Outdoor brands look forward to Switchback Spring with common goals of retail exposure and industry connection

NEW ORLEANS (April 13, 2026) – With less than two months before the doors open to Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, a robust list of exhibiting outdoor brands is voicing aligned goals for the upcoming gathering in New Orleans (June 16-18, 2026).

For brands big and small, the expectations for Switchback Spring strike a notable balance between achieving specific sales goals, building broader brand exposure, and strengthening peer connections for the long-term benefit of the outdoor industry.

“While every brand coming to Switchback has their own goals for the event, the common thread is that in addition to retail sales connections, they see their presence as a direct investment in a positive future for the industry,” said Sean Smith, Switchback event director.

Currently, more than 200 brands are registered for the event, covering 37,600 square feet of exhibition space and already surpassing last year’s total space by over 30%. Registered exhibitors include outdoor industry cornerstones, well known challenger brands, and retail-ready emerging companies looking to take the next step.

Early retailer registration is also contributing to brand commitments, as buyer numbers are already 38% ahead of where they were one year ago. Retailers represent all key sales regions, led by Pacific (25%), Midwest (18%), Rocky Mountain (18%), South (15%), Southwest (10%) and New England (9%).

  • “Our core goals at Switchback are simple: show up for an evolving outdoor industry, offer current and prospective partners a clear snapshot of the Fjällräven brand, and discover new ways we as a brand can contribute to a collective and collaborative future in the outdoors,” –  Chris Tennal, Fjallraven
  • “Outside” for us is bigger now. It’s still rooted in performance, but it’s showing up in how people actually live… hike, trail, everyday movement, and lifestyle. We want to connect that story clearly, strengthen our existing partnerships, and open the door to new ones that help us reach a broader consumer.” – Jessica Adler, Merrell
  • “Our goal at Switchback is to connect with community and showcase the next best outdoor brand. Community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re here to show up, connect, and inspire, bringing people together through a shared passion for the outdoors and rad gear.” – Shane Wallace, Berghaus
  • “We’re hoping to engage with a mix of regional/local retail chains as well as athletes, journalists, and content creators we can potentially partner with to help us build our brand and raise awareness as we launch Coastal Range Equipment into retail.” – John Peretti, Coastal Range Equipment

Brands have also expressed excitement for the broad industry tent that Switchback is building, which includes social gatherings and a robust education schedule featuring sessions on essential topics like conservation, sustainability and adaptive outdoor activities.

  • “We see Switchback as a moment to be in conversation with the industry. This means sharing perspective, learning from others, and continuing to shape what a more design-forward yet technical, women-first outdoor space can look like. Switchback brings together people who are actively shaping where the industry is going, and we’re especially excited to meet those who want to build something long-term.” – Ellexa Thomas, Halfdays
  • “We want to support the effort and build momentum around a comprehensive industry gathering. We need to rebuild the outdoor industry community that was mostly lost in these last several years since the pandemic.” – Gordon Seabury, Toad & Co
  • “We owe it to the industry to show up and attend shows, adding to the energy and the opportunity to get together, elevating smaller less known brands, and helping to create the critical mass and high quality attendance that raises all brands. A great show gets us together to share the experience and enjoy the company of others who love this industry as much as we do.” – Nathan Dopp, Fjallraven

To register, book hotels, or learn more about Switchback Spring, please visit www.switchbackevent.com.

ABOUT SWITCHBACK: Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry, owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Held at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback takes place each fall in conjunction with The Running Event (TRE) and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with robust education, peer connection, and business meetings, Switchback serves as a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates include Switchback Spring (June 16–18, 2026; New Orleans, LA) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 1–3, 2026; San Antonio, TX). To learn more, contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.

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Outdoor Industry Leaders Convene in Denver for Return of OIA Rendezvous After Decade-Long Hiatus

Denver, CO (March 18, 2026) – Over 80 C-suite executives and CEOs from across the outdoor industry gathered this week at VF Corporation headquarters in Denver for Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Rendezvous 2026, marking the highly anticipated return of executive convening after more than a decade.

The event gave outdoor industry leaders a rare chance to step outside their organizations and engage with peers facing similar pressures. This year’s theme, “Building Resilience in Uncertain Times,” framed conversations about navigating economic uncertainty, technological change, and evolving expectations around sustainability, conservation, and consumer engagement.

