MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (May 27, 2026) – Outdoor Retailer, the platform for connection, learning, and outdoor innovation, today announced the closing keynote for Industry Day: author, skier, ultrarunner, and DEI consultant Mirna Valerio. Industry Day takes place August 19th from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Outdoor Retailer’s Industry Day is a leadership forum that convenes retail leaders, brand executives, innovators, and researchers for a fast-moving, ideas-driven exploration of the forces reshaping the outdoor industry. The afternoon stage program will focus on consumer behavior, innovation, technology, and the evolving structure of outdoor commerce.

“Industry Day gathers the outdoor community together around the ideas, innovations, and conversations shaping the future of our industry,” said Matthew Mathiasen, group show director, Emerald. “Mirna embodies resilience, inclusion, authenticity, and expanding who feels welcome in outdoor spaces. Her perspective and story will leave attendees inspired, while reinforcing the importance of building an industry that reflects and serves a broader, more diverse community.”

The program includes “The Big Debate: Is the Independent Shop the Future of the Outdoor Industry?” moderated by Mike Massey, founder of Locally, featuring Neil Fiske, president of Black Diamond, Brendan Madigan, founder of Alpenglow Sports, and Dana Caraway, founder and owner of Caraway & Co. The session addresses whether independent specialty retail remains the industry’s innovation engine or whether broader market shifts are redefining its role.

Next, “The New Customer Code: Getting Gen Z & Winning with Women” examines how generational change and women’s purchasing power are reshaping retail strategy. Moderator Kristin Hostetter leads Sara Lawhead, vice president of ThackerNYC, Jamie Kvamme, director of marketing at Red Wing Shoe Company, and Nadah Feteih, founder of Ma’wa Collective, in a discussion on values-driven consumption and evolving consumer identity.

“The Gear of Tomorrow: Wearables, Smart Tech & Innovation” follows, focusing on how technology is being embedded into performance systems. Moderator Peter Sachs is joined by Lucy Dunne, co director and founder of the University of Minnesota Wearable Technology Lab, Dustin English, Chief Experience Officer of VOORMI, and Kristoffer Stokes, co founder of D glue, to examine how wearable tech and smart textiles are reshaping outdoor equipment and apparel.

“The Tools of Tomorrow: AI & The Circular Economy” expands the conversation to systems level change. Moderator Peter Whitcomb, CEO of Tersus Solutions, leads Ramiro Gomez, co founder of Alpaka, Barruch Ben Zekry, senior director new business models at VF Corporation, and Aaron Provine, president of Geartrade, in a discussion on how AI, e-commerce, and circular systems are reshaping supply chains and unlocking new business models.

Closing the program, Mirna Valerio will speak on belonging and her work to expand who feels seen and welcomed in endurance sports and outdoor spaces. A former educator and cross country coach, she is the author of A Beautiful Work in Progress. After recommitting to running following a health scare in 2008, she launched her blog Fatgirlrunning, which became a widely followed platform documenting her journey as a larger bodied endurance athlete and advocate for inclusion in outdoor sports.

The event will conclude with a special evening rally in partnership with Save the Boundary Waters, bringing together the outdoor community in defense of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness amid renewed federal efforts to roll back long standing protections and reopen the region to mining activity. The event features National Geographic adventurers and advocates Amy Freeman and Dave Freeman, alongside ultrarunner and Minnesota state representative Alex Falconer, underscoring the industry’s continued engagement in conservation and public lands advocacy.

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry comes together to move the business of the outdoors forward. Designed in collaboration with brands, retailers, and industry leaders, the event creates space for connection, practical education, and the discovery of innovative products shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry gathers to connect, collaborate, and take ownership of what comes next – #MakeItYours. Learn more about and #MakeItYours at outdoorretailer.com

Media Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com (781) 640-8387 or marybeth@cgprpublicrelations.com

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – May 27, 2026 – RECCO, a global search and rescue technology, is proud to be an ingredient partner in the award-winning new Valkyr 12 mountain running vest from Rab, which was named a Gold Winner in the Trailrunning Product Category of the 2026 European Outdoor Award. Featuring an integrated RECCO® reflector, the Valkyr 12 combines women-specific performance design with added searchability for mountain runners in remote outdoor environments.

The Valkyr 12  forms part of the brand’s new Spring/Summer 2027 collection. By integrating RECCO technology into the Valkyr 12, Rab reinforces its commitment to outdoor safety while supporting professional rescue teams with technology designed to help locate missing or injured people in the event of an emergency. The passive RECCO reflector enables searchability by professional rescuers using RECCO detectors, which are deployed by search-and-rescue organizations worldwide.

