Maine’s outdoor recreation industry gathered January 21-23 in Portland for the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, drawing 408 attendees — an 18 percent increase over the last Summit and the largest turnout in the event’s history. The three-day Summit highlighted the growing economic and workforce impact of outdoor recreation and the increasing collaboration across sectors working to strengthen Maine’s outdoor economy.
Presented in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands, the Summit brought together leaders from across the outdoor sector to align efforts, share progress and accelerate implementation of strategies supporting Maine’s outdoor economy.
At the Summit’s start, representatives from 10 organizations shared an update on the 10-year Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap and actions already underway, demonstrating how the Roadmap is moving from vision to execution.
Highlights:
- Look Out for ME program: relaunch and update, strengthening public awareness and engagement.
- Update on Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance (CORA) grants:
- Distributed approximately $3.7 million to more than two dozen projects statewide to build program capacity, plan key outdoor recreation infrastructure projects, complete trail assessments and support related initiatives.
- Update on Maine Trails Program Application and Awards:
- 108 applications from all 16 counties.
- $7.5 million awarded (100% of available funding), $2.9 million in matching contributions.
- 44 projects throughout the state.
“It was exciting to see such a strong turnout this year, with representation from across Maine’s entire outdoor industry,” said Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “The Summit creates space for collaboration and connection, and this year you could clearly see the energy and commitment across the industry.”
Keynote speakers included Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive and Senator Angus King, who joined Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, president & CEO of Trust for Public Land, for a panel discussion on the future of parks, conservation and outdoor recreation.
The Summit also recognized leaders and organizations advancing innovation, stewardship and inclusive access through the Maine Outdoor Brands Trailblazer Awards. The awardees this year were:
Innovation of the Year: Grain Surfboards
Grain Surfboards was honored with the Innovation of the Year Award for debuting a first-of-its-kind surfboard built entirely from local, sustainable materials — including wood, cork, flax and natural hard-wax oil — with zero foam, resin or fiberglass. Led by founder Mike LaVecchia, Grain is redefining what’s possible in one of the outdoor industry’s most material-intensive categories, proving that high-performance products can also set a new standard for environmental responsibility and market-ready design.
Collaboration of the Year: Outdoor Access Solutions & Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Outdoor Access Solutions and Maine Coast Heritage Trust received the Collaboration of the Year Award for their partnership to assess and redesign public access at the Cousins River Fields & Marsh Preserve in Yarmouth. By combining inclusive design expertise with conservation leadership, the collaboration is transforming a cherished coastal preserve into a welcoming, universally accessible destination — creating a model now being applied across other preserves statewide.
Industry Leader of the Year: Dr. Aimee Vlachos
Dr. Aimee Vlachos was named Industry Leader of the Year for her transformative leadership in building the Outdoor Business & Innovation program at the University of New England into a nationally recognized pipeline for outdoor industry talent. By directly connecting students with Maine businesses, entrepreneurs and the state’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, Dr. Vlachos has strengthened workforce pathways, fueled innovation and positioned Maine as a hub for the next generation of outdoor leaders.
“The Maine Outdoor Economy Summit was a moment to step back and recognize just how special this place and this community are,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “Bringing national-level speakers to Maine while spotlighting our own products, history, and homegrown leadership underscores the people, ideas and landscapes that fuel our $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy.”
The Summit underscored the growing role outdoor recreation plays in Maine’s economy and the increasing coordination across sectors working to support its long-term success.
For more information and a gallery of event photos, visit moesummit.com.
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About the 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. Maine is a member of the Confluence of States, a coalition of 20 states working to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry.
About Maine Outdoor Brands
Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) 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 200 member brands that are a part of the mission.