Outdoor Retailer is teaming up with The Conservation Alliance (TCA) and Save the Boundary Waters to host the Boundary Waters Advocacy Celebration, an evening event dedicated to inspiration, advocacy and action.
This gathering will take place on Aug. 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center, capping off Outdoor Retailer’s Industry Day and bringing together a vibrant mix of adventurers, advocates, industry leaders and changemakers, according to a news release.
Save the Boundary Waters is the leading force protecting the Boundary Waters, a vast area in northeastern Minnesota along the Canadian border, from sulfide-ore copper mining. This celebration marks the return of The Conservation Alliance to Outdoor Retailer, which has undergone multiple shifts as it plans its 2026 show, which include moving to Minneapolis in August, refreshed content and recreation plans, and a new “leadership village,” made up of representatives of the outdoor industry, media and other stakeholders.
“Advocacy isn’t a side project, it’s a core business competency for our industry,” said Sunny Stroeer, co-founder of the leadership village. “True leadership in the outdoor community means embracing stewardship as a fundamental responsibility. We show our greatest strength when we stand up to protect the wild places that form the foundation of everything we do.”
The event will feature stories from Amy and Dave Freeman, National Geographic adventurers and authors renowned for their year-long immersion in the Boundary Waters, and Alex Falconer, whose record-setting 100-mile wilderness run matched endurance with advocacy. Paul Hendricks, executive director of The Conservation Alliance, will also address attendees, shining a light on urgent threats to public lands and the vital role outdoor brands play in meaningful advocacy.
“Partnerships between the outdoor industry and conservation organizations are essential for protecting the places we cherish,” said Hendricks in a statement. “By joining forces with Outdoor Retailer and Save the Boundary Waters, we’re creating a platform for brands, retailers, and leaders to take meaningful action in defense of the public lands and waters that sustain outdoor recreation and local communities.”
Industry leaders, retailers, policymakers, media, and outdoor enthusiasts will have the chance to engage in direct conversation with speakers actively defending wild places.
“Saving the Boundary Waters is about more than preserving a landscape,” said Samantha Chadwick, associate director of Save the Boundary Waters. “It’s about protecting the foundation of outdoor recreation, local economies, and our shared connection to wild places. We’re thrilled to bring this critical conversation to Outdoor Retailer and collaborate with partners ready to lead the charge.”
A Transformative Year for Outdoor Retailer
The celebration rounds out a full day of programming at the 2026 show, which is introducing new initiatives focused on collaboration and education. So far, the show has announced:
- Its New Home in Minneapolis: The move to Minnesota brings the show to a state known for its deep outdoor heritage and commitment to conservation.
- Leadership Village: An industry-led approach features leaders like Sunny Stroeer and Paul Gagner, ensuring the event serves retailers, brands and advocates of all sizes.
- The Retail Playbook Lab: Kicking off the day, this hands-on workshop series empowers retailers with tools for modern operations, customer growth, and innovation.
- Industry Day: Panels and debates on trends shaping the future will precede the Boundary Waters Advocacy Celebration, setting the stage for action-oriented networking and inspiration.
- New Partnerships and Experiences: Collaborations with groups like Garage Grown Gear, Founded Outdoors and Save the Boundary Waters demonstrate a strong commitment to elevating new voices and impactful causes.
For more details on Outdoor Retailer 2026 and the Boundary Waters Advocacy Celebration, visit Outdoor Retailer and Save the Boundary Waters.
