Overland Expo West, Premier Consumer Event, Continues Momentum with Sold-Out Exhibitors Leveraging Surging Participation

FLAGSTAFF (May 28, 2024) – Overland Expo West, the first in a series of premier U.S. consumer events, continued its steady growth tapping into the continued consumer desire for off road exploration. Overland Expo West saw record attendance, attracting 29,500 attendees from 48 states and 10 countries. Over 400 exhibitors displayed including Alu-Cab, Jackery and INEOS, showcasing trends shaping the industry, the newest off-road autos and motorcycles, next gen accessories and latest energy, sustainable and cooking technologies .

Statistics from Overland Expo West 2024 included:

  • 29,500 attendees from all 48 contiguous states, visitors from Australia, Canada, China, Great Britain, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea.
  • A sold out exhibitor presence including Armordillo, Atlas Outdoors, Anker, Bluetti Power, KORU Overland, Lectric eBikes, Oru Designs, and TOPS Knives.
  • Over 318 classes, seminars, demos, and activities, totaling 331+ session hours of instruction
  • 100 Journalists including AZ Family, the Overland Journal, and RVBusiness.

“We couldn’t be happier by the positive response to Overland Expo West 2024,” said Jessica Kirchner, vice president of consumer events for Emerald, owners of Overland Expo. “The massive turnout and diverse range of activities highlight the fact that consumers look to outdoor adventure to disconnect and connect with nature. Overland Expo is the only gathering of its kind that nurtures this enthusiastic community. We thank all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners for their contributions to the event’s success.”

Highlights included:

  • Debut of 2024 Overland Expo Ultimate Builds: Attendees had the exclusive opportunity to explore the GMC Canyon AT4X and the Ural Gear Up, equipped with top-of-the-line gear.
  • INEOS Grenadier Ride & Drive: Participants experienced the INEOS Grenadier firsthand on a challenging obstacle course.
  • Overland Expo Film Festival: Sponsored by GOAT BOXCO, the festival showcased inspiring work from filmmakers worldwide.
  • Overland Expo Foundation Raffle: Saturday’s raffle raised $20,000 for the Overland Expo Foundation with tens-of-thousands of dollars of prizes donated by Overland Expo exhibitors.
  • The Ultimate Gathering of Overland Camping Rigs: Overland Expo West featured a display of overland camping rigs, from daily drivers to expedition vehicles.

“Our goals were to introduce our company and two new products to the Overland market, form B2B industry partnerships, and meet as many Overland community members as possible,” said Ed Gilmore of Gost Overland. “Without a doubt, we were able to accomplish all three and more. Being face to face with so many other passionate, knowledgeable, collaborative, and imaginative community members and business owners is valuable.”

Overland Expo West also was home to the first Buyer Summit, which took place on May 15-16, a trade-only event including exclusive programming, networking, and education sessions. North American buyers learned about the evolving overland category and heard from industry experts about the most relevant consumer trends, product highlights including technology, hardgoods, soft goods and saw the latest automotive advances.

The Overland Expo series continues next month with the Overland Expo Pacific Northwest, June 28-30, at the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. For more information, visit overlandexpo.com and follow Overland Expo and #overlandexpo on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

About Overland Expo 

Founded in 2009, Overland Expo is the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts. Hundreds of vendors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services convene at every Overland Expo event. Each Expo hosts hundreds of session-hours of classes, including for off-road driving techniques, adventure motorcycling, inspirational programs, roundtable discussions, demonstrations, as well as the Overland Film Festival. Overland Expo is owned and produced by Emerald.

About Emerald

Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com

Outdoor Foundation Unveils 2023 Annual Report Findings

BOULDER, CO (May 23rd, 2024) – The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, eagerly released its annual report today showcasing 2023 impact data and highlights from its national Thrive Outside Initiative and previewing participation research from the Outdoor Participation Trends Report.

Since the launch of the Thrive Outside Initiative in 2019, the Outdoor Foundation has helped to connect tens of thousands of youths and their families to the joy, wonder, and myriad benefits of the outdoors. In 2023, Thrive Outside Communities engaged over 95,000 participants through transformative experiences in the outdoors, diversifying outdoor participation through innovative, cross-sector partnerships and youth outdoor programming.

In 2023, the Outdoor Foundation continued its grantmaking to support multi-year investments in regional collective impact approaches across the country to connect children, youth, and families to the outdoors. Thrive Outside has helped build capacity of large and diverse coalitions (including nonprofit, school, health, social service, government, and philanthropic partners) with a shared vision to provide positive, healing, and equitable experiences for communities in the outdoors.

“We are thrilled to announce the publication of the Outdoor Foundation’s 2023 Annual Report. The report underscores the tremendous impact of our Thrive Outside Initiative, showcasing how our grantees’ collective efforts are transforming communities nationwide,” said Lesford Duncan, Executive Director of Outdoor Foundation.

