Type: OIA Press Room

2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report reveals record growth in outdoor base and increasing diversity, especially among new and young participants

 

BOULDER, COLO [June 19, 2023] — Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Outdoor Foundation (OF), longtime authorities on outdoor participation data, jointly released findings from the 2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report. The report reveals that the outdoor recreation participation base grew 2.3% in 2022 to a record 168.1M participants, or 55% of the U.S. population over the age of 6. The report also found that the new participant base is becoming increasingly more diverse in terms of ethnicity, race, age, and sexual and gender identity.

“For any business that wants to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace, understanding the evolving consumer base and how they choose to spend their time outdoors is essential knowledge,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Industry growth is dependent on attracting and retaining the “core” and increasingly diverse “casual” participant through innovation, valued sustainability practices and pursuing policies for increasing equitable access to the outdoors for everyone.”

Key findings in the report include:

• The participation rate for Hispanic people increased from 34% in 2015 to 56% in 2022, the highest participant growth rate for any single group.
• The participation rate for Black people increased more than 5% in 2022 to 40.7%, the only group with increased average outings and the highest number of outings on average compared to any other ethnic or racial group.
• LGBTQIA+ participants make up 11% of the participant base and are the most active of any adult cohort.
• A significantly higher percentage of seniors are participating in outdoor recreation. At 35% of the base, seniors now represent 1 in every 5 outdoor participants.
• Gateway activities, where new participants begin their outdoor recreation journey, continue to drive new entrant outings and frequency of participation.
  80% of outdoor activity categories experienced growth, including camping, fishing, sport climbing, skateboarding, and hiking.
• Record growth in the participant base does not translate to participation rates, which are down for the first time since the pandemic, especially amongst “core” and “youth” segments.

“The findings of this year’s report underpin the critical need for initiatives like Thrive Outside that seek to address outdoor equity barriers,” said Stephanie Maez, Outdoor Foundation Executive Director. “While the growth in ethnic and racial diversity in the participant base is encouraging, we must strive to do better. Outdoor participation should reflect the diversity of the U.S. population overall and currently, it does not.”

For over 15 years, the report has served as the most trusted and comprehensive source of insights and narratives around who’s doing what, when, and how outdoors. The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, funds the research and publishes the findings in partnership with OIA every year.

The 2023 report reflects data gathered during the 2022 calendar year and garnered a total of 18,000 online interviews consisting of people ages six and older. While the executive summary of the report is available to the public, the full report is available exclusively to OIA members and OF partners.

About Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of 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 many partners to get more people outside more often. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

About the 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 and climate positivity 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.

New member program, working group, and consulting service to support phase-out of harmful chemicals through scalable plans, supply chain solutions, and timely advocacy 

 

BOULDER, CO (June 14, 2023) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today proudly announces the launch of its new Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC), a comprehensive program, working group, and consulting service to provide OIA members with strategies, scalable action plans, and solutions for thoughtfully phasing out PFAS and other harmful chemicals from their products and guide members through complicated sustainability regulations across the country.

CCMC is designed to support outdoor retailers, brands, manufacturers, and distributors each in a way that’s unique to their product category and life stage. The central purpose of the program is to help OIA members balance financial and product management risks while eliminating and replacing materials, delivering transparency to supply chain, recycling, and emission disclosures. It will also inform members of future chemical and sustainability compliance laws and regulations that are likely to impact the outdoor industry.

“For the outdoor industry, the path towards phasing out forever chemicals includes finding safer replacement materials that don’t sacrifice performance,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Recently, many leading outdoor brands have become committed to phasing out PFAS, and members like REI, Keen, and Patagonia are already supporting the cause by screening products for PFAS and eradicating toxic materials from their own product lines. With the new CCMC, OIA looks to catalyze even broader compliance by bringing the entirety of our industry to the forefront of this vital chemical phase-out,” added Ebersole. 

