Outdoor Retailer is expanding its speaker series at this year’s show, and will feature speakers from Cotopaxi, Google, Circana, KEEN, Shopify, and more.
The series will host discussions about new technologies, sustainability, and consumer behavior at The Camp, the central education hub on the show floor, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City from June 18 to 20.
“This summer’s education program is focused on real-world insights and action-ready ideas,” said Sean Smith, OR’s show director. “From commerce and consumer trends to AI, legal risk, and sustainability, these sessions empower our community with the tools they need to adapt and lead in today’s rapidly changing landscape of increasing customer demands, a very dynamic retail marketplace, and a confusing global economy.”
Circana’s Julia Day will present two keynote presentations packed with the latest data on retail and consumer trends. Mountaineer and entrepreneur Sunny Stroeer will share what she’s learned from her adventure and business experiences.
Sponsored by Shopify, The Camp will also host presentations and discussions with Google’s Joe Bush, head of vendor operations, who will talk about how AI is reshaping customer experiences of outdoor brands. Stephan Jacob, co-founder and chief global officer from Cotopaxi, will talk about how the leading outdoor apparel brand stays ahead of commerce technology trends, leveraging Shopify and NetSuite to power their unified commerce strategy. See the full schedule below and details here.
OR’s Education Schedule at The Camp
June 18
9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Keynote: Retail and Consumer Trends in the Outdoor Marketplace
Speaker: Julia Day, executive director, Circana.
10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Winning the Store Floor: How Outdoor Brands and Retailers are Partnering for Success in 2025
Speaker: Steve Gendron, co-founder and CEO, ENDVR.
11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Small Brands & Specialty Retail: The Inside Scoop
Moderator: Lloyd Vogel, co-founder and CEO, Garage Grown Gear – additional speakers to be announced.
12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. Shopify Lunch & Learn: How Cotopaxi Stays Ahead of Commerce Trends with Shopify & NetSuite
Speakers: Alya Bhimji (Shopify), Chris Benner (NetSuite), Stephan Jacob (Cotopaxi).
1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. Level Up Your Summit: AI-Powered Customer Experiences for the Modern Outdoor Brand
Speaker: Joe Bush, global head of vendor operations, marketing and business development, Google.
2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Stronger Partnerships, Stronger Retail
Speaker: Stephen Baird, CEO, Trackfly.
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. How to Leverage Data Digital Marketing in an Increasingly Risky Legal Landscape
Panel: Ballard Spahr LLP.
June 19
9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Keynote: Stories That Move Mountains – Adventure, Advocacy, and Resilience in a Changing Outdoor Industry
Speaker: Sonny Stroeer, business leader, record-setting mountain athlete, and gender equity advocate.
10:30 p.m. – 11:20 a.m. From Factory Floor to Final Product: Compliance & Sustainability in Outdoor Manufacturing
Speaker: Avedis Seferian, president & CEO, WRAP.
11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Tapping into China’s Outdoor Market with Tmall Global
Speaker: Nicole Lin, head of fashion business development, Tmall Global (Alibaba Group).
12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. Shopify Lunch & Learn: How KEEN Expanded into Seven New Markets and Cut Tech Costs by 80%
Speakers: Sam Buckingham, director of digital product, KEEN, Victoria DiRaimo, senior merchant success manager, Shopify, René Rinfret, enterprise merchant success manager, Loop.
1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. Hydrogen Gas: The Next Frontier in Health & Wellness for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Speaker: Dr. Paul Baratierro, founder, Echo Water.
2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Redefining Speed, Sustainability, and Profitability: The Future of Apparel Supply Chains
Speakers: Brad Ballentine (MAS ACME), James Theuerkauf (Syrup Tech), Scott Walton (Kornit Digital).
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. Blazing the Retail Media Trail: How Outdoor Brands Can Thrive on Marketplaces
Speaker: Shaun Brown, founder and CEO, BirdDog.
Industry Day
Don’t miss Industry Day, sponsored by Lightspeed, a half-day event taking place on Tuesday, June 17.
This new networking event, free for attendees and exhibitors, will feature speakers such as:
- Lindsay Shumlas, CEO at Cotopaxi.
- Joleen Ong, senior director of sustainability at Cascale.
- Peter Labore, CEO, Christy Sports.
- Stephen Gendron, CEO and co-founder at ENDVR.
- Joe Bush, global head of business development at Google.
- Mike Massey, CEO of Locally.
- Roger Hurni, consumer behavior author and founder at Off Madison Ave.
- Laura Schaffer, vice president of integrated marketing, brand amplification and impact at Orvis.
- Jenni Staudacher, vice president of supply chain at Salomon.
- Evin Catlett, global vice president, ecommerce + growth at Skullcandy.
- Holly Fussell, owner at Water Stone Outdoors.
Get more information about Outdoor Retailer here.