Annual highlights from the national initiative include a series of new collaborative program models in Oklahoma City, San Diego, and Washington, D.C. where partnerships have been created between mental health providers (children’s hospitals, county mental health, and social service agencies) and outdoor nonprofit organizations to provide effective outdoor healing programs for youth struggling with mental and behavioral health issues.

Additionally, in areas like Detroit, Grand Rapids, St. Louis and the state of Maine, the Outdoor Foundation has supported the development of new outdoor gear programs and libraries so community members and organizations can access the necessary equipment and training needed to lead outdoor activities safely and effectively regardless of their resources.

On a broader scale, in 2023 the Foundation’s Thrive Outside networks have been at the forefront of the development and implementation of millions of dollars of new resources for outdoor programming.

From local community funds to statewide outdoor equity funds, each of these programs is centered around increasing equitable access to outdoor recreation and engaging underrepresented and historically excluded communities.

“Through strategic community investments and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation is breaking down barriers to outdoor access and increasing diverse participation in communities like never before,” said Duncan. “We are continually inspired by the countless stories of empowerment and connection that have emerged from our Thrive Outside Communities.”

To that end, participants served through the Foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative in 2023 were approximately 70% Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and its collective impact approach continues to drive community-led systems change that reduces barriers for those most marginalized.

Looking at the work ahead, the Outdoor Foundation continues to listen deeply to both the successes and needs of its Thrive Outside Communities, positioning the Foundation to respond nimbly and responsively. As the organization thinks strategically about expanding to new Thrive Outside regions, it continues to seek and adapt financial and technical resources to meet the gaps.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, donors, and dedicated team for their unwavering support. Together, we are blazing new trails and shaping a brighter future for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship,” concluded Duncan.

The Outdoor Foundation’s work would not be possible without its partnership with Outdoor Industry Association and the generous support of its Leadership Partners; Amazon, Capitol One, Carhartt, L.L. Bean, Patagonia, REI, Thule, VF Corporation, Winnebago Industries, Wolverine Worldwide and countless others.

About Outdoor Foundation 

The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities, and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with partners across the country to address equity barriers and help make the outdoors accessible for all. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

 

OUTSIDE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL WEEKEND LINEUP FOR THE INAUGURAL FESTIVAL, MAY 31 – June 2

DENVER, CO – MAY 23, 2024 – With less than 10 days until the first-ever Outside Festival takes over the Mile High City, festival organizers announce the highly-anticipated full-weekend schedule with more than 11 musical headliners taking over the mainstage in Civic Center Park, more than 20 inspiring films, 25 outdoor visionary speakers featured at the Denver Art Museum, and downtown parks packed full of experiences and fun for all.

Throughout the weekend, with major roads like Broadway and 14th opening to foot traffic, downtown will come to life with more than a dozen experience zones filling Civic Center Park,  The Big Gear  Show and (e) Revolution Show taking over Veterans Memorial Park, and Film x Ideas Series at the Denver Art Museum.

The new Outside Festival mobile app (available on Apple and Google Play) allows festival goers to reserve seats for Film x Ideas Series, presented by Columbia Sportswear, see the weekend lineup, explore experiences, food, vendors, and plan the day by creating their custom schedule. Programming on both Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, will kick off at 1 p.m. and conclude at 10 p.m. A full weekend schedule can be found at TheOutsideFestival.com.

Friday Highlights: Outdoor industry professionals can kick off the weekend on Friday, May 31 with The Summit held at the Denver Art Museum, featuring top industry-leading speakers including Senator John Hickenlooper, Senator Michael Bennet, and more. Tickets to The Summit are limited; purchase includes the day’s meals, two general admission tickets to the weekend’s Outside Festival, and more. This event is ticketed and not open to the public.

Saturday Highlights: Festival-goers won’t want to miss kicking off the day in the mainstage meadow with a group yoga flow, led by CorePower Yoga, to the beats of DJ Rich Cocao. The North Face climbing competition and the Incredible Dog Experience by Purina Pro Plan occur in the park throughout the afternoon. At the Denver Art Museum, speakers and panelists include three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White, Protect Our Winters (POW) founder Jeremy Jones, climate activist and fashion model Quannah Chasinghorse, wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, photographer and filmmaker Cory Richards, bestselling author Kevin Fedarko, deaf mountaineers Shayna Unger and Scott Lehmann, and U.S. Senate candidate Caroline Gleich. The afternoon also includes two different showings of inspiring films themed around adventure and journeys. To top it all off, Say She She takes over the main music stage in Civic Center Park at 5:00 p.m. with Lettuce at 6:45 p.m. and Thundercat to follow at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday Highlights: Day two continues throughout Civic Center Park with more climbing competitions, dog showcases, and a chance to take a dip in Cold Plunge Alley in the Wellness area. Speakers include record-breaking swimmer Diana Nyad, director, photographer, and climber Jimmy Chin, and alpinist Conrad Anker. Sunday’s films are themed around resilience and discovery. The music mainstage in Civic Center Park will feature The Heavy Heavy at 5:00 p.m.,  Andrew Bird at 6:45 p.m., and finish off the weekend with the Fleet Foxes at 8:30 p.m.

