Agenda: 11/13 Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit

8:00 - 9:00 Guided Walk - Patio in front of Willoughby’s restaurant

Jon Schaefer, COO and Co-Owner, Bear Den Partners' Burke Mountain Resort & Brandon Sauer, Marketing Project Manager, Darn Tough Vermont  

8:30 - 9:15 Networking Coffee & Sponsor Exhibits

9:15 - 9:25 - Ballroom

Opening & Elections, Kelly Ault, Executive Director, VOBA

Land Acknowledgement, Miguel Reda, Director of Communications, Unlikely Riders

Welcome, Jon Schaefer, COO and Co-Owner, Bear Den Partners' Burke Mountain Resort

9:25 - 9:35 Remarks from Governor Phil Scott

9:35 - 10:10: Keynote Speaker, Kelly Davis, Research Director, Outdoor Industry Association

10:15 - 10:45: Business Panel

11:00 - 12:00: Workshops (see below)

12:15 - 1:30 - Ballroom

Lunch 

5th Annual Trailblazer Legacy Award and Conversation with Donna and George Carpenter, (MC) Lisa Lynn, Editor, VT Sports & VT Ski+Ride Magazines

1:45 - 2:45: Workshops (see below)

3:00 - 4:00 - Ballroom

2nd Annual Outdoor Pitch Fest, (MC) Corinne Prevot, CEO, Skida

Closing Remarks, Zac Freeman, Owner, Apex Trailworks

4:00 - 5:00 Networking Reception, Day Lodge

All Day

Adaptive Equipment Experience - Day Lodge, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports

BIPOC Affinity Space - First 13, Vermont Professionals of Color Network

WORKSHOPS (subject to change)

MAIN SESSION

The State of Outdoor Business in 2025 - Ballroom

Moderator: Drew Simmons, Founder, Pale Morning Media. Panelists: Carina Hamel, Founder, BIVO; Sam Hooper, CEO, Vermont Glove; Steve Wright, President and General Manager, Jay Peak; Marc Sherman, Co-Owner, Outdoor Gear Exchange

From tariffs to tourism, the first half of 2025 has presented Vermont’s outdoor businesses with a storm of unprecedented challenges. This panel discussion will connect with outdoor business leaders in retail, manufacturing and tourism to assess where they stand heading into the holidays, and where they are headed in the New Year. This conversation will touch on both macro trends and individual observations as panelists discuss where they’re enduring, where they’re thriving, where they’re finding unexpected opportunities, and where they’re facing the latest challenges.

MORNING WORKSHOPS

Move Forward Together Vermont: Let's Work on Economic Development - Ballroom

Facilitators: Jackie Dagger, Program Manager, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative; Karrie Thomas, Executive Director, Northern Forest Canoe Trail; Yva Rose, Co-Owner, Lamoille Valley Bike Tours

MFTV is Vermont’s strategic vision for the outdoor recreation economy for the next 5-10 years, released with support from VOBA and statewide partners. Ensure Vermont’s outdoor economy continues to grow in ways that are resilient, equitable and sustainable by joining this interactive session. Together we’ll prioritize a list of projects proposed for each of the priority actions under the core themes of Economic Development, Wellness, and Stewardship.

Kingdom Collaborations & Connections - Witherell 1

Moderator: Abby Long, Interim Executive Director, NEK Collaborative. Panelists: Jon Schaefer, COO and Co-Owner, Bear Den Partners' Burke Mountain Resort; Jenifer Oliphant, General Manager, The Wildflower Inn; Dale Frattaroli, Lead & Tackle; Georgia Gould, Interim Executive Director, Kingdom Trail Association

The Northeast Kingdom, Vermont’s most rural region, has built economic success by leaning on collaboration, creativity, and shared purpose to make big things happen. This workshop highlights the people and partnerships behind the trail networks, ski resorts, retail & guiding services, and places to stay. Hear how being resourceful, connected, and deeply place-based has made the region more resilient — and how these lessons can inspire rural innovation statewide.

