Outdoor Retailer is bringing university research labs and emerging business leaders into its August 2026 show in Minneapolis, expanding the “Gear of Tomorrow” platform with two new academic partnerships designed to connect next-generation talent with established industry players.
Outdoor Retailer runs August 20 to 21 in Minneapolis.
University of Minnesota Wearable Technology Lab
The University of Minnesota’s Wearable Technology Lab, led by Dr. Lucy Dunne, will bring students and prototype concepts to the show floor. The lab sits at the intersection of textiles, electronics, biomechanics and environmental response, and its work at the show will cover climate-adaptive apparel systems, integrated cooling technologies, enhanced mobility design, and emergency and survival-focused applications.
Presentations will take place on the CAMP stage, with curated panels and structured industry roundtables offering brands direct access to the research. Select projects will also appear in a digital innovation lookbook distributed to attendees.
“Our work is grounded in solving real performance challenges,” said Dr. Dunne in a statement. “This partnership creates a direct bridge between research and the companies developing outdoor products at scale.”
OR Gen Z Challenge
The second program, the OR Gen Z Challenge, pairs Outdoor Retailer with Western Colorado University’s Outdoor Industry MBA program. OIMBA students will present research on how younger consumers and early-career professionals think about participation, sustainability, brand expectations, and career pathways in the outdoor sector. Their findings will be shared on the CAMP stage on August 20.
“The industry’s long-term health depends on how well it listens to the next generation,” said Jen Visitacion, program director of the OIMBA at Western Colorado University. “This gives our students a platform to contribute meaningful perspectives grounded in research.”
Lindsay Hubley, senior vice president of Emerald’s Sports and Outdoor Division, the parent company of Outdoor Retailer, framed the “Gear of Tomorrow” expansion as part of a longer-term effort.
“Outdoor Retailer has always been where the outdoor business gathers,” she said in a statement. “With ‘Gear of Tomorrow,’ we’re creating meaningful opportunities for the people who will lead its continued evolution.”