The outdoor industry emphasizes trust and accountability – values shaped by real-world experience, where consequences are immediate and shared. In activities like climbing, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering, success depends on clear communication, sound judgment, and trust in one’s partners.

These principles extend into the industry, where trust is earned through action, communication is direct, and responsibility is shared.

“Rendezvous is about bringing leaders together for open, honest conversations about the challenges shaping the outdoor industry,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “It’s also the start of rebuilding a stronger culture of collaboration across our industry. By listening to the leaders in the room, OIA can better understand the priorities that matter most and help turn those insights into meaningful action.”

“We have a track record as an industry of collaborating to make meaningful change and progress,” said Susan Viscon, REI Impact Executive. “The conviction to do the hard work and do it together is born from face-to-face conversations. Rendezvous has brought together the right stakeholders from brands and focused on the topics that are critical to our future.”

The program featured fireside chats, keynote presentations, and panels with leaders from top outdoor brands.

Jeffrey Strasser of Microsoft opened with a keynote discussing how executives can lead through the rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, offering practical guidance on adopting AI while supporting workforce transformation and maintaining focus on people and core business fundamentals.

Moderated by Lindsay Shumlas of Cotopaxi, a session on investment and growth strategy brought together advisors and legal experts to discuss navigating a shifting market. Lesford Duncan from the Outdoor Foundation and Kelly Davis from OIA previewed the 2026 Outdoor Participation Report, highlighting data-driven insights that will shape business decisions across the sector.

Beyond market data trends, Matthew Thurston of REI led a discussion with leaders from Black Diamond, GORE-TEX, and Design for Impact on making sustainability a central driver of resilience. Chris Keyes from Re:Public guided a session on modern messaging for public lands advocacy and conservation.

“I think we’re all responsible for being stewards of the soul of the industry,” said Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia. “That means protecting the joy and the specialness of being outdoors, not just thinking about it as a commercial endeavor.”

The day wrapped with small-group strategy sessions to identify priorities that will guide OIA’s programming and initiatives in 2026 and beyond.

“My big takeaway is that it’s time to do it,” said Neil Fiske, CEO of Black Diamond. “We’ve got the tools, the will, the values, and the purpose. Now it’s about relentlessly focusing on operationalizing our objectives, so people feel empowered to act.”

Partners supporting the return of Rendezvous included GORE-TEX® Brand, VF Corporation, REI, BranchPattern, The Langston Co., and Perkins Coie. The gathering brought together leaders from 65 brands, tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges and producing actionable insights for the year ahead.

“The Rendezvous was a remarkable display of the passion and the optimism that are at the core of the outdoor industry community. There were a lot of common themes – from the value of gatherings in the outdoor industry to the importance of being authentic and acting on your brand values – but the biggest one was a clear eagerness to lean in, collectively, to navigate those challenges as well as share the benefit of future opportunities,” said Christina Henderson, VP, Switchback and The Running Event.

Leaders interested in participating in future gatherings or learning more about OIA membership can request an invitation here.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Media Contact: Chris Denny / Denny, ink. / chris@dennyink.com

Switchback and Outdoor Market Alliance Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Outdoor Industry Connections

NEW ORLEANS, La. (February 18, 2026) – Switchback, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, and the Outdoor Market Alliance (OMA), a collective of 25 independent sales and marketing agencies representing over 194 brands in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, have entered into a strategic partnership. The alliance will elevate the voice of independent sales representatives and deepen connections across the entire outdoor ecosystem.

“As the conduit between retailers and brands, independent sales reps are an essential part of our industry,” said Sean Smith, Switchback Event Director. “By joining forces with OMA, we’re creating more pathways for meaningful business relationships and ensuring that sales representatives and their retail and brand partners have the tools and connections they need to thrive.”

The collaboration will provide expanded access and resources for independent sales representatives, outdoor retailers, and brands, leveraging Switchback’s innovative event platform and OMA’s extensive network and industry expertise.

“OMA is committed to supporting our members and the broader outdoor industry community,” said Steve Copeland, OMA President. “This partnership allows us to extend valuable opportunities to our showroom members and the retailers and brands we serve.”

