The Maine Outdoor Economy Summit is an annual 3-day outdoor industry event produced by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands; an opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate on the shared vision of advancing Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.
Held in Portland this year, the 2026 Summit kicked off with a lineup of activities, offering something for everyone. Attendees ventured off to cross-country ski with Portland Nordic and Portland Gear Hub, played disc golf with JoySwitch, joined Portland Trails for a winter hike, received an ice safety lesson from Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, or braved the temperatures for an ocean dip with Two Maine Mermaids. Others got a tour of Brant & Cochran’s axe-making facility, warmed up in Village Sauna’s pop-up sauna, or checked out the open houses hosted by Kindling Collective and Maine Surfers Union.
Day one featured an implementation update on Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap. This was a dynamic presentation from 10 different organizations who have been pushing this initiative forward over the last year through their work across the state.
This flowed into a warm and lively reception, allowing friends old and new to connect and converse over a tasty spread and beverages.
MOB then honored industry leaders with the Trailblazer Awards, recognizing remarkable leadership, innovation, and collaboration within Maine’s outdoor economy:
- Outdoor Industry Leader of the Year Award: Dr. Aimee Vlachos, for bridging education, workforce development, and industry through the Outdoor Business and Innovation program at University of New England.
- Outdoor Innovation Award: Mike LaVecchia of Grain Surfboards, for their wooden surfboard built with zero foam, zero resin, and zero fiberglass—crafted entirely from local, sustainable materials.
- Outdoor Brand Collaboration Award: Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Outdoor Access Solutions, for their collaborative work transforming Maine’s iconic coastal landscapes into welcoming spaces for everyone.
Day one concluded with a film screening of short films curated by Maine Outdoor Film Festival.
Throughout day one and two, Maine Gear Share was on site mending gear in need of repair, ranging from stuck zippers and torn nylon to broken backpack buckles and straps.
A highlight this year was our Product Showcase, featuring a range of MOB product brands displaying gear. Shout out to L.L. Bean’s visual merchandising team for the assist!
Day two included keynote speakers Amanda Rector, Juan Vargas, and Kelly Davis, who shared valuable insights into consumer trends and the current state of the outdoor industry, along with a full slate of engaging breakout sessions that explored the diverse facets of Maine’s dynamic outdoor industry.
This year, we dove into the following topics across four breakout session blocks:
- Recreation for Rural Communities: Leveraging Recreation for Economic Growth and Community Vitality
- Building Inclusive Pathways: Addressing What’s Missing in Maine’s Outdoor Economy
- The Cost of Search and Rescue: Discussion on How/Who Can Help Fund Public and Private SAR Efforts
- Emerging Voices: Student Visions for Outdoor Industry Careers in Maine
- Working with Photographers: Best Practices for Photo Rights, Access, and Use for Outdoor Businesses and Organizations
- Emerging Trends & Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation: Gravel Cycling
- Emerging Trends & Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation: Disc Golf
- Emerging Trends & Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation: Boating
- Emerging Trends & Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation: Surfing
- Emerging Trends & Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation: Gear Libraries
- Universal Design in Action: Creating Equitable Recreation Experiences
- Maine Outdoor School for All: How Maine is Helping to Lead the Way in Outdoor Youth Education
- Cross-Border Opportunities: Navigating Trade Barriers and Realities for Maine Brands
- Community Forests & Mountain Biking: Anchoring Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy
- How AI and LLMs Work—and How They’re Changing Consumer Behavior
- Trails as Community Infrastructure: Quantifying the Cultural and Economic Value of Outdoor Recreation Networks
- Land and Access Returned to Penobscot Nation Across Two Important Projects
- Passing the Torch: Succession Planning and Exit Strategies for an Enduring Business
- Building Career Pathways: Strategies for Growing the Outdoor Workforce
Day two concluded with keynote speaker Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive. Robin’s presentation focused on the importance of digital detoxes, analog experiences, and our shared desire to feel more human and connected. After this, it was time for more networking and happy hour in Camp MOES!
The final day of the Summit began with an inspiring session featuring three entrepreneurs:
- Christi Elliot, Author and Founder, Maine Women Hunters
- Haley Bezon, Founder & Executive Director, Hearty Roots
- James Merrill, Founder & CEO of StokedPlastics
After a coffee break, the fourth breakout session, and lunch, the summit concluded with a fireside chat with Senator Angus King and Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser of Trust for Public Land. The conversation, full of insights, was moderated by Whitney Potter Shwartz of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. It was an honor to have Senator King and Dr. Hauser with us.
As the Summit came to a close, participants departed with new connections, sharpened ideas, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of Maine’s outdoor economy.
Thank you to all the attendees, sponsors, speakers, and partners who made the 2026 Maine Outdoor Economy Summit possible. We hope to see you all soon for at another MOB gathering. Until then, keep exploring Maine’s great outdoors!