While access to Film x Ideas is included in the festival ticket purchase, ticket holders are strongly encouraged to reserve seats through the Outside Festival mobile app (available on Apple and Google Play) or on the online reservation page as seats are limited. Attendees are also encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before the listed times to claim their reservation or risk their seat being forfeited to walkups in the standby line. Please note that the Denver Art Museum will open its doors early at 12:30 p.m. for the Shaun White conversation on Saturday, June 1, and the Diana Nyad presentation on Sunday, June 2. Both events will begin at 1 p.m. respectively.

“Attendees of the inaugural Outside Festival are truly going to be blown away by everything we’ve put together this year,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “This festival is packed with value and inspiration, offering the opportunity to hear from and see 25 outdoor visionaries. With nearly two dozen films set to give attendees chills and energy, and a ridiculously amazing music lineup featuring Thundercat and Fleet Foxes, all within a mega-packed weekend around Civic Center Park, this festival is going to be incredible—you won’t want to miss it!”

All weekend events take place in and around Civic Center Park in downtown Denver, which means there are abundant alternative transportation options. Please consider biking, bussing, or walking to save money and lessen your festival footprint. For more information, including tickets, travel and parking, please visit www.theoutsidefestival.com.

Sponsors for the Outside Festival include Ford, The North Face, Liquid Death, Purina Pro Plan, UCHealth, Solo Stove, Columbia Sportswear, Asheville, Ball Corporation, ZOA, Southwest, Sierra Nevada, High West, Teremana Tequila, Pacifico, Sunny D,  L.L.Bean, G Adventure, Colorado Tourism, Public Land Trust, Partake, SunBum, Laird Superfood, Teva, Osprey, Fjallraven, EVOLVE, Kane Footwear, Roll Recovery, Mountain House, Tom’s of Maine, Out & Back Outdoor, West Virginia, Asheville, AutoCamp, Royal Robbins, Bacardi, Passenger, Red Rocks, Gundlach Bundschu, La Sportiva, YO Colorado, Zeal Optics, Adaptive Adventures, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Black Lab Sports, Boulder Book Store, Chautauqua, Crested Butte, Fort Collins, Katherine Homes Hats, Latin Travel Collection, Lumenati, Macs Adventure, Pueblo, Radia Studios, Red Wood Ice Tubs, Ride like a Ninja, Seven Corners, WildReality, Ball Corporation, Be a Good Person, Butterfly Pavilion, Corepower Yoga, ELK, Food for Thought, Grassroots Gravel, Kind Box, Lyft, Modern Market, NOSO Patches, Open Hearts, REI Path Ahead Ventures, Roll Mobility, Shar Snacks, Visit Jordan, Yeti Cycles, Nikwax, World Expeditions Roll Recovery, YMCA of the Rockies, the State of Colorado, Visit Denver, the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

#  #  #

Media Contact:

Austyn Dineen, Backbone, Austyn.dineen@backbone.media

Photo and Video Assets (Credit Outside)

About Outside Festival  

The first-ever Outside Festival will take place in downtown Denver from June 1-2, 2024. This new event is a one-of-a-kind celebration of everything outdoors, featuring music, films, speakers, and gear partners, including The Big Gear Show and (e)revolution. The festival is designed for beginners and experts alike, with experiences and inspiration for climbers, hikers, cyclists, skiers, and the everyday recreationist. The Outside Festival is driven by a partnership between Outside Interactive Inc., The State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Office, and Visit Denver—all with a shared desire to make the outdoors more accessible and more inclusive. For more information, including tickets, please visit TheOutsideFestival.com

About The Big Gear Show: The Big Gear Show reinvents the outdoor industry show experience by combining three great events that fuse hot market segments with a powerful community-wide festival that celebrates discovery and the adventurous spirit. The Big Gear Show brings to life the broader and more inclusive outdoors, delivering human-to-human interaction and a positive setting for those wanting to engage the industry, the products and the people behind them.

About (e)revolution Show: The e-bike revolution is here! And so is (e)revolution™,the world’s first exposition focused solely on e-bikes and the demonstration and education of e-bikes for retailers, manufacturers and most importantly, consumers. (e)revolution is dedicated to the growth of human-powered bicycle recreation and transportation. It is our mission to expand participation through the promotion, demonstration, and education of e-bikes. More information at www.e-revolution.bike.