Founded in 2020, the Outdoor Market Alliance is a non-profit association dedicated to supporting community-driven initiatives within the outdoor industry. The organization provides 32,000 square feet of showroom and community meeting space in Lakewood, Colorado, serving as a hub for independent sales agencies in the Rocky Mountain region.

As part of the partnership, Switchback will provide exclusive show access benefits to OMA members, select retail partners, and OMA board members. Switchback will also collaborate with OMA to enhance sales representatives’ experience  at future Switchback events. Both organizations will promote each other throughout the year, and Switchback will have a physical presence at upcoming OMA events.

Switchback will also have a physical presence at OMA, including promotional materials and QR-coded signage linking visitors directly to Switchback event information and registration, creating seamless pathways for retailer participation.

The partnership takes effect immediately, with collaborative initiatives rolling out in conjunction with upcoming OMA Market Weeks and Switchback Spring in New Orleans, Louisiana (June 16–18, 2026).

About Switchback

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry, owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Held at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback takes place each fall in conjunction with The Running Event (TRE)  and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with robust education, peer connection, and business meetings, Switchback serves as a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates include Switchback Spring (June 16–18, 2026; New Orleans, LA) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 1–3, 2026; San Antonio, TX). To learn more, contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.

About Outdoor Market Alliance

Outdoor Market Alliance (OMA) is a collective of 25 independent sales and marketing agencies representing over 194 different brands in the outdoor, active lifestyle, resort, run and bike markets in the Rockies. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, the OMA physical location offers 32,000 square feet of showroom and community meeting space. OMA’s mission is two-fold: to elevate the experience for its brand partners and retailers through a fresh showroom venue, while acting responsibly to support community initiatives through its non-profit association. Each OMA agency commits time and monetary support to the environment, diversity and inclusivity in the outdoor markets. Learn more at www.outdoormarketalliance.org

Photo courtesy Outdoor Market Alliance

Switchback at TRE delivers energetic mix of brands, ideas, and community as outdoor industry gathering continues building toward June

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (DEC. 10, 2025) – Switchback at The Running Event (TRE), the fall gathering for the outdoor industry, wrapped up its fourth annual event last week with high energy, steady retailer traffic, and a growing community of dedicated outdoor industry businesses.

Hosted on a central area of the show floor, Switchback at TRE attracted 60 exhibiting companies, a broad mix of run and specialty outdoor retailers, and a stacked education calendar including panels on the importance of brands in protecting natural places led by Paul Hendricks of The Conservation Alliance, the business imperative of sustainability led by Julie Brown and Kelly Davis of Outdoor Industry Association, and a live podcast recording with the Rock Fight crew.

a group of Switchback attendees at the TRE/Switchback event in San Antonio, Texas in December 2025

Switchback at TRE was also notable for the growing sense of community among attending companies – big and small – that supports the role of outdoor industry gatherings for both individual business needs as well as overall industry health.

“For a new brand like ours, there’s a lot of camaraderie in being a part of a bigger experience like this. We’ve seen a lot of retailers, both big and small, but we’ve also learned so much from seeing other small brands like ours rolling out new ideas and getting traction,” said Linnae O’Neil, Paradis Sport director of community.

 “Being in the mix with a diverse array of brands is really helpful for us as an emerging brand. It’s been high quality retailer conversions and honestly been a good quantity of them as well,” said John Schade, Dry Brew founder.

 “Being part of a broad and diverse range of brands is what makes this work for us. It’s essential that we make it worth a retailer’s time to leave their store,” said Sydney Lambert of Patagonia.

 “Our goals for Switchback were to elevate our brand around our 30th anniversary and do a little business, as well as to support the event and its value to the outdoor community. We’ve been able to do all that and more,” said Megan Fulton, Toad & Co. national sales manager.

The intentional blend of established “legacy” brands and smaller “emerging” brands seen during Switchback at TRE has been a hallmark of the event since its inception, and is a trend that will continue  as planners look toward the event’s next installation: Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA).

In addition to a broad main floor that includes numerous cornerstone brands – such as Merrell, The North Face, Rumpl, Smartwool, Scarpa, Mammut and Darn Tough – a special section of Switchback Spring known as “Pathfinders” will be dedicated to a curated collection of retail-ready young brands.

