Outdoor Economy Conference

October 21-24, 2024 in Cherokee, NC. Save the Date!

Due to the catastrophic devastation Hurricane Helene has wrought in Western North Carolina and the surrounding region, our team has made the difficult decision to postpone the Conference until September 15-18, 2025. The health, safety, and comfort of our attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and staff (and all of their families and loved ones) is our chief priority; we feel very lucky to say that all of our team members and their families have checked in as safe, and while some have lost homes or vehicles, we were all fortunate enough to avoid the worst possible outcomes. Some of our friends were not so lucky. We will be dedicating the coming months to helping Western North Carolina build back stronger and more resilient. This includes significant work within our partner organizations - Mountain BizWorks, the MADE X MTNS Partnership, the NC Outdoor Recreation Economy Office, and the Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC - and with our outdoor recreation communities. Our core promise as an event is to provide an exceptional and impactful experience for everyone who attends, providing useful information, inspiration, and powerful connections in a way that enables broad and meaningful participation from all parts of the outdoor economy. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being an essential part of that work. Everyone has the option to keep their registrations; and we would love to see you join us next September. Otherwise, you may contact [email protected] via email to receive a full refund. Please be patient with us as we process refunds. We are tremendously grateful to our amazing sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors for being so understanding and supportive during this transition, and to our partners at the Cherokee Convention Center, who have been so gracious and accommodating in helping us work through this tough decision. October is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for outdoor tourism in WNC, and those communities which *are* able to host folks in WNC very much need your support. That said, please check out Visit NC and Ready NC to ensure a safe & enjoyable trip to the region. We’ll be sharing more information in the coming weeks about other ways to support the many outdoor communities and businesses in our region who have months or years of rebuilding ahead of them. Keep your eyes on your inbox for more news and opportunities from us in the weeks & months to come, and we hope you and yours are safe and well.

Friends and colleagues near and far... First, we want to thank first responders and volunteers for their incredible continuing service during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We've seen truly heroic actions and an incredible rallying of community in the past days. We know it will continue to take a village to recover. Our team is safe but operating with severely limited communication services and power for the foreseeable days. We've begun reaching out to community partners, our outdoor industry community, and our event partners in Cherokee. Once the immediate crisis has passed, we will be able to assess and share more accurate information about the Outdoor Economy Conference with our greater community. Thank you for your patience with our team as we also work to recover and reconnect to essential services in our homes throughout the region. We hope everyone stays safe, and if you want to help, we encourage you to seek out organized and reputable resources who are collecting vital aid to transport into Western North Carolina. Our communities need this support now more than ever. Thank you for your support, and we’ll be in touch again as soon as possible. #outdooreconomy #madexmtns #wnc #helene #hurricanehelene

??? Outdoor Excursions at Outdoor Economy Conference 2024 aren’t just for fun—they’re carefully curated experiences that connect you with the environment and fellow attendees. From a Cherokee cultural bike ride to guided nature walk, coffee at a waterfall and trophy fishing, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss these unique opportunities— As soon as we launch our conference app, Whova, attendees can RSVP to Excursions in the Meetups Section! #OutdoorExperiences #OutdoorEconomy

The Outdoor Economy Conference is more than just a gathering—it's a movement. ?? We’re bringing together key players from every corner of the outdoor economy: community leaders, public land managers, nonprofits, tourism professionals, and industry innovators. Together, we’ll explore real strategies for funding, equity, sustainability, and accessibility—all essential to building a thriving, resilient outdoor economy. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, powerful connections, and the tools to make a real difference. Ready to invest in the future of the outdoors? Join us by registering today! ??? https://lnkd.in/gyJGi3N #SustainableEconomy #OutdoorEconomy #Outdoors

Thinking about joining us at the 2024 Outdoor Economy Conference? ?? Imagine being part of a movement that’s shaping the future of the outdoor economy! ?? You’ll not only be a part of it but also gain: ?? Actionable insights from industry leaders ?? Unparalleled networking with key players ?? CE credits to advance your career Don’t miss your chance to make a real impact! Secure your ticket today! ??? https://lnkd.in/erH_6Fye #BlueRidgeMountains #Hammock #OutdoorEconomy?

The Schedule is live and the days to register are dwindling! Are you coming to the mountains this fall? https://lnkd.in/eyYaC3-8

?? What’s a conference without a little fun? After a day of learning and networking, unwind with us as we take over a bowling alley & arcade, kick it on the pool deck, and unwind down by some trophy trout waters! These events are the perfect way to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. ?? Don’t miss out on the best networking opportunities out there!—register now! Full agenda available here: https://lnkd.in/eyYaC3-8 #HaveFun #Networking #OutdoorEconomy #Bowling #Conference Fun

?? Get to know some of the inspiring speakers at Outdoor Economy Conference 2024! From community planners and industry veterans to innovative entrepreneurs, these leaders are ready to share their insights on everything from accessibility and sustainability to economic development and driving market trends. More than that, our speakers don't just show up, drop a slideshow on you, then hop on another plane. They stick around and make the most of being here, because they know the best work at a conference often happens in the hallways and happy hours ?? ?? Darren Josey - Network with Darren to explore outdoor equity programs and business growth for BIPOC entrepreneurs through his marketing expertise. ?? Brian Clifford - Network with Brian to learn how Tennessee’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation is enhancing outdoor access and conservation. ?? Hartwell Carson - Join Hartwell to discuss the protection and revitalization of the French Broad River through innovative environmental efforts. ??? Kristen Beverage - Meet Kristen to discover how West Virginia’s recreational economy initiatives are transforming rural development. ?? Matt Ebbing - Engage with Matt to uncover creative strategies in outdoor brand design from a veteran working with top industry names. ?? Heather Murphy - Talk to Heather about leading healthcare improvements through outdoor infrastructure in rural Appalachian communities. ?? Walter Smith - Connect with Walter to delve into the conservation of Appalachian ecosystems through sustainable outdoor recreation practices. ?? Ann Savage - Connect with Ann to explore sustainable tourism opportunities and community development through NC State’s tourism programs. Who are you excited to connect with? Comment below! And be sure to check out our full agenda NOW LIVE!! https://lnkd.in/eyYaC3-8 ?#OutdoorEconomy

This is so exciting! So much work and effort lies behind this decision and this moment. It will be incredible to be able to celebrate during this year's Outdoor Economy Conference!