Outdoor Industry Leadership SummitOutdoor Industry Leadership Summit
The Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit convenes those providing leadership for the Pikes Peak region’s outdoors. This workshop-style event inspires, connects, and engages leaders with one another through exceptional speakers and forward-looking discussions.
Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry leadership summit
2025 That's a wrap!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit and Awards! This year’s theme, “Collaboration in the Outdoors: For a Strong, Sustainable, Scalable Future”, set the tone for a day filled with insight, energy, and big ideas. From thought-provoking panels and collaborative conversations to an unforgettable afternoon celebrating our region’s outdoor champions, the day was packed with inspiration and connection.
We were honored to recognize this year’s award winners, trailblazers, volunteers, businesses, and advocates who are shaping the future of outdoor recreation in the Pikes Peak region. Their stories reminded us that building a thriving outdoor community takes heart, determination, and a whole lot of teamwork.
A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and partners who made this event possible.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we’re making the outdoors more accessible, sustainable, and connected for all.
Program Summary
11:15 AM Doors Open for Check-in
11:45 AM Summit & Lunch Begins
12:00 PM Opening Session
1:00 PM Breakout Sessions – Part 1
2:00 PM Breakout Sessions – Part 2
3:00 PM Table Discussion Activity
3:45 PM Happy Hour & Awards Celebration
4:45 PM Summit Adjourned
Speakers & Panelists
The event will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers and panelists, including local industry leaders, outdoor recreation advocates, and conservation experts. These include the following in no particular order(more names will be added!)
Mike Hemme – SRAM, Billy Kinn – Catamount Institute, Chris Gonzales – Teller Trail Team, Tracy Predmore – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Lindsay Cluckey – Visit COS, Bob Falcone – Journalist, Lonna Thelen – City of Colorado Springs, Jessica Verplank – Kids on Bikes, Keith Thompson – Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association, Cory Noble – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Katie Frank – NES Inc., Matt Gottfried – UCCS, Nic Ponsor – Criterium, Calla Balliett – Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Tim Kroening – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Chris Lieber – NES Inc., Becky Leinweber – PPORA, Ty Woodward – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Micah Rice – Colorado Springs Sports Corp, Jeff Mosher – City of Cripple Creek, Janny Jarvis – Colorado Springs School District 11, Jeanette Lara – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Mike Rigney – Trails and Open Space Coalition, Cory Sutela – Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Joe Murphy – National Forest Foundation, Conner Borkowski – PPORA, Joe O’Brien – COTREX/Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Chris Yuan-Farrell – Great Outdoors Colorