Augusta, MAINE – The Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands are partnering again to host the second annual Outdoor Economy Summit November 29 – December 1, at the Samoset Resort.
The Summit is the premier event for the outdoor industry to come together and focus on the shared vision of advancing Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. Close to 300 people attended last year’s inaugural event at Thompson’s Point in Portland and this year’s Summit promises to build on that success with a robust and diverse agenda, along with additional time added for attendees to connect, share ideas and forge new partnerships.
“The Maine Outdoor Economy Summit’s successful first year showcased the diversity, depth and breadth of the people working in, and connected to, the outdoor industry in Maine and the U.S.,” said Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “It established itself as the single event in Maine that brings together professionals focused on growing the outdoor recreation economy in economic development, conservation and stewardship, workforce and education and public health, the four pillars that guide the growth of the outdoor recreation economy as a whole.”
The two-day forum provides a platform for professional development and discussions on essential topics at the national, regional and local level impacting Maine’s outdoor recreation economy in the areas of innovation, rural development, workforce, access and equity.
“As a collaborative, public/private effort, the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit highlights the value of the outdoor recreation economy and the sector’s role in talent attraction, innovation, manufacturing and rural economic development opportunities in our state. All of which work together in creating the diverse and sustainable economy highlighted in Maine’s 10-Year Economic Development Plan,” said Heather Johnson, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development.
New to the Summit for 2023 will be pre-conference guided activities and site visits, a special showing of the World Trails Film Festival on opening night, November 29, and on the evening of November 30, the unveiling of the Discovery Marketplace. The Discovery Marketplace is a networking reception and shopping experience with live music, food and drinks featuring Maine-based gear companies and outdoor experience providers selling products and outdoor adventures, as well as offering demos and interactive activities. Participants will also be able to have outdoor gear repaired by Maine GearShare, who is hosting a repair station at the Summit.
The Summit offers a unique opportunity to unite and applaud Maine’s vibrant outdoor industry. Our community includes a diverse range of stakeholders, from innovative entrepreneurs and skilled gear builders to experienced guides and dedicated land managers,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “The Summit promises to be a catalyst for ongoing expansion and industry leadership, providing a platform for all stakeholders to discuss important topics vital for our continued success.”
Maine’s outdoor economy stands out nationally as one of the top in the country in the value outdoor recreation adds to the state’s GDP, contributing more than 30,000 jobs and 2.8 billion dollars annually, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The ME Outdoor Economy Summit is presented by Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands, and part of their extensive work together to grow Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. Summit sponsors include Maine Marine Trades Association, Blaze Partners, Headlight Audio Visual, L.L.Bean, Bangor Savings Bank, Malone Auto Rack, Johnson Outdoors, Franklin Savings Bank, Outdoor Industry Association, Maine Technology Institute, Rinck Advertising, Acadia Benefits, Hurricane Island/Outward Bound, Lifeflight of Maine, The Nature Conservancy, Good To-Go and University of New England School of Business.
Additional information and registration for the Summit can be found at moesummit.com.
About Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Maine’s Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) was permanently established in 2019, to leverage Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand as part of a coordinated effort with partners from the public and private sectors. Learn more at maine.gov/decd/programs/maine-office-of-outdoor-recreation. Maine is a member of the Confluence of States, a coalition of eight states working to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry.
About Maine Outdoor Brands
Maine Outdoor Brands continues to work to unite, grow, and give a voice to the state’s outdoor recreation industry, supporting knowledge sharing, collaborative marketing, and commerce efforts and access to professional resources. MOB is committed to seeing Maine-based products, services, and retail brands thrive, and today has over 170 member brands that are a part of the mission.