“Our sustainability commitment has always been about balance as well as urgency, increasing the ability of our members to reduce harm, apply safe alternatives in the supply chain, and become a climate positive industry by 2030,” said Sarah Rykal, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at OIA. “We are here to support members as they navigate and innovate on sustainability practices and continue to build consumer trust in, and loyalty to, their favorite outdoor brands and gear. For a problem of this nature, OIA is all in. We are investing in this program to share our collective resources and expertise so outdoor companies don’t have to invest in costly but valuable new sustainability measures alone.”

OIA will work to share execution plans in the form of legislative and technical resources, a roadmap of market and product restrictions by state, as well as complicated compliance timelines so that all members can comply with legislation with minimal impact and reduced risk to their hard and soft goods businesses. OIA members will also have access to CCMC technical and legislative experts for further consultation on custom approaches, including toolkits for testing thresholds, research on alternative materials, and critical information on how to identify and phase out harmful chemicals from the supply chain. Additionally, members are invited to participate in monthly working group discussions hosted by industry leaders and experts to learn more on driving existing and future strategies for chemical action. The member-led working groups will be set up to offer further guidance on crucial topics like ongoing supply chain management and testing, chemical testing labs and methods, templates, and talking points for engaging with suppliers, inventory management and disposal, consumer messaging, and marketing best practices. 

“Whether our members are just starting out on the trail or cresting the summit to PFAS elimination or other sustainability measures, the CCMC is poised to provide timely, user-friendly information and ‘getting started’ insights for the industry at large,” added Ebersole. “Together we can create more sustainable practices to ensure the outdoor industry is successful for the health of business, people and the planet.”

To learn more about the Outdoor Industry Association’s Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition, please visit OIA’s website.  

 

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 and climate positivity 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

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today thanked members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for advancing the “America’s Outdoor Recreation Act” to the full Senate for its consideration.

“In a day and age when it seems there is little bipartisan cooperation in Washington, Senators Manchin and Barrasso are spearheading one of the most dynamic and comprehensive outdoor recreation proposals we have seen in more than 60 years. Their timing couldn’t be more perfect. Across the country, a record number of Americans are spending time outside and enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor recreation.

“Unfortunately, there are still more than 100 million Americans who still do not live within walking or biking distance of a park. But there is hope. This legislation aims to bring green spaces to more people and expand access to the Great Outdoors. The work doesn’t stop there. There is an array of provisions to provide meaningful opportunities for job creators to expand their business, hire more employees, and strengthen communities from coast to coast.

“We are hopeful the Senate will take swift action to pass this bill, and we look forward to the House producing similar bipartisan companion legislation.” 

 

About the Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

Change agents, educators, researchers, advocates, and business experts to catalyze emerging leaders and innovators in the outdoor industry 

BOULDER, CO (April 27, 2023) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced that it will present an inspiring lineup of education sessions and connection opportunities at the Outdoor Retailer Summer show in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 19 -21, 2023.  

Showcasing experts in their field, OIA education sessions will address critical and intersectional topics including business innovation, sustainability, advocacy, market trends, risk mitigation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Attendees can also engage in interactive workshops and roundtables to learn from OIA experts and discuss best practices with their peers. As a trusted, and seasoned source of guidance and expertise, OIA will deliver education that reflects what outdoor businesses need to thrive in an ever-changing economic, political, and social landscape. 

“Our goal with the OIA education sessions at Outdoor Retailer is to reflect the most pressing issues facing the industry so businesses can apply expert guidance, proven solutions, and new skills to confidently evolve with the pace of the industry,” said OIA President, Kent Ebersole. “Innovation starts with knowledge and these educational opportunities are just one of the many catalysts for positive change that OIA is delivering to the outdoor industry.”  

Will Akuna Robinson, a Triple Crown thru-hiker and community advocate, will kick off Outdoor Retailer Summer during the OIA Industry Breakfast. Fueled by a desire for real connection, community, and healing from the PTSD of military service, Robinson will share invaluable personal wisdom from the trail and how individuals and businesses can lean into the call to understand and address inequity and the socio-economic barriers to outdoor recreation. 

To help business leaders better understand the markets and people they serve, OIA will unveil high-level findings and insights from the 2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, providing attendees with a comprehensive and timely view of the changing outdoor participant base. OIA Research Director Kelly Davis will reveal the latest trends in outdoor recreation participation, including how many consumers are participating in outdoor recreation, what categories are the growing fastest, what activities are most popular, and frequency. 

