The Gateway Outdoor Summit is our region’s opportunity to celebrate what we’ve already achieved in outdoor recreation, imagine what’s possible and begin the conversation to building a truly exciting outdoor culture and economy here. The event will bring together leaders from around the country and locally who are building community…outdoors.

This forward-looking event is part of an expanded Mississippi Valley Bike + Outdoor Expo weekend.

The keynote speaker will be St. Louis native Luis Benitez, director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Benitez, who has climbed Mount Everest six times, serves as an advocate for Colorado’s bustling outdoor industry, which includes not only the country’s most trafficked ski resorts but a growing number of outdoor businesses.

A preliminary list of sessions to be held at the Gateway Outdoor Summit include:

1:30 Event Kick-off and Welcome from Arch Grants

1:45 Why Outdoor Recreation? – A panel of experts discusses the many advantages of an active outdoor culture, some obvious and others surprising. We will hear from Luis Benitez-Colorado Director of Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Roo Yawitz-Big Muddy Adventures, David Chancellor-SoiLL

2:45 The Game Changers – A look at communities that are altering the outdoor recreation paradigm and how they are benefiting

Panelists include: Kalene Griffith, Visit Bentonville, Hansi Johnson, Minnesota Land Trust, Pete Eshelman, Roanoke Outside Foundation

3:40 Elevating Access for All – Everybody should be able to enjoy the outdoors, no matter their race, gender, mobility or skill level . Moderated by Carolyn Finney, author of "Black Faces, White Spaces

Panelists include: Deidre Brown - Girl Trek STL, Chris Mileski - NICA, Christine Ingrassia - Big Muddy Adventures, Patrick Brown - City of St. Louis

4:30 Visioning Session with Craft Beer – While enjoying a craft beer, listen to a casual forward thinking workshop facilitated by our partners at Trailnet focused on turning regional outdoor recreation opportunities into action.

5:30 Summit Soiree - networking hour with cash bar

6:30 Keynote Address - Luis Benitez, Director of the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreatoin

For more information or questions about this event contact:
Brad Kovach – brad@terrain-mag.com
Greg Brumitt – greg@activestrategies.net