Build Together: 2026 Summit Schedule and Details
On November 12, the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) will bring the industry together for the 8th Annual Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit, a full day of learning, networking, and celebrating the businesses and leaders shaping Vermont’s outdoor economy.
See the agenda and details on this year’s theme, “Build Together: Growing Outdoor Business in Vermont.” See you there!
Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Barn at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont
Schedule & Speakers
8:00-9:00 am: Guided Walk at The Barn at Fox Run
8:30-9:15 am: Networking Coffee & Check-In
9:15-9:30 am: Welcome by Kelly Ault, Executive Director, VOBA
9:30-10:05 am: Keynote Speaker, Sarah Waring, Northern Border Regional Commission
10:05-10:45 am: Business Panel-Growing Outdoor Businesses in Vermont
10:45-11:00 am: Transition
11:00 am-12:00 pm: Workshops
12:00 - 12:15 Transition
12:15-1:30 pm: Lunch & 6th Annual Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Legacy Award
1:30 - 1:45 Transition
1:45-2:45 pm: Workshops
2:45-3:00 pm: Transition
3:00-4:00 pm: 3rd Annual Outdoor Pitch Fest
4:00-5:00 pm: Closing Remarks & Networking Reception
Keynote Speaker
This year’s keynote speaker is Sarah Waring, Executive Director of the Northern Border Regional Commission.
Her keynote, “The Power of Rural Places: Building Trust, Capacity, and Opportunity,” will explore how collaboration, strategic investment, and strong community relationships can help rural Vermont communities navigate change, encourage entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for outdoor businesses to grow.
6th Annual Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Legacy Award
A highlight of the day will be the presentation of the Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Legacy Award to 2026 recipients Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer.
Through their leadership at Concept2 and the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Dick and Judy have made lasting contributions to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy.
Their commitment to innovation, community investment, and environmental stewardship demonstrates how outdoor businesses can create meaningful, long-term impact.
3rd Annual Outdoor Pitch Fest
This year's Outdoor Pitch Fest will spotlight entrepreneurial innovation and community impact.
Listen to selected businesses compete for prizes and cast a vote for the People's Choice Award! Other awards are for Best Overall Pitch and Resilience & Collaboration.
Thanks to our Summit sponsors for their support!
Join Us for Summit Eve
On Wednesday, November 11, VOBA will host the Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit Social at Terra Italian Steakhouse in Ludlow from 5 to 7 p.m.
This casual gathering offers local businesses and Vermont’s outdoor community a chance to connect over drinks and appetizers before the main event.
Be Part of Vermont's Outdoor Economy
Vermont’s outdoor industry is strongest when businesses, organizations, and communities work together. The Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit creates space to share knowledge, build relationships, celebrate leadership, and explore opportunities for a more resilient and thriving outdoor economy.
Comments