Outdoor Retailer‘s Industry Day conference for outdoor retailers, brands, media and leaders next summer will focus on shifting consumer behavior, emerging technologies, economic conditions and the evolving role of specialty retail.
The show, which will be hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the first time in August, released the official program for Industry Day in a press release. The half-day conference, titled “Outdoor Next: Ideas That Move Us Forward,” aims to facilitate frank conversations about the future of the outdoor sector. The 2026 program runs from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 19 and features a series of panels and debates grounded in data and actionable solutions.
“Industry Day creates a welcoming space for this conversation, not just for inspiration, but for real answers,” said Sunny Stroeer, co-leader of the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village, athlete and Summit Scholarship founder. “With today’s unknowns and an evolving consumer, our goal is to provide a moment to address headwinds and shape the trajectory of the next decade together.”
Industry Day 2026 Agenda
1:30 p.m. – The Big Debate: Is the Independent Shop the Future?
The afternoon opens with a debate centered on the role of independent specialty retail. Panelists will examine data to determine if independent shops remain the primary drivers of innovation or if the landscape has fundamentally shifted.
2:15 p.m. – The New Customer Code: Gen Z & Women
This data-driven session targets two critical market segments. Leaders will discuss the plateau in women’s spending and analyze how Gen Z’s values are reshaping retail expectations. The discussion aims to provide strategies for brands to meet these evolving demands.
3:00 p.m. – The Gear of Tomorrow
Innovators defining the future of performance gear will lead a conversation on wearables, smart technology and product breakthroughs.
3:45 p.m. – The Tools of Tomorrow: AI & The Circular Economy
This strategy session explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and circularity, analyzing how these factors will transform business models within the outdoor industry.
4:15 p.m. – Closing Keynote: The State of the Outdoors
The event concludes with a 30-minute address summarizing the sector’s most significant challenges and opportunities for the coming decade.
After they’re selected, Industry Day speakers will connect with the Outdoor Retailer team to review options for honorariums and travel support. Details vary based on experience and session format, according to the release.
A New Venue for 2026
Outdoor Retailer 2026 marks a shift in location to Minneapolis, which has a growing outdoor business community and access to trails and waterways.
Learn more about what else is in store at Outdoor Retailer this year, from spotlights on emerging brands, the return of the Innovation Awards and outdoor excursions, and check out videos and highlights from last year’s Industry Day sessions. Speakers included Pete LaBore of Christy Sports, Mike Massey of Locally, Holly Fussell of Water Stone Outdoors, Craig Rowley of Cotopaxi, Evin Catlett of Skullcandy, Roger Hurni of Off Madison Ave. and many more.
Find out more about Outdoor Retailer 2026.