“This award is a powerful endorsement of Rab’s women’s focus strategy,” says Katia Tastagh, Product Designer at Rab. “The Valkyr 12 represents years of learning, testing and collaboration with female athletes, resulting in a running vest that delivers performance, comfort and confidence in equal measure.”

The European Outdoor Award 2026, developed together with the European Outdoor Group, recognizes standout innovation across the outdoor industry and supports both retail sell-in and consumer awareness.

“We are excited to see RECCO technology integrated into the award-winning Valkyr 12 from Rab,” says Fredrik Steinwall, CEO of RECCO. “This recognition highlights the growing importance of combining performance innovation with outdoor safety solutions. As mountain running continues to grow globally, we are excited to work with leading brands like Rab to help make outdoor enthusiasts searchable in more environments and activities.”

The RECCO rescue network continues to expand globally, with the system now used by ski resorts and search-and-rescue organizations in more than 950 locations across 32 countries. RECCO continues to grow both its ground-based detector infrastructure and helicopter-based search-and-rescue capabilities to help improve response times in remote outdoor environments.

Photo Link:

https://reccoab.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/RECCOExternalSharing/IgCbMf87sq-hRbATQmc-OnzPASiiEhQ3RoXKITEg_YfAC58?e=ZUVjdb

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 950 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm).

More info at recco.com.

About Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd.

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an international business with the head office based in Derbyshire, UK. We are proud to own both the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands. We design exceptional product to meet the needs of our active customers. We encourage our teams to thrive and be part of our success. Our passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit sets the foundation for what we do. We have approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi and are proud to be a Fair Wear Leader Brand. www.equipuk.com.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(970) 235-0268

recco@verdepr.com

DENVER, Colo., May 27, 2026 — Reju, the textile-to-textile materials regeneration company transforming post-consumer polyester waste, today announced its expanded presence at Outside Days, the premier festival and industry gathering for the outdoor community, held May 28–31 at Auraria Campus in downtown Denver.

Reju’s presence spans both the industry conference and the festival grounds. On Friday, May 29 at 1:45 p.m. MST, CEO Patrik Frisk, former CEO of Under Armour and 30-year industry veteran, will join Peter Whitcomb, CEO of Tersus Solutions, and Susan Viscon, chief impact officer at REI Co-op, for a panel discussion on accelerating circularity across the outdoor and apparel sectors. The session will be moderated by Mary-Frances Heck, vice president of media and business growth of Outside Media.

On the event grounds May 29–31, Reju will host a “watering hole” with a shaded gathering space where festival goers can relax, refill their water, and come face-to-face with the “elephant in the room” of the outdoor industry: textile waste. At the center of the activation stands a life-sized elephant sculpture crafted entirely from Goodwill Colorado clothing, putting a new twist on a crisis the industry can no longer ignore.

Reju utilizes polyester-to-polyester recycling technology developed with IBM Research and commercialized through parent company Technip Energies to turn post-consumer polyester into like-new polyester fibers. Its first facility, Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt, Germany, is operational, and future Regeneration Hubs are planned for France, the Netherlands, and Rochester, New York.

Attendees are encouraged to attend the panel session at 1:45 p.m. MST on May 29 at Auraria Campus and to visit the Reju watering hole on the festival grounds May 29–31. Learn more about Outside Days at outsidedays.outsideonline.com.

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About Reju
Reju is a textile-to-textile materials regeneration company focused on creating innovative solutions for recycling post-consumer polyester textiles and PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies, Reju is building a global circular textile system to eliminate polyester waste at scale. Learn more at www.reju.com.

Media Contact:
Chris Goddard, CGPR | chris@cgprpublicrelations.com
Genny Boots, CGPR | genny@cgprpublicrelations.com

[ASHLAND, New Hampshire] May 27, 2026 — Minus33, a merino wool apparel brand created by textile engineers from L.W. Packard & Co., today announced it will accept merino wool base layer donations — from any brand — supporting its Search & Rescue (SAR) kit program, repurposing gently used merino wool into patient warming kits distributed at no cost to SAR teams across the U.S.

The program launched in 2017 after Minus33 learned its local SAR volunteers were stripping off their own gear to keep injured patients warm during rescue. Today, Minus33 distributes kits to over 200 partner organizations, including mountain rescue teams and state fish & wildlife agencies, so first responders can apply a full head-to-toe warming base layer system to a patient during emergencies. The program has processed and re-deployed thousands of garments into these kits since its inception.