Attendees will also hear directly from experts who are partnering with outdoor industry companies, agencies, and nonprofits to help build the pipeline for the future outdoor industry workforce and learn how it applies to their HR and business needs. Experts from the University of New Hampshire, Weber State, and the Center for Applied Special Technology (C.A.S.T.) will share how the outdoor industry is impacting rural learners, science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.) opportunities, and local economic development. 

In support of the industry’s goal to become climate positive by 2030, OIA will deliver sustainability education sessions that help attendees learn fast to apply realistic and proven solutions on a myriad of topics, including decarbonization, measurement, and harder-to-reach supply chain emissions. Leaders from OIA’s Climate Action Corps, Higg, and Climate Neutral will share best practices and opportunities for precompetitive collaboration to get ahead of sustainability challenges that impact product quality and customer satisfaction. 

OIA will unveil its new industry-wide program, the Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition, during an interactive education session with OIA chemicals experts, legislative advisors, and sustainability marketing leaders from Compose[d]. Attendees will learn how OIA’s consulting service and working group can help outdoor companies balance financial and product management risks with new and existing sustainability legislation while retaining customer loyalty and demand for sustainably made products. Speakers will walk attendees through strategies to achieve PFAS phase-out, meet compliance standards, and share how outdoor companies can swiftly engage on solutions for hard and soft good phase-out. 

“Underpinning all the work OIA does to catalyze growth and change within our industry is our commitment to inclusion. Whether you’re a startup business with a great new idea or a recent graduate pursuing a career in the outdoors, we’re excited to connect with you. OIA is here to help you harness the passion and creativity of this industry to ensure we grow sustainably, and we create opportunities for everyone,” added Ebersole.  

To view the complete lineup of OIA educational opportunities at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, visit OIA’s website. 

  

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org 

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today announced U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán, D-CA, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the co-chair of the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Congressional Task Force, as a recipient of OIA’s Friend of the Industry Award.

“Rep. Barragán is dedicated to protecting our public lands and waters and investing in initiatives to expand access to the outdoors for all Americans – regardless of zip code. A tremendous champion for equitable access and opportunity, she is a lead sponsor of the ‘Outdoors for All Act,’ which is designed to provide much-needed funding for urban green spaces. We are grateful for her work to raise awareness about this important issue and look forward to working together with her to protect America’s great outdoors.”

“I am honored to receive the Friend of Industry award from the Outdoor Industry Association. OIA’s work to support outdoor access and park equity for communities of color and low-income communities is critical for the health and well-being of our communities, and the environment. I look forward to our continued efforts to pass the Outdoors for All Act, fight climate change, and close the nature equity gap in Latino communities and communities of color,” said Rep. Barragán.

The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award is awarded to members of Congress in recognition of their legislative leadership on outdoor recreation issues, protecting public lands and waterways, and supporting the $862 billion outdoor industry and its 4.5 million employees.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

 BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today announced U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-WV, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, as a recipient of OIA’s Friend of the Industry Award.

“Senator Manchin played an instrumental role in the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $369 billion in new funding for climate solutions and infrastructure. Additionally, his sponsorship of the ‘America’s Outdoor Recreation Act’ – the most comprehensive outdoor recreation package since the Kennedy administration – is instrumental for the future of our industry and access to our public lands and waterways for the record number of outdoor participants. We are grateful for Sen. Manchin’s work to sustain and support outdoor recreation opportunities.”

“It is an honor to accept this award from the Outdoor Industry Association,” Senator Manchin said. “OIA has a strong history of advocating for America’s public lands and our beautiful outdoor spaces. As an avid outdoorsmen and son of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia, some of my proudest moments in Congress have been working to protect and conserve the American traditions of hunting, fishing, hiking and more. I look forward to continuing to work with OIA to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and fall in love with the great outdoors as we all have.”

The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award is awarded to members of Congress in recognition of their legislative leadership on outdoor recreation issues, protecting public lands and waterways, and supporting the $862 billion outdoor industry and its 4.5 million employees.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today announced U.S. Representative Adrian Smith, R-NE, chair of the Trade Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, as a recipient of OIA’s Friend of the Industry Award.

