Event Agenda: 8th Annual Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit
8:00 - 9:00: Guided Walk
Led by: Brandon Sauer, Senior Creative Producer, Darn Tough Vermont
Location: Calcutta’s | Upstairs Hallway
8:30 - 9:15: Networking Coffee & Check-In
Sponsor Exhibits
Location: Calcutta’s | Upstairs Hallway
9:15 - 9:30: Opening & Elections
Speakers: Kelly Ault, Executive Director, VOBA; Zac Freeman, Owner, Apex Trailworks, Chair, VOBA Board
Location: Barn
9:30 - 10:05: Keynote Speaker
Speaker: Sarah Waring, Executive Director, Northern Border Regional Commission
Location: Barn
10:05 - 10:45: Business Panel - Build Together: Growing Outdoor Businesses in Vermont
Speakers: Simon Perkins, President, The Orvis Company; Mark Kane, Principal, SE Group
Details: The keynote address, followed by a panel of outdoor leaders, will explore approaches to solving challenges and building connections that unlock growth and catalyze entrepreneurial communities. Hear how collaboration and strategic investment can bolster innovation and agility in Vermont's future industry.
Location: Barn
10:45 - 11:00: Remarks from Governor or Agency Representative (TBD)
10:45 - 11:00: Transition Time
11:00 - 12:00: Morning Workshops
Workshop #1: Getting on the Growth Curve: Strategy & Financing
Moderator: Kathy Murphy - Moriarty, Business Coach, KMM Consulting
Panelists: Frazier Blair, Strategic Planning Consultant, VOREC Steering Committee; Bill Supple, LLC; Sam Buckley, Director of Energy and Broadband Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
Details: Hear strategies from business and finance leaders for getting back on the growth curve despite headwinds from tariffs, visitation, and changes in consumer behavior. Agility continues to ensure Vermont’s outdoor economy continues a steady ascent into the future. Join small group discussions on support for entrepreneurs, resources along the capital continuum, and tools to tap customers.
Location: Gold Room
Workshop 2: Policy Priorities for a Prosperous Outdoor Economy
Moderator: Jill Sudhoff-Guerin, Founder, Maidstone Public Relations
Candidates: Rep. John Kascenska
Facilitators: Becca Washburn, Director, Lands Administration and Recreation Division, Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation; Dani Luce, Executive Director, Vermont ATV Sportsman's Association; Molly Mahar, Executive Director, Ski Vermont; Louise Lintilhac, Communications Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
Details: Join advocates and lawmakers to participate in “policy stations” featuring priorities for the outdoor recreation economy, including business assistance, workforce development, and land use. Lend an industry voice on investments that deliver State and community benefits for a prosperous Vermont.
Location: Calcutta's Restaurant
Workshop 3: Building Purpose-Driven Brands and Expanding Participation
Moderator: Heather Pelham, Assistant Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Panelists: Lea Davison, 2x Mountain Bike Olympian, World Champion Medalist, Co-Founder, Little Bellas; Brian Maggiotto, Owner, Inn at Manchester, Executive Director, Vermont Lodging Association; Keri Piatek, Chief Creative Officer, Co-Founder, PLACE Creative Co.
Details: It’s no surprise that 93% of Vermonters report participating in outdoor recreation and that 40% of visitors come to do the same. Our interlinked outdoor and tourism economies rely on place- and people- oriented companies for products and services. Success depends on the voices and actions of leaders to ensure that equity is a reality in our special places. Discuss data, stories, partnerships, and tools that elevate Vermont in delivering quality and inclusive experiences in the outdoors.
Location: Barn
12:00 - 12:15: Transition Time
12:00 - 1:45: Photo Booth & Putting Green
12:15 - 1:30: Lunch & 6th Annual Trailblazer Legacy Award and Conversation with Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer
Emcee: Drew Simmons, Owner, Pale Morning Media
1:30 - 1:45: Transition Time & Photo Booth
1:45 - 2:45: Afternoon Workshops
Workshop 4: Regional Case Study: Growing Ludlow’s Year-Round Outdoor Economy
Moderator: Holly Fowler, Co-Founder, Northbound Ventures Consulting
Panelists: Bruce Schmidt, Vice President and General Manager, Okemo Mountain Resort; Noah Schmidt, Owner, Open Door Vacation Rentals LLC; Shon & Alex Racicot, Co-Owners, The Boot Pro Ski & Bike
Details: Anchored by Okemo and a strong winter recreation economy, the Ludlow region offers lessons in supporting outdoor businesses and vibrant communities across all of Vermont’s seasons. Through local examples, panelists will explore partnerships and investments that strengthen businesses and expand opportunities for residents and visitors. Discussion will include community resilience, complementary seasonal experiences, and workforce retention and affordability with takeaways for other rural recreation hubs.
Location: Calcutta's Restaurant
Workshop 5: Innovating Recruitment & Retention for Outdoor Careers
Moderator: Brian Lamoureux, Green Mountain Sustainability Consulting, VOBA Outdoor Careers Lead
Panelists: Marc Sherman, Co-Founder, Outdoor Gear Exchange; Mariah Keagy, Trail Planner / Designer, Sinuosity
Details: The labor market has changed and so have approaches by Vermont outdoor employers in innovating human resources, mission-oriented jobs, and workplace culture to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining valued employees. Join this interactive clinic on frameworks and practices that have improved recruitment and retention outcomes, personnel and business resilience, employee diversity and economic security.
Location: Gold Room
Workshop 6: Regional Connections, Shared Opportunities
Facilitator: Cate Starmer, Starmer Works, VOBA Operations Lead; Jackie Dagger, Program Manager, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative
Details: Connect with outdoor businesses and partners in your region to explore what you can accomplish together. Building on existing partnerships and commercial clusters, small groups will discuss shared challenges, exchange resources, and identify opportunities to strengthen their regional outdoor economy. Leave with useful connections and one clear next step to keep the collaboration moving.
Location: Barn
2:45 - 3:00: Transition Time
3:00 - 4:00: 3rd Annual Outdoor Pitch Fest
Emcee: Corinne Prevot, CEO, Skida
Judges: Bill Supple, LLC; Josh Burns, Founder, Sluff Wax; Kathy Murphy-Moriarty, KMM Consulting; Brian Lamoureux, Green Mountain Sustainability Consulting
Lead: Colin Minogue, VOBA Fellow
Location: Barn
4:00 - 5:00: Closing Remarks & Après Reception
Speaker: Edie Perkins, Executive Director, Green Mountain Adaptive
Details: Close out the day at our Après Reception with drinks from The Alchemist, bites, and connections.
Location: Calcutta's Restaurant
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