“A hundred years of working with wool teaches you one thing: wool is always reliable & dependable in the outdoors, just like our dedicated first responders,” said Lawson Glidden, president of Minus33. “Expanding this initiative to any merino base layer that meets our standards is the most direct way to put our expertise to work to keep others safe in the backcountry.”

Unlike synthetic fibers, merino wool retains its warmth, even when wet, regulating body temperature in the critical window between rescue and recovery, which makes merino a must-have base layer for mountaineers and wilderness first responders. As kit requests have grown significantly, Minus33 is expanding intake capacity.

“Every SAR kit gives us a better chance of bringing someone home alive,” expressed Jaime Benard, president of Pemigewasset SAR from Northwestern, N.H. “Merino wool helps prevent hypothermia in rescued individuals during life-threatening conditions. We’re thankful to Minus33 for their generous kit donations and for expanding this program.”

To participate, U.S. consumers may request a free shipping label to donate base layers containing at least 50% merino wool to Minus33’s facility in Ashland, N.H. Items are inspected, cleaned, and patched before going into a SAR Kit. Donors receive a 25% discount toward their next Minus33 purchase. Items with damage are recycled. Kits are also sourced from factory seconds and Minus33 quality-tested returns, ensuring no usable garment goes to waste. As a Woolmark-certified brand, Minus33 ensures every garment meets globally recognized standards for wool quality, performance and durability.

To donate a base layer, support, or request a Minus33 SAR kit, visit: https://minus33.com/sar-program

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About Minus33
Minus33 is a fifth-generation, family-owned merino wool brand founded in 1916 as L.W. Packard in Ashland, New Hampshire. Relaunched in 2002, the brand crafts merino underwear, base layers and socks. Designed in New Hampshire, certified by Woolmark and OEKO-TEX and crafted with care. Learn more at www.minus33.com.

Media Contact:

Genny Boots, CGPR

genny@cgprpublicrelations.com

DURHAM, NC – May 27, 2026 — CEP Running, the performance compression brand built on medical-grade technology, is engineering the next revolution in running science. Today, the company unveils the Pro Run Optaspeed Bowtech, a next-generation hybrid super trainer that combines explosive speed with controlled stability. The shoe will be available globally in May 2026.

Building on the proven platform of the CEP Omnispeed, the new Optaspeed introduces a redesigned upper for enhanced fit, comfort, and breathability while maintaining CEP’s patented BowTech kinetic dual-plate system and advanced N+Foam midsole.

At its core, Optaspeed is engineered around a simple idea: speed and control in one intelligent system. The patented BowTech technology uses dual plates to store energy during impact and forefoot loading, releasing it explosively at push-off. This creates powerful forward propulsion while guiding each stride along a centered, controlled line of motion, helping runners maintain efficiency even under fatigue.

Paired with a supercritical N+Foam forefoot and EVA heel cushioning, the system delivers a unique ride experience that blends explosive energy return with structured stability. The result is a high-performance trainer designed for structured sessions such as tempo runs, progression efforts, and longer steady-state training.

Independent testing supports the platform’s performance benefits, showing up to a +3% improvement in VO₂ efficiency compared to daily trainers. This gain is driven by longer ground contact time, increased stride length, and more controlled mechanics sustained across distance.

Advanced Upper Design for Spring/Summer 2026

The Pro Run Optaspeed introduces a fully updated upper construction focused on fit precision and long-distance comfort:

• Lightweight, flexible nylon monomesh upper for adaptive fit and enhanced breathability
• Increased last volume for improved forefoot space
• 8 mm heel counter with refined geometry for a secure, locked-in feel
• Reflective CEP branding for improved visibility in low-light conditions

The Optaspeed continues to leverage CEP’s BowTech system, constructed from lightweight, glass fiber–reinforced Pebax, designed to:

• Deliver centered force distribution for controlled forward momentum
• Reduce over-rotation at the knee and ankle
• Maintain stability and efficiency late into demanding efforts

A dual-density midsole system further enhances performance:

• N+Foam (forefoot): explosive propulsion and energy return
• EVA (heel): impact absorption and vibration reduction for lasting comfort

With a 37 mm heel stack, 30 mm forefoot stack, and 7 mm drop, the geometry promotes forward drive while maintaining a stable, guided ride.

“Our goal was to create a shoe that not only delivers speed, but helps runners sustain it,” said Sebastian Seiler, Global Head of Footwear at CEP. “With the Optaspeed, we’ve combined explosive propulsion with precise control, allowing athletes to run more efficiently and hold form when it matters most. With the release of this new shoe and more to come, we are building a franchise around speed and the intelligence our products deliver.”