About Outside Interactive Inc.

Outside Interactive Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and reward. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its network of 25 media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outside. Outside’s subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more to help people experience healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Learn more at outsideinc.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wiley X Continues Support and Sponsorship of Carry The Load Events

FRISCO, Texas (May 23, 2024) – Wiley X, a leading provider of protective and premium eyewear, is proud to announce its continued support and sponsorship of the upcoming Carry The Load Event, the Dallas Memorial March. This annual event, dedicated to honoring and remembering the sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country, will take place on Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27, 2024, in Dallas.

Carry The Load is a non-profit organization that works to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day by connecting Americans to the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military, law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders. The organization sponsors marches and events across the country to raise awareness and funds to support its mission of offering a continuum of care to American heroes.

The Dallas Memorial March will be the culmination of Carry The Load’s National Relay that has been taking place across the country this spring. As part of the event, volunteers are encouraged to walk with or cheer on the relay teams as arrive in Dallas. Each team has been dedicating stretches of the relay to the memory of a fallen hero and volunteers have been individually raising funds and donations along the way.

Wiley X has committed to donating up to 125 pairs of eyewear to Carry The Load as the Load Master Sponsor of the event. All individuals who raise $2,000 or more will receive the Load Master title and incentive gift that includes one pair of Wiley X eyewear. In addition to providing eyewear, Niki and Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Owner of Wiley X, donated $50,000 to Carry The Load for a second year on behalf of Wiley X.

“Wiley X is proud and honored to support Carry The Load and the Dallas Memorial March,” said Dan Freeman. “Serving those who serve others is a core tenet of Wiley X and is something we will always strive to do. Carry The Load continues to be an outstanding partner to in those efforts and I’m honored to participate in the event.”

In addition to the monetary donation, Dan Freeman will be honoring the memory of 2nd Lt. Emily Perez at the Dallas Memorial March. Known as a fierce, dedicated, and giving soul, 2nd Lt. Emily Perez’s tireless desire to help others guided her path through the United States Military Academy and into the United States Army. She was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for her service and sacrifice.

Wiley X invites everyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to join in the Dallas Memorial March and pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives in service to our country.

###

About Wiley X

Veteran-founded in 1987, Wiley X has been producing the world’s most protective eyewear to various markets that rely on impact resistance for over 30 years. Myles Freeman Sr., a military veteran, started Wiley X to protect the eyes of those who protected America. The company’s military heritage helped carve a roadmap for Wiley X in the years to follow for many well-respected weekend warriors. Every adult sunglass style made by Wiley X meets ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, for protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Several styles also meet U.S. military MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) standards for ballistic eye protection, a key reason why Wiley X has been a leading provider of vision protection equipment to the U.S. military and law enforcement for more than 30 years.

 

 

 

Black Diamond Equipment Issues Voluntary Recall for its Neve Strap Crampons (green 2024 version)

May 23, 2024 – Black Diamond Equipment, a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative, high performance outdoor equipment, apparel and footwear, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, is voluntarily recalling its Neve Strap Crampons and related accessories/spare parts.

This recall affects all green 2024 Neve Strap Crampons (style #400073) that were sold between January and May 2024 (see specific details below). Also included in the recall are the Neve Strap Binding Accessory Kit (style #400683) and Neve Strap Heel Cup Screw & Nuts (style #400687). It does not apply to the Neve Pro Crampon models or previous orange-colored versions of the Neve Strap Crampons.

The reason for the voluntary recall is related to the screws which connect the plastic heel cup to the aluminum heel unit of the Neve Strap Crampon, which can loosen and allow the heel cup to detach from the crampon, posing a fall hazard. There have been three reported instances of this happening in the field with no reported injuries.

Customers who own the green Neve Strap Crampons and/or the strap accessories sold between January and May 2024 should immediately stop using them and contact Black Diamond for a full refund.

Visit here for more information, FAQ, and to initiate the return process.

Reach us at NeveStrapRecall@bdel.com or 1-866-306-0865 to connect with our customer service team.

Affected Products:

All green Neve Strap Crampons (style #400073) sold between January and May 2024 with date codes 01-2021, 05-2022, 07-2023, 01-2024, and SS1271 are addressed with this voluntary recall.

Also recalled are the Neve Strap Binding Accessory Kit (style #400683) and Neve Strap Heel Cup Screw & Nut (style #400687), which are sold separately as spare parts/accessories.

Visit here for more information, FAQ, and to initiate the return process.

Reach us at NeveStrapRecall@bdel.com or 1-866-306-0865 to connect with our customer service team.