Outdoor Retailer is launching the “Retail Playbook Lab,” a new half-day conference designed exclusively for outdoor specialty retail owners, buyers and managers.
Taking place on Aug. 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the program aims to provide retailers with practical tools and hands-on expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, customer growth strategies and paying employees a living wage.
Attendance is free for retailers who register before arriving at the conference.
The conference will conclude with a lunch keynote from Eoin Comerford, founder of Outside Consulting and former CEO of Moosejaw. His talk, titled “The Importance of New Brand Discovery” will explore how emerging brands can strengthen the entire outdoor ecosystem, which is a key theme of the 2026 show.
“Outdoor Retailer’s renewed emphasis on new brand discovery is a key step for the industry,” Comerford said. “The next wave of growth will come from founders who see the opportunities others overlook. When retailers build systems to champion these brands, they position themselves as leaders while accelerating innovation across the outdoor industry.”
A Look at the Program
The Retail Playbook Lab will feature nine interactive workshops for owners, buyers and managers across four tracks. Each session is capped at 20–25 participants to encourage deep peer-to-peer engagement and ensure tactical takeaways.
Track 1: The People & Culture Playbook
- The Living Wage Model: A finance-first clinic on P&L strategies and benefit models to support a $15-$25/hour career-focused retail team.
- The Modern Manager: Tactical best practices for hiring, training, and retaining top talent.
Track 2: The Resilient Operations Playbook
- The Small Business Shield: A session on essential risk management and insurance coverage for outdoor retailers.
- The Digital Fortress: A non-technical guide to cybersecurity, protecting customer data, and securing POS systems.
Track 3: The Customer Growth Playbook
- The Inclusive Storefront: A guide to merchandising, marketing, and staffing to serve a more diverse customer base.
- The Social Media Flywheel & E-Commerce: A practical guide to developing a social media program that drives sales.
- The Event Engine: How to plan and execute in-store events and leverage local partnerships.
Track 4: The Future-Proofing Playbook
- The AI Co-Pilot (Hands-On): A live demo of AI tools to automate marketing, manage inventory and save time.
- The Circularity Starter Kit: A “how-to” guide for launching a profitable resale, rental or repair program.
“Retailers are asking for real tools, real training and real solutions,” said Lindsay Hubley, senior vice president of OR parent company Emerald’s Sports and Outdoor Division. “This conference delivers exactly that, practical skills, hands-on learning, and direct access to expertise supporting every part of the retail business.”
Outdoor Retailer 2026
The Retail Playbook Lab is part of a broader reimagining of Outdoor Retailer, which includes its move to Minneapolis for the Aug. 19-21, 2026 show, and the formation of a Leadership Village. Following the retail lab, the afternoon will feature the Industry Day conference, titled “Outdoor Next: Ideas That Move Us Forward.” The program will include panels and debates on topics like the future of independent retail, Gen Z consumers, AI and the circular economy.
Get more information about Outdoor Retailer.
