Outdoor Retailer shared the complete roster of its Leadership Village and outlined key programming for its 2026 Minneapolis debut, signaling a strategic shift toward supporting emerging brands and grassroots innovation in the outdoor industry.
The Leadership Village will lead the planning of the Aug. 19–21, 2026 show. Outdoor Retailer also announced details about its partnerships with retailer Garage Grown Gear and the Founded Outdoors community and its plans for onsite recreational opportunities.
“There needs to be a place where ideas, creativity, and community can come together and collectively shape the future of the outdoor industry,” said Leadership Village member Chris Nance, senior director of product development and sourcing for packs and equipment at Cotopaxi, in a statement. “A refreshed Outdoor Retailer can become that place. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Leadership Village and helping this platform amplify the voices of emerging brands and established leaders.”
In addition to Nance, Outdoor Retailer’s Leadership Village will include:
- Minneapolis-based Stephen Regenold, founder of Gear Junkie and longtime outdoor industry journalist, who has two decades of experience covering the outdoor sector, including work as a New York Times correspondent.
- American mountaineer Tyrhee Moore, founder of Soul Trak Outdoors and member of the first all-African American team to climb Denali in 2013, who brings mountaineering expertise and diversity advocacy.
- Minneapolis-based climbing coach Xavier Abdullah, who complements Moore’s mountaineering background with indoor climbing and community development experience.
- Becky Philipp-Kranig, owner of Bearcub Outfitters in Petoskey, Michigan, who represents longtime outdoor specialty retail operations.
- And Chris Goddard, founder and CEO of public relations firm CGPR, who rounds out the group with communications and brand development expertise focused on active lifestyle companies.
These additions join previously announced members Dana Caraway of Caraway & Co, Mike Massey of Locally, Peter Sachs of LOWA Boots, and champion climber Sasha DiGiulian. Co-led by athlete and Summit Scholarship founder Sunny Stroeer and industry veteran Paul Gagner, the initiative aims to create a platform where established leaders and emerging voices can shape the industry’s future direction.
Garage Grown Gear Partnership Spotlights Independent Brands
Outdoor Retailer’s collaboration with retailer Garage Grown Gear and Founded Outdoors will focus on supporting emerging and smaller outdoor brands. The inaugural Ascent Summit on Aug. 19 will bring more than 200 founders of independent and specialty outdoor brands together for educational panels, hands-on learning sessions, and tours of GGG’s headquarters in St. Paul, according to a news release.
“Outdoor Retailer is creating the space for what’s next, a place where innovation, creativity, and connection come together to move our industry forward,” said Garage Grown Gear CEO Lloyd Vogel in a statement. “Their commitment to investing in new, future-focused programming empowers independent makers and emerging brands to shape the next era of outdoor recreation.”
On the trade show floor, GGG and Founded Outdoors will host the Campsite Pavilion, which will feature 50 to 100 small and medium-sized retail-ready brands from across North America. This space will showcase creative storytelling, innovation and emerging trends from next-generation outdoor products.
“Founded Outdoors is inspired by the evolution of Outdoor Retailer and its commitment to creating more opportunities and value for small businesses at this iconic event,” said Emily Holland, community manager at Founded Outdoors, in a statement.
Onsite Outdoor Experiences Connect Business with Recreation
Outdoor Retailer will launch Celebrate Minnesota Outdoors programming on Aug. 20 and 21, offering early-morning outdoor experiences including climbing, biking, trail running and other outdoor experiences led by local outfitters, brand partners and professional athletes.
Attendees will be able to customize their outdoor experience through the Outdoor Retailer app, connecting the business aspects of the trade show with hands-on outdoor recreation.
“Minneapolis has an incredible outdoor vibrancy; it’s woven into the fabric of the city and the people who live here,” Regenold said in a statement. “That spirit is exactly what these early-morning sessions are about, celebrating the outdoors, sparking connection, and starting the day with the same energy that defines this community.”
Additional Show Enhancements Target Industry Growth
Beyond the Leadership Village and partnerships, Outdoor Retailer announced several initiatives for the Minneapolis debut, including:
- The Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Scholarship, which will support specialty retailers, while complimentary exhibit space has been allocated for leading Minnesota-based and mission-driven nonprofits.
- An Industry Day conference that will address current topics including artificial intelligence, sustainability, and supply chain management.
- The revived Outdoor Industry Innovation Awards, recognizing breakthrough products and industry leadership.
Outdoor Retailer has also established an Advisory Panel of outdoor community members willing to help shape the show’s future direction. This informal group represents another avenue for industry input as the trade show develops its Minneapolis platform.
Kate Robertson can be reached at kate@shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com.
