NEWRY — The third annual Maine Outdoor Economy Summit is scheduled for Wednesday to Friday, Nov. 13-15, at Sunday River Resort, 15 South Ridge Road.

New this year, a Maine outdoor brand fashion show will be offered.

The summit serves as 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. The summit is presented in partnership by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands.

This year’s agenda includes more pre-summit outdoor activities in the Bethel and Newry area and 15 breakout topics ranging from Belonging Outdoors: Plus-Sized Inclusion in Gear and Recreation Spaces to Future-Proofing the Outdoor Industry: Higher Education and Workforce Development.

There will also be a session dedicated to sharing the goals and strategies of the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap.

Keynote speaker Luis Benitez is an outdoor industry thought leader at the forefront of its political movement and most recently served as the chief impact officer for Trust for Public Land. An international mountaineering guide, Benetiz was appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper as the first director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office in 2015, and became vice president of governmental affairs and global impact for VF Corp, parent company of outdoor recreation brands such as The North Face, Smartwool and Eagle Creek, in 2019.

Kelly Davis, director of research of the Outdoor Industry Association, will share the latest insights with conference attendees. With more than 25 years of experience in market research, including as director of research for SnowSports Industries America and senior director of research for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, her work now focuses on assisting industry members with determining what data impacts the outdoor market and how to reach customers more effectively.

For more information or to register, visit moesummit.com.

Check out other upcoming area events!