The 8th Annual Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit
BUILD TOGETHER: GROWING OUTDOOR BUSINESS IN VERMONT
What You'll Experience
The Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit is VOBA's annual industry gathering, bringing together outdoor businesses, nonprofit organizations, education, service providers, and policymakers from across Vermont. Come together to solve shared business challenges, gain practical tools, and build connections that catalyze growth for outdoor businesses, driving the economies of local communities
Mark Your Calendar
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
The 2026 Location
Where: The Barn at Fox Run in Ludlow, Vermont
Who Should Attend
- Business professionals in manufacturing, retail, resorts, guiding, lodging, trail building and more
- Recreation, conservation and equity organizational leaders
- Educators
- Financial, technical assistance, and marketing providers
- Administration officials
- Legislators
What You'll Leave With
Gain fresh insights from inspiring keynote and panel speakers, exchange ideas in educational sessions, celebrate the recipient of the Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Legacy Award and the winners of the Outdoor Pitchfest, and enjoy food and the outdoors.
Event Schedule
8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
Check-In & Networking Coffee
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
General Session
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Choice of Three (3) Workshops
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
6th Annual Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Legacy Award, Lunch, and Demonstrations
1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
Choice of Three (3) Workshops
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
3rd Annual Outdoor Pitchfest
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Aprés Summit Reception
Get Your Tickets Now!
SAVE WITH EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION THROUGH 10/23
The 2026 Keynote Speaker
INTRODUCING SARAH WARING
The Power of Rural Places: Building Trust, Capacity, and Opportunity
Sarah Waring, NBRC Executive Director, will explore how trust, collaboration, and strategic investment can help Vermont’s rural communities navigate change, foster entrepreneurial innovation, and create the conditions for outdoor businesses to grow.
Join Us at the Summit Social!
VERMONT OUTDOOR ECONOMY SOCIAL: OKEMO VALLEY
Vermont Outdoor Economy Social: Okemo Valley
Join us a Summit Eve gathering for local businesses and Vermont’s outdoor community.
Date: Wednesday, November 11
Time: Join us anytime between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Location: Terra Italian Steakhouse, Ludlow, VT
Food and drink: Drinks and appetizers
Registration: Attend the social on its own, or add it to your registration for the November 12 Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit.