Product Details

• Category: High-performance training shoe
• Terrain: Road
• Weight: 290 g (UK size 8)
• MSRP: $225 USD / €220
• Colors: Black, White, Neon Coral, and Lime
• Availability: May 2026

Photo Link

About CEP Running
CEP Running delivers performance compression socks, sleeves, and apparel engineered with medical-grade precision to help athletes train harder, race faster, and recover smarter. Trusted by runners worldwide, CEP Running leverages decades of expertise in compression technology to improve circulation, reduce fatigue, and support injury prevention across every mile. Learn more at ceprunning.com.

Ziano di Fiemme (Trentino), May 27, 2026 — During its International Sales Meeting dedicated to the presentation of the Spring/Summer 2027 collection to the global sales network, La Sportiva unveiled the brand’s most significant evolution in decades: a new logo, alongside the debut of a new payoff, brand campaign, global communication platform, and an updated retail concept.

The evolution has been designed to accompany the brand towards its 100th anniversary — which La Sportiva will celebrate in 2028 — while preserving its core identity and strengthening its connection with the global mountain community. Rather than a break from the past, this is a natural progression: a project born from the desire to make the brand even more contemporary, recognizable, and relevant in an increasingly global and digital landscape, while staying true to its authenticity, roots, and technical DNA.

“The milestone of our centennial is an opportunity to design the next 100 years,” said Lorenzo Delladio, President and CEO of La Sportiva. “Continuity is not about standing still — it’s about evolving while remaining true to who you are. With this evolution, we want to look ahead with confidence, while staying deeply connected to our mountain culture, our community, and our vision of innovation.”

At the heart of this transformation is the new La Sportiva logo. The redesign stems from a process aimed at creating a more essential, recognizable, and contemporary visual language, while further strengthening the brand’s iconic identity. The mountain remains central: the Cimon della Pala, the brand’s historic symbol and a direct reference to the Val di Fiemme — the territory where La Sportiva was born and continues to grow.

The new mark has been developed to ensure greater visual clarity and improved adaptability across digital environments, reinforcing the brand’s iconic presence. The refreshed identity enhances La Sportiva’s signature yellow, emphasizes verticality, and introduces a more dynamic, technical, and contemporary typography designed to convey momentum, performance, and upward drive.

“This new logo reflects who we are today and where we’re heading,” commented Giulia Delladio, member of the fourth generation of the Delladio family. “We wanted to create an evolution without disruption — one that preserves our DNA while speaking to new generations of outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain remains our point of reference, our inspiration, and the core of our identity.”

The new communication platform, which will be gradually introduced starting from the Fall/Winter 2026 season, will extend across every brand touchpoint — from global campaigns to retail, digital, and packaging — with the goal of building a more cohesive, distinctive, and international brand language.

As part of this evolution, the retail concept will also be updated to physically translate the renewed identity into La Sportiva stores and retail spaces, strengthening the sense of community and the connection with the mountains.

The announcement of the new identity comes as part of a broader strategic evolution for the company, which also includes the strengthening of family governance and major production investments in Val di Fiemme. Among these is the expansion of the Ziano di Fiemme headquarters, scheduled to open in 2028, the year of the brand’s centennial. Through this evolution, La Sportiva reaffirms its commitment to continuing to innovate within the mountain and outdoor world while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage.

The brand evolution project was developed in collaboration with The Branding Letters, the Italy-based creative studio behind the new logo, and Mynt, the UK-based strategic and creative agency responsible for the campaign development and the new communication platform.

About La Sportiva

With over 95 years of mountain heritage, La Sportiva brings unmatched expertise to the design of high-performance footwear, ski mountaineering hardware, and technical apparel. Driven by innovation and a passion for the outdoors, the brand offers cutting edge footwear and apparel for climbing, mountaineering, mountain running®, hiking, and ski mountaineering. Designed and tested in the heart of the Dolomites, La Sportiva’s products are built to meet the demands of athletes pushing limits in the world’s most challenging terrain. Learn more at www.lasportivausa.com or follow @lasportivana on Instagram.

Media Contact:
Sean Van Horn, Backbone Media
Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1806
Email: sean.vanhorn@backbone.media

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (May 27, 2026) – Bosch eBike Systems is headed to Northwest Arkansas next month as the title sponsor of a brand-new 2026 Bike Fest event: Bosch Hill Climb Challenge. Taking place in the evening on Friday, June 12, the Challenge will be the feature event of the grand opening of the OZ Bike Park in Bella Vista, Ark. and an exciting addition to the 2026 Bentonville Bike Fest festivities. Bike Fest is an international celebration of all styles of cycling and ALL HUMANS ON BIKES, with more than 6,000 daily visitors, 1,400 athletes and 160 exhibitors, representing 13 countries, and 47 states.

