a ski-in/ski-out hotel destination located at the base of Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado. The 262-unit hotel reflects a combination of outdoor adventure, mountain charm and contemporary design offering the perfect choice for travelers seeking enriching experiences and hospitality excellence. The property features a full-service spa, heated indoor pool, three hot tubs, and José Crested Butte, a full-service, slope-side restaurant which offers regional Mexican-inspired dishes, cocktails and an extensive tequila collection. José Crested Butte opened in August 2022 and is the second location for the José brand, which has its first location in Dallas. Fore more information, visit www.elevationresort.com. 

About Matchstick Productions

Founded in Crested Butte Colorado in 1993, Matchstick Productions produces films to inspire a love for the outdoors through authentic storytelling. From their home on the western slope in the Rocky Mountains the filmmakers, producers, athletes have built Matchick Productions into an iconic worldwide brand. For more information about Matchstick Productions, visit www.matchstickpro.com.  

About Matchstick Lounge

The Matchstick Lounge serves as an immersive hospitality and entertainment destination for passionate skiers, mountain bikers, and adventure seekers of all kinds. The new lounge, located in the Elevation Hotel & Spa, features 30 years of MSP film posters, vintage cameras, skis and behind-the-scenes production photos; in addition to a pool table, darts and state-of-the-art AV for sporting events, film screenings and world premieres. As part of a dynamic partnership, MSP and Elevation will host film screenings, athlete-driven events and signings, and industry and resort parties throughout the year. Food and beverage service will be provided by the hotel’s two main dining destinations — the billy barr and José Crested Butte. For more information, please visit www.elevationresort.com.