“Rep. Smith is a long-time champion of the outdoor economy and OIA’s balanced trade agenda. He led the effort to add travel goods to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), resulting in $300 million in duty savings annually for outdoor companies and a $5 billion shift of trade out of China. We look forward to continuing to work with him as a leader in the effort to renew GSP and pass a package of miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs) to support the bottom line of outdoor companies, local businesses, and American communities.”

“I’m honored to receive this award. A strong outdoor industry needs sound trade policy to level the playing field and compete fairly in the global marketplace. We must continue to aggressively pursue American interests to the benefit of businesses, manufacturers, and consumers alike,” said Rep. Smith.

The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award is awarded to members of Congress in recognition of their legislative leadership on outdoor recreation issues, protecting public lands and waterways, and supporting the $862 billion outdoor industry and its 4.5 million employees.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Summit agenda outlines industry support for vital legislation to drive innovation, job growth, outdoor recreation, and climate action.

BOULDER, COLO [April 17, 2023] — A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will gather in our nation’s capital April 18-19, 2023, to galvanize outdoor industry leaders, policymakers, and elected officials to advocate for critical issues facing the outdoor economy, outdoor participation, and the planet.

During the two-day event, attendees will meet directly with members of Congress and other administration officials to discuss critical legislation that supports the entirety of the outdoor recreation economy, including key topics like trade, climate, access, and equity. Speakers at Capitol Summit include Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres-Small, and more.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the outdoor industry to be heard,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Since our last Capitol Summit in 2019, more than 10 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation for the first time, or for the first time in years. This increase in the number of people spending time outside was not a moment in time for managing stress from lockdown during a global pandemic. We witnessed a multi-generational mind shift around the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of spending time in nature, as over half of the U.S. population flocked to the outdoors. This massive spike in participation led to greater spending within the outdoor recreation economy, to a whopping $862 billion in 2021, accounting for 1.9 percent of GDP and a record-breaking 4.5 million jobs in the U.S.” said Ebersole.

Throughout the OIA Capitol Summit, industry leaders will urge Congress to pass America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, the largest comprehensive package of recreation bills in a generation that helps ensure that the outdoors are open and accessible to all Americans. Attendees will also work to fuel the innovation and job growth of outdoor businesses by supporting the passing of a package of miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs) and renewing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Continuing to fight on behalf of the planet and the natural landscapes which so many outdoor activities are dependent upon, Capitol Summit attendees will advocate for greater climate action, conservation, and sustainable economic growth while also showing support for state-based offices of outdoor recreation and increased investments in the outdoors at the state and local levels.

As part of the Capitol Summit, OIA will present The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award to members of Congress in recognition of their legislative leadership around outdoor recreation and their dedication to supporting the outdoor industry. This year, The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award will be presented to Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA).

OIA will also host the Thrive Outside Community Gathering, an event centered around outdoor access, equity, and inclusion at Anacostia Park. Hosted by Friends of Anacostia Park, Outdoor Industry Association, and Outdoor Foundation, the event will highlight how the outdoor industry and community organizations are working together to erode the barriers to outdoor access through a collective impact model.

“The OIA Capitol Summit is not simply a two-day long convening to talk policy with elected officials. It’s a time for the outdoor industry to get together, to be reminded of our common goals and values, and to get inspired to kick off a year of activation and advocacy across the federal and state levels. More than ever, with urgency and swift action, OIA is committed to using our “outside voice” to advocate for balanced trade policy; sustainable business solutions; and expanded, safe access to the outdoors for this generation and many more to come,” added Ebersole.

 

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

OIA members now have expanded, discounted access to tools that allow them to easily measure their carbon emissions

 

BOULDER, CO [March 28, 2023] — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is proud to announce its latest partnership with Climate Neutral to make it easier for OIA members to measure their carbon emissions. By partnering with Climate Neutral, OIA is demonstrating its commitment to supporting sustainability in the outdoor industry and providing its members with the tools and resources they need to make a positive impact on the environment.

