8:00-9:00 am | Guided Walk
Led by: Brandon Sauer, Senior Creative Producer, Darn Tough Vermont
Location: Calcutta's - Upstairs Hallway
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​8:30-9:15 am | Networking Coffee & Check-In
Featuring: Sponsor Exhibits
Location: Calcutta's - Upstairs Hallway

​9:15-9:30 am | Welcome & Elections
Speakers: Kelly Ault, Executive Director, VOBA; Zac Freeman, Owner, Apex Trailworks, Chair, VOBA
Location: Barn

​9:30-10:05 am | Keynote Speaker

Speaker: Sarah Waring, Executive Director, Northern Border Regional Commission

Topic: Build Together: Growing Outdoor Businesses and Communities in Vermont

Location: Barn

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10:05-10:45 am | Business Panel

Speakers: Simon Perkins, President, The Orvis Company; Mark Kane, Principal, SE Group

Details: The keynote speaker will engage outdoor leaders in a Q & A exploring 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

11:00 am-12:00 pm | Workshops - Choice of Three (3)
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, Commercial Lending Officer, 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

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Workshop #2: Outdoor Policy Priorities for a Prosperous Outdoor Economy

• Moderator: Jill Sudhoff-Guerin, Founder, Maidstone Public Relations

• Candidates: Rep. John Kascenska, Rep. Dara Torre, Rep. Will Greer, Sen. David Weeks, Sen. Joe Major, Fauna Hurley, US Sen. Peter Welch's Office

• Facilitators: Becca Washburn, Director, Lands Administration and Recreation Division, Department of Forest Parks and Recreation; Dani Luce, Executive Director, Vermont ATV Sportsman's Association, Chair, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council; 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 other issues. Lend an industry voice on investments that deliver State and community benefits for a prosperous Vermont.

• Location: Calcutta's Restaurant

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Workshop #3: Building Purpose-Driven Brands and Expanding Participation

• Moderator: Heather Pelham, Deputy 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

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12:00-1:45 pm | Photo Booth & Putting Green

Locations: Outside Green; Barn Banner

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12:15-1:30 pm | Lunch & 6th Annual Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award

Recipients: Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer of Concept2 & Craftsbury Outdoor Center

Emcee: Drew Simmons, Owner, Pale Morning Media

Location: Barn​

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1:45-2:45 pm | Workshops - Choice of Three (3)
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 and 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

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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: Barn

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Workshop #6: Commercial Clusters: Regional Connections, Shared Opportunities

• Moderators: Cate Starmer, Starmer Works, VOBA Operations Lead; Jackie Dagger, Program Manager, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative

• Facilitators: Abby Sessock, Director of Digital Communications, VT Department of Tourism and Marketing; Maureen McCracken, Director of Marketing Strategy & Research, VT Department of Tourism and Marketing

• Details: Learn about the alignment of outdoor recreation commercial clusters and state initiatives in outdoor hubs and tourism destinations. Connect with outdoor businesses and partners in groups of regions to explore shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Discuss tools and gaps in assessing the economic infrastructure already in place for businesses growth in your region and how to leverage economic, non-profit and municipal partnerships for regional opportunities going forward

• Location: Gold Room

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3:00-4:00 pm | 3rd Annual Outdoor Pitch Fest

Emcee: Corinne Prevot, CEO, Skida

Pitchers: Ellen McCune, Lupine Outerwear; Jody Canavan & Amy Maugeri, Gear Envie; Ariel Ogden, Fifth Season Canvas

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 ​

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4:00-5:00 pm | 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​​