Riders in the Bosch Hill Climb Challenge will get two chances to race up a steep, technical hill climb course on Class 1 (20mph) pedal-assist eBikes. The event will test competitors against the mountain in a test of skill as riders traverse the course from the base of the mountain up the lift line while navigating the route and features along the way. The rider who travels the furthest up the climb, in the fastest time, without putting their foot down, wins. This entertaining event guarantees to be equally as enjoyable for spectators. The event is free to the public, free to enter and open to Men and Women, with a total prize purse of $1,500. Learn more and register here.

Beyond the Hill Climb, find Bosch at the second-annual e-Mobility Day, taking place on Thursday, June 11 in downtown Bentonville. The day includes e-bike test rides, guided tours and the opportunity to hear from the Bosch team on a panel, alongside fellow leaders from PeopleForBikes and Arkansas Moves, discussing the impact of e-mobility and mountain biking on our community and the future of active transportation during an afternoon panel discussion. The Bosch team will also moderate a Commute panel with Mal Sebech, General Manager of the Walmart Bikeshare program, who will showcase their bike share system and servicing trike that is both powered by Bosch.

A trusted supplier to more than 100 of the world’s leading bicycle brands, Bosch will also be at the Bike Fest Expo from June 12–14. Stop by their booth near the main stage to explore a range of urban and eMTB bikes, or visit partner brands, such as Trek, Orbea, Polygon, Pivot, Ari and Santa Cruz (at The Hub) to test ride bikes powered by Bosch eBike systems. While you’re there, snag an autograph from Hans Rey, Ryan “RDog” Howard, and Rachel and Kyle Strait and learn about the latest updates to the Bosch eBike Flow App, including new features and benefits, like Performance Upgrade 2.0 and Trick Check.

Throughout the weekend, Bosch and Hans Rey will offer a series of four guided eMTB rides which will take place on June 11, 12, and 13, covering both the Slaughter Pen and Coler trail systems at intermediate and advanced levels. Proceeds from the rides will go to FAST (Friends of Arkansas Singletrack), the festival’s official charity. The rides include stops along the way to cover riding techniques, eBike setup and Bosch software features.

“We are thrilled to bring Bosch eBike Systems to Bentonville Bike Fest this year,” said Jocelyn Vande Velde, NA Marketing Director from Bosch eBike Systems. “This is an incredible opportunity for riders and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of eBikes—from exploring the latest innovations shaping the industry to getting hands-on time with our bikes on the trail. Whether you’re stopping by to chat with our team at the Expo, test riding our latest systems, or taking on the Bosch Hill Climb Challenge, we hope attendees leave with a deeper understanding of why Bosch is central to a wonderful eBike experience.”

For more information about Bosch eBike Systems and its range of offerings, please visit https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/why-ride-bosch. For more information about Bike Fest, please visit bentonvillebikefest.com.

Downloadable Image Assets

Contact for press inquiries:

Alexa McRoberts, Verde Brand Communications

Phone: 7178089653

E-mail: bosch@verdepr.com

Bosch Contact:

Jocelyn Vande Velde, Bosch eBike Systems

Phone: 9493274255

E-mail: Jocelyn.VandeVelde@us.bosch.com

Bosch eBike Systems are shaping the future of eBike mobility with innovative products and digital services; ranging from highly efficient drive systems, to the first production-ready ABS for eBikes and Connected Biking solutions. Bosch eBike Systems offers eBikers the best drive system (drive unit, battery, display, and app) for every requirement and every area of use, ensuring a unique riding sensation: Whether it’s for daily trips around the city, enjoyable rides in the countryside or for sporty adventures in the mountains. Today more than 100 of the world’s leading bicycle brands trust the perfectly coordinated, modular product portfolio. As an independent division within the Bosch Group, Bosch eBike Systems also makes use of the Group’s technology and manufacturing expertise. For fun, healthy, sustainable and safe mobility. 

More information at www.bosch-ebike.com.

Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services, employing roughly 412,000 associates worldwide (as at 31/12/2025). The company generated sales of 91 billion euros in the 2025 business year according to preliminary figures. Its business operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalisation, connectivity and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life”, Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 490 subsidiaries and regional companies in more than 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, development and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 82,000 associates in research and development.

More information at www.bosch-press.com, www.bosch-mobility.com, www.bosch.com.