Created in partnership with Founded Outdoors and Garage Grown Gear, the Pathfinders zone at Switchback Spring is open to brands that have been in business less than 10 years with up to $5m/year in annual sales. In addition to being located on a spotlight portion of the show floor, Pathfinders exhibitors receive a variety of pre-show and on-site marketing support. Pathfinders is capped at 30 total brands, with limited spots remaining. Confirmed participants include Gossamer Gear, Hikerkind, Gear envy, Symbiosis, Alpine Fit, Recpak, FKT and others.

“For any successful industry event, the mix is what matters most. We’ve been very intentional in growing the show with both high demand brands as well as a strong collection of small, business-ready companies.  When you have that critical mass of both brands and retailers, it really sets the stage for essential industry conversations,” said Beth Gordon, Switchback Director of New Business Development. 

For more information on exhibiting at Switchback and the Pathfinders zone, please contact Beth Gordon (bgordon@divcom.com).

For more information on Switchback, please visit www.switchbackevent.com.

About Switchback

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 1-3, 2026; San Antonio, TX). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.

PITTSBURGH LAUNCHES THRIVE OUTSIDE INITIATIVE TO EXPAND OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Pittsburgh, PA – November 5, 2025 – Today, Thrive Outside Pittsburgh, a regional ecosystem dedicated to expanding access to outdoor recreation, especially for youth and families, officially launches. The initiative unites partners across the region to open more doors to outdoor recreation through schools, strengthen youth development and career pathways, and reimagine parks and public spaces as vibrant centers of community impact. Rooted in the belief that outdoor experiences are vital to physical health, emotional well-being, and lifelong learning, this initiative connects youth and families across Pittsburgh to regular, meaningful engagement with nature.

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is powered by the Outdoor Foundation and driven by a collaborative effort uniting city, county, and state agencies, educators, recreation providers, and community-based organizations. Backbone support is provided by the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, with strategic guidance from a Steering Committee composed of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Propel Charter Schools.

“Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is about creating opportunities for all youth to confidently explore and thrive outdoors,” says Marcus Shoffner, President and CEO of The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition. “By uniting diverse stakeholders, we are building a sustainable foundation for equitable access to nature for generations to come.”

The initiative will operate through three interconnected committees:

  • Youth Committee: Integrates outdoor education into school systems and after-school/summer programs.
  • Regional Outdoor Recreation Committee: Aligns public agencies and partners to strengthen investment and coordination across the region’s recreation infrastructure.
  • Events Committee: Cultivates public enthusiasm for outdoor recreation through community-facing experiences.

Thrive Outside is a nationwide movement led by the Outdoor Foundation and its partners to build and support communities dedicated to increasing outdoor access for youth and families. It uses a “backbone organization” to manage community efforts. Local partners form a steering committee, and community partners work together to benefit the community.

“This initiative builds on the strong foundation of partnerships already thriving in Pittsburgh’s communities,” said Lesford Duncan, Executive Director of the Outdoor Foundation. “By strengthening and expanding this collaborative network, we’re supporting the region to create an outdoor recreation economy that is more inclusive, connected, and resilient; one that advances community health and well-being through access to nature and outdoor experiences.”

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh Organizational Structure

BACKBONE ORGANIZATION Outdoor Inclusion Coalition

STEERING COMMITTEE Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Propel Charter Schools

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

  • Allegheny County Parks and Recreation
  • Allegheny County Parks Foundation
  • Ascend Climbing
  • Bike Pittsburgh
  • Butler County Parks and Recreation
  • City of Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation
  • Community Forge
  • Cycles for Change
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • Environmental Charter School
  • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
  • Pennsylvania Environmental Council
  • Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League
  • Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation
  • Ruach Bike Club
  • Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition (SWPACC)
  • Venture Outdoors
  • Watersmith Guild/SurfSup
  • Women and Girls Foundation of SWPA
  • Woods Room

“I’ve seen it in communities all across the Commonwealth — when we get outside, we thrive,” said Nathan Reigner, Pennsylvania’s Director of Outdoor Recreation. “Spending time outdoors helps us feel better, connect with our neighbors and our natural world, and it’s essential for our communities to rejuvenate and for our economy to thrive.”

