Outdoor Economy Conference Information

With over 600 in attendance, the 2023 Outdoor Economy Conference brought together national voices in outdoor recreation economic opportunity, equity, and access. Now is a time of historic opportunities for the outdoor economy, and historic levels of pressure on our outdoor spaces and the people who steward them. We need to responsibly grow and strengthen our respective outdoor economies, and care for the lands they rely upon. The Outdoor Economy Conference weaves together our challenges and opportunities to create a stronger and more vibrant outdoor economic ecosystem, and show how we the people can work in harmony with our natural places to generate greater abundance for all. The Conference is held in person, on the tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at the Cherokee Convention Center, right at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 minutes from world-class mountain biking, and literally a stone's throw from trophy trout waters. You'll connect with, learn from, and be inspired by the leaders and doers who are working to grow and craft an outdoor economy that’s intimately tied to the well-being of our places and communities. Make the most of the lands and waters that surround us, with opportunities to get hands-on and connect theory with practice out in the field, amongst the brilliant foliage and incredible biodiversity of the southern Appalachian mountains. Network with leaders in similar fields, and get inspired to collaborate and innovate. Gain best practices from local and national resources. Trust us, you're going to want to be there!