OIA members can now receive a 25% discount for use of Climate Neutral’s Brand Emissions Estimator (BEE), enabling brands to measure their Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is the critical first step to setting emissions reduction targets. Climate Neutral prioritizes ease of use and a high integrity carbon measurement approach that can be adopted by companies at any step of their climate journeys. The BEE is a valuable tool that can help businesses visualize their carbon emissions and identify areas where they can take future reduction actions.

“Since Climate Neutral’s 2019 launch, we have enjoyed a close connection to the vision, brands, and individuals in the outdoor community,” said Austin Whitman, CEO of Climate Neutral. “Climate change directly affects everyone’s outdoor experience. Our expanded collaboration with OIA is an exciting way to combine our strengths and get more companies past the hurdles to climate action, and then make climate leadership more visible to consumers.”

This partnership supports both Climate Neutral’s mission to eliminate GHG emissions and OIA’s goal of making the outdoor industry climate positive by 2030. In the long run, the use of the BEE tool and achievement of Climate Neutral certification by a significant number of OIA members offers a tangible milestone on the pathway towards OIA’s industry goal of becoming climate positive by 2030.

“OIA in partnership with Climate Neutral is proud to offer the BEE tool as an added membership benefit. We see this as a highly valuable stepping stone for OIA’s Climate Action Corps to reach our 2030 goal of making the outdoor industry climate positive,” said Sarah Rykal, senior manager of OIA’s Climate Action Corps. “The BEE tool offers outdoor industry companies a user-friendly tool to measure their emissions at a low cost of entry, particularly for companies who are beginning their sustainability journey.”

 

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

 

About Climate Neutral

A 501(c)3 nonprofit, Climate Neutral leads a global movement of individuals and companies to eliminate carbon emissions. Our label, Climate Neutral Certified, is a trusted, independent standard for climate neutrality. It empowers consumers to find brands that are leading on immediate climate action. All companies that get certified must reduce and compensate for their emissions from making and delivering all of their products and services. Climate Neutral works with over 400 companies and their label can be found on millions of products worldwide. Join us at climateneutral.org

 

OIA Board of Directors appoint respected industry veteran to drive member-led collective into the future

BOULDER, COLO [March 21, 2023] — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Board of Directors has today named industry veteran Kent Ebersole as President of Outdoor Industry Association after serving seven months as the organization’s interim executive director.

An outdoor industry veteran, Ebersole came to OIA in August of 2022 with a broad range of experience in media, business strategy, and non-profit consulting. Combining decades of experience in the outdoors, with his community-driven outlook, Ebersole’s wisdom in all facets of the industry make him well-equipped to lead OIA into the future.

“Every OIA member, staff, board member, or donor is a catalyst for knowledge, sustainability, collective action, inclusion, and connection,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Collectively, the outdoor industry is a force of nature and most importantly a force of change. None of the work we do could happen if it wasn’t for our passionate members and collaborators. I thank them and the OIA board for this opportunity to lead our industry forward.”

The appointment of Ebersole as President is a strategic move on behalf of OIA as the organization and its membership look to his guidance, vision, and expertise to drive positive change within the outdoor industry. Ebersole will leverage his industry network to identify new opportunities for economic growth, deliver new programming for clean manufacturing, focus on timely and relevant membership experiences, and increase membership value while also advocating for pragmatic trade policies and inclusive practices.

“Over the past several months, the OIA Board of Directors had the pleasure of seeing how Kent’s leadership, strategic mindset, personal connection, and dedication to collaboration will benefit an industry in change,” said Phyllis Grove, Senior VP of Marketing for Helen of Troy Home & Outdoor and OIA Board Chair. “We are confident in the map he has drawn for us all and we are ready to work alongside him to move the industry forward.”

“I am beyond proud of everything OIA does, from the Climate Action Corps, leading the way to becoming a climate positive industry by 2030, to our multi-year Thrive Outside grants led by partners who already know what their communities need to have access to the physical, mental and emotional benefits of the outdoors,” added Ebersole.

Ebersole hopes to inspire industry leaders and stakeholders to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone included in the outdoor industry.

 

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit  outdoorindustry.org