 

About the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition

The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition (OIC) is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing access to outdoor recreation through experiential education and community-driven systems change. OIC develops and implements year-round adventure programs, including the Urban Wilderness Program, Youth Equity in Snow Sports (YESS), and other nature-based learning experiences that connect youth and families to the outdoors while fostering leadership, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Through its community impact model, OIC convenes cross-sector partners from education, government, and the nonprofit sector to align resources and strategies that strengthen regional access to the outdoors.

 

About the 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.

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is sponsored by:

Outdoor Industry Association Unveils 2026 Convening Roadmap, Revives Industry-Favorite Events, and Launches Virtual Town Hall

BOULDER, CO (OCTOBER 28, 2025) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is proud to announce a dynamic lineup of events for the coming year, reaffirming its role as the strategic backbone of the outdoor industry. With the return of long-celebrated gatherings, bold new partnerships, and an emphasis on meaningful engagement, OIA continues to lead the way in building stronger outdoor businesses and a more resilient outdoor economy.

At the heart of this renewed strategy is a commitment to streamlining the industry’s event landscape, reducing fragmentation, and uniting brands, retailers, suppliers, non-profits and industry partners around shared goals. In support of this mission, OIA will host a Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, inviting members and the broader outdoor community to learn more about upcoming opportunities for connection, innovation, and growth.

“We’ve listened to our members and the industry at large. The call was clear: optimize the event schedule, focus opportunities for connection and add purpose in how we come together,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “The 2026 convening roadmap reflects our vision to bring the industry together across advocacy, sustainability, leadership, participation and B2B engagement, with the goal of strengthening the outdoor economy at every level.”

2026 Highlights Include:

  • OIA Rendezvous (March 2026) – The highly anticipated return of OIA’s signature executive-level event, focusing on long-term strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and thought leadership.
  • Capitol Summit (April 2026) – A cornerstone advocacy event, offering direct engagement with lawmakers to amplify the industry’s voice and policy impact.
  • Catalyst Conference (Fall 2026) – Practitioner-led sustainability education, offering real-world solutions for environmentally responsible growth.
  • Switchback Shows (Spring & Fall 2026) – In partnership with industry leaders, these events serve as premier buying and shows, and gathering place for leadership development, innovation, and community building.
  • Outside Days (Summer 2026) – A powerful consumer-facing festival celebrating outdoor participation and culture, plus the Outside Summit, a networking and thought leadership gathering for the industry and our partners

Purposeful Convening, Lasting Impact

These strategic convenings are core to OIA’s value proposition: building stronger outdoor businesses through actionable insights, government advocacy, sustainable business practices, and cutting-edge learning. From executive planning sessions to retail-focused education, each event is designed to empower the industry to make informed decisions, reduce environmental impact, shape policy, and foster community.

Join the Conversation: November 4 Virtual Open House

OIA invites all members and the broader outdoor community to its Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, where OIA leaders will share the full 2026 event calendar, provide strategic insights, and discuss how businesses can maximize their engagement in the year ahead. To register for OIA’s Virtual Town Hall please sign up at this LINK.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Media Contact: Chris Denny / Denny, ink. / chris@dennyink.com

REI Co-op, Carhartt, ERM Coho, and Outdoor Industry Association Announce Collaborative Renewable Energy Project 

{Boulder, CO} (October 22, 2025) – REI Co-op, Carhartt, ERM Coho, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced their participation in a collaborative solar project. The solar project, Misae II, developed by Greenalia, is located in Texas and will begin delivering renewable energy certificates to REI Co-op and Carhartt in 2026.

The collaborative solar project, accessed via a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA), was offered through OIA’s Climate Action Corps Impact CoLab, in partnership with member brands and ERM Coho. OIA’s Impact CoLabs accelerate industry progress by enabling brands and suppliers to work together, meeting company sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn more about Impact CoLabs here. 

 “We’re excited by how this VPPA will support our longstanding commitment to 100% renewable energy. This is our largest solar project (yet) in a state where we have a strong presence with 11 stores. Partnering with others in the outdoor industry on this project demonstrates how collaboration is critical to accelerating the decarbonization of our grids and protecting everyone’s right to a healthy outdoors,” said Jay Creech, manager of net zero for REI Co-op. 

 A VPPA is a financial contract for differences between a buyer (or group of buyers) and a large-scale renewable energy project, in which the buyer commits to a fixed price and receives the floating wholesale electricity price.  Companies that are unable to install onsite solar to meet 100% of their energy demand can use VPPAs to procure offsite renewable energy. VPPAs are typically only available to very large energy buyers. Smaller companies can access VPPAs by working together, and industry associations like OIA provide a platform to enable that collaboration.

“This agreement demonstrates the success that results from buyers and developers being collaborative. When companies unite as a structured buyer group, they unlock access to large-scale clean energy solutions and strengthen decision-making,” said Chris O’Brien, Partner, Vice President Business Development for ERM Coho.

Key Outcomes of the VPPA CoLab:  

  • Renewable Energy: The VPPA supports 18.5 megawatts of renewable energy.   
  • Collective Impact: Individually, OIA members would not have met the electricity supply required to participate in a VPPA. By coming together through OIA to aggregate their energy demand, members were able to execute a joint VPPA.   
  • Building Knowledge: Members gained a strong understanding of the complex VPPA market through the CoLab. The collaborative process demystified renewable energy procurement and equipped members with the tools to execute a clean energy deal.  
  • Driving New Construction: The CoLab enabled the construction of a new utility-scale solar project in Texas, bringing additional clean energy onto the grid.  
  • Verified Impact: CoLab participants receive Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), allowing them to reduce their emissions.   

“The path to a better future is paved through collaboration and partnership,” said Gretchen Valade, Director, Sustainability, Carhartt, Inc. “No single organization can tackle the complexities of decarbonization alone, but together, we can drive meaningful progress. We are proud to be a part of this important effort to support renewable energy generation and build a more sustainable world.” 

“We are incredibly proud of the successful collaboration among the VPPA CoLab participants, culminating in a renewable energy project that will deliver long-term clean energy benefits and advance the outdoor industry’s collective climate goals. This project stands as a powerful testament to the impact we can achieve when we unite our efforts and provides a replicable model for others in the industry,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at OIA.

About Outdoor Industry Association   

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.   

 About Carhartt

Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing durable products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt.   

About ERM Coho  

ERM Coho is a global climate adviser dedicated to helping clients navigate complexity and take ambitious steps on their climate journey. We provide deep market insight, analytical problem-solving, and change management expertise so that clients can switch to renewable energy and make other large-scale climate and water resiliency investments with confidence and internal alignment. To learn more about how ERM Coho can help organizations get ahead of their climate goals, visit www.cohoclimate.com.

About Greenalia 

Greenalia S.A. is a global IPP focused on renewable energy. The company uses wind, sun and forestry biomass from certified plantation residues to generate and store energy in harmony with nature, providing employment and innovation in Europe and the US. The company’s main activity is the generation of renewable energy, being present in six technologies: onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, biomass, storage, hydrogen and carbon capture. 

About REI Co-op 

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.   

Outdoor Industry Association: Government Shutdown to Weaken Outdoor Economy

Boulder, CO (October 1, 2025) — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today expressed serious concern regarding the federal government shutdown and its impact on the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. With public lands already understaffed, the shutdown is expected to place additional strain on the industry and local businesses that rely on outdoor visitation to national parks, which added $56 billion to the U.S. economy last year.  

“A government shutdown poses a serious threat to the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy,” said OIA President Kent Ebersole. “Public lands and national parks are already facing critical staffing shortages, and a shutdown would further disrupt operations, restrict access in some areas, and jeopardize the livelihoods of hard-working Americans in gateway communities that depend on recreation and tourism. With visitors across the country planning trips this fall, the shutdown will lead to cancelled reservations and reduced business activity with lasting impacts. Leaving public lands unattended leaves them vulnerable to vandalism and disrepair, undermining the outdoor recreation economy.” 

OIA urges Congress and the administration to resolve a shutdown swiftly and to avoid any further reductions in staffing that would undermine the management of our public lands. A stable and fully supported federal workforce is essential to sustaining the outdoor economy and ensuring outdoor access for millions of Americans.

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About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.