The outdoor industry is navigating a rapidly changing sustainability landscape – from new regulations and climate commitments to circularity, supply-chain risks, artificial intelligence and the growing need to connect sustainability with business value. On October 26, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will bring the industry together in Portland, Ore., for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference, presented by GORE-TEX® Brand, serving as Day 0 of Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®.
Known as the summit for sustainable outdoor business leadership, Catalyst brings together sustainability practitioners and business leaders from across the industry for candid conversations, practical strategies and peer-to-peer problem solving.
“The outdoor industry is facing challenges that no company can solve alone,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “Catalyst is about bringing the right people together to connect the dots, share what’s working, be honest about what isn’t, and turn those conversations into meaningful action. OIA’s role is to help our industry navigate what’s ahead and give businesses the tools and connections they need to lead.”
EXPERT TALKS
Featured conversations will include leaders from Brooks Running, REI Co-op and MAS Holdings sharing strategies and lessons from their progress toward climate targets; Patagonia, Bemis Worldwide, Matereal, and Alante Capital exploring the opportunities and tradeoffs of AI; and executives from W.L. Gore & Associates, KEEN and Lenzing examining how sustainability leaders can secure budget and executive buy-in.
Attendees will also hear from chemistry experts from bluesign and Burton Snowboards explaining the critical importance and opportunities related to solvent use in supply chains; key stakeholders from CalRecycle, Landbell USA, and Columbia Sportswear will break down implementation of and preparation for California’s textile extended producer responsibility (EPR) law; and experts from Gore-Tex and Red Wing Shoe Company will explain how durability is a cornerstone of circularity. A host of regulatory experts will facilitate discussions about sustainability regulations worldwide. Some of these sessions will encourage discussion and collaboration, some will educate and inspire, and some will launch new industry resources.
DAY 0 OIA CATALYST CONFERENCE
The Catalyst Conference takes place Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland and is presented by GORE-TEX® Brand, with support from Hyosung TNC. Functional Fabric Fair takes place Oct. 27-28, making it easy to pair both events in one trip.
REGISTRATION
Register now to join the Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference and be part of the conversations shaping the future of sustainable outdoor business. Early-bird registration ends Sunday, October 11.
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 Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®
Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® is a trade-exclusive event and platform showcasing the latest trends in textile development for the apparel industry. In addition to a curated marketplace dedicated to the responsible sourcing of high-performance functional fabrics and accessories, Functional Fabric Fair provides expert-led education, supplier recommendations, and a university program that exposes students to textile and apparel developers. FunctionalFabricFair.com
