Outdoor industry leaders will discuss how they’re navigating issues such as the rapidly changing policies coming from the White House administration and new technologies such as AI at Industry Day, held one day before the Outdoor Retailer show kicks off in June in Salt Lake City.
Show Director Sean Smith said the day, which features leaders from Google, Cotopaxi, Salomon, and more, is designed to create a forum to discuss some of the industry’s most pressing issues.
“This is where decision-makers come together for candid, forward-looking conversations on emerging issues and the ongoing forces driving change,” he said. “Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and equip attendees with the insights to navigate an increasingly complex outdoor marketplace.”
After tackling trends such as experiential retail and the creator economy, don’t miss the final session of the day, dubbed Under Pressure: Understanding the Continuing Forces Redefining Outdoor Business. Moderated by athlete and entrepreneur Suzanne (Sunny) Stroeer, leaders at Salomon, Orvis, and Cascale will discuss how they’re responding to economic uncertainty and issues such as tariffs, supply chain disruptions, sustainability, and potential boycotts of American brands.
The Full Schedule
Industry Day is free for OR exhibitors and attendees and will run from 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on June 17 in Conference Room 250 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City.
Here’s the full schedule and speakers for the half-day conference.
1) Beyond the Sale: Crafting Unforgettable Retail Experiences That Stand Out in Today’s Chaos (1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.), featuring:
- Locally founder and CEO Mike Massey
- Christy Sports CEO Peter Labore
- Water Stone Outdoors owner Holly Fussell
Retailers are redefining the shopping experience beyond transactions through in-store events, digital integrations, and immersive experiences. In this session moderated by Greg Thomsen, the former managing director at Adidas Outdoor USA, learn about how and why experiential retail is transforming outdoor commerce.
2) The Future of Exploration: Tech Transformations in the Outdoors (2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.), featuring:
- ENDVR.io co-founder and CEO Steve Gendron
- Google Global Head of Vendor Operations, Marketing & Business Development Joe Bush
- TrackFly founder and CEO Stephen Baird
Technology is elevating the customer experience, improving efficiency, and driving growth across the outdoor industry. Moderated by Greg Thomsen, find out how brands are harnessing the latest retail platforms and artificial intelligence to empower their businesses.
3) The Power of Brand Influence: Navigating the Creator Economy and Consumer Shifts (3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.), featuring:
- Cotopaxi CEO Lindsay Shumlas
- Off Madison Ave co-founder and Chief Brand Strategist Roger Hurni
- Skullcandy, Inc. Global VP Evin Catlett
Creator marketing and influencers are redefining how brands and consumers interact by becoming a key element of brand storytelling, product launches, and consumer loyalty. In this session moderated by Suzanne (Sunny) Stroeer, an athlete, Dreamland Safari Tours owner and the founder of AWExpeditions, brand leaders will share how they’re reaching consumers by selecting the right brand partners to drive engagement.
4) Under Pressure: Understanding the Continuing Forces Redefining Outdoor Business (4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.), featuring:
- Cascale Senior Director of Brand and Retailer Membership Joleen Ong
- Salomon Vice President of Supply Chain Jenni Staudacher
- Orvis Vice President of Integrated Marketing, Brand Amplification & Impact Laura Schaffer
There are a lot of factors outside of the control of the outdoor industry these days, and they’re constantly in flux. In the final session of the day, find out how brands are navigating issues such as tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer demands and behaviors.
Registration is now open for Industry Day at Outdoor Retailer. Find out more about this year’s show at outdoorretailer.com.