Policy Roundtable: Economic & Community Impact of Outdoor Recreation - Witherell 2

Resource Page

Moderator: Jill Sudhoff-Guerin, Policy and Communications Consultant, Maidstone Public Relations. Panelists: Vermont Representative Mike Marcotte, Orleans-Lamoille District; Vermont Representative John Kascenka, Essex-Caledonia District; Vermont Representative Abbey Duke, Chittenden District; Nick Mahood, Nordic Center & Activity Center Director, Woodstock Inn and Resort; Rick Ufford-Chase, Mayor, Newport & Director, Newport City Downtown Development

Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy is uniquely positioned to deliver long-term State and community-wide benefits—from conservation and climate resilience to housing, workforce, and economic development. This roundtable will bring together legislative and business perspectives to learn about emerging and ongoing policy conversations, opportunities for the Vermont Conservation Plan and Vermont Resilience Implementation Strategy, and successes from the state-funded Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program and the VOREC community grant program. Participants will leave with a clearer picture of 2026 priorities with an eye to advocacy at Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House.

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

Building Participation, Building Community: Outdoor Market Strategies - Ballroom

Moderator: Cate Starmer, Membership and Events Lead, VOBA. Panelists: Kelly Davis, OIA Research Director; Colleen Boyce, Deputy Director, Vermont Parks Forever; Phil White, Director, Kingdom Games; Jen Roberts, Co-Owner, Onion River Outdoors

How can Vermont businesses and organizations translate participation data into strategic programs and marketing initiatives? What are the best consumer groups to target for the holiday season? This session dives into collaborative efforts that support new and nontraditional users in experiencing outdoor recreation while deepening the loyalty of existing consumers and tapping spending trends. Panelists will describe partnerships and the prioritization of marketing and programmatic resources to curate culture and customers, bolstering Vermont’s outdoor community and strengthening business opportunities.

Climate Innovation and Careers as a Solution for Vermont’s Economic Resiliency - Witherell 1

Facilitators: Brian Lamoureux, Outdoor Careers and Business Development Manager, VOBA; Ellie Penfield-Cyr, Climate Outdoors Fellow, VOBA. Panelists: Nick Sargent, President, Snowsports Industries America; Pete Samson, Chief Lending Officer, Vermont Economic Development Authority; John Kim, Graduate Programs Career Advisor, Sustainable Innovation - MBA, Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont; Kristen Graf, Global Director, Environmental and Social Responsibility, Cabot Hosiery Mills; Maria Young, Executive Director, NorthWoods Stewardship Center

Vermont’s outdoor economy is navigating two interconnected challenges: a shortage of skilled workers and the mounting impacts of climate change. This session highlights businesses adapting and innovating for stability and growth and the skills needed for the workforce. Learn about partnerships in industry sustainability, career pathways, and valuable tools and resources for job seekers and employers. Breakouts will explore climate jobs and related workforce skills/competencies.

Trails for everyBODY: Assessing & Communicating Accessible Trails and the Economic Impact of Adaptive Sports - Witherell 2

Hosts: Jeff Alexander, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. Panelists: Joe Gaynor, Programs & Partnerships Manager, Vermont Mountain Bike Association; Sharon Plumb, Program Manager, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council; Drew Pollak-Bruce, Founder, CRO Planning & Design

How can businesses and organizations broaden their reach for customers and participation to include the adaptive and accessible market? Learn about the Trail Accessibility Hub progress to date, the distinction between adaptive optimized, adaptive friendly, and accessible trails, plus trail assessments aimed at both the trail steward and the trail user. Presenters will share data on the growing and significant economic impact of adaptive sports in Vermont.

ALL-DAY

BIPOC Affinity Space - First 13

Hosts: Vermont Professionals of Color NetworkVT PoC’s affinity spaces are welcoming, drop-in environments for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to gather throughout the conference day in the First 13 room. This curated space offers BIPOC attendees opportunities to decompress, share insights, and connect with fellow BIPOC participants. VT PoC will also have a table outside the Ballroom.

Adaptive Equipment Experience - Day Lodge

Hosts: Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports

Get a hands-on look at the innovative gear that makes outdoor adventures more accessible for mountain biking and skiing. Representatives will educate participants on the various forms of adaptive equipment employed by trail users with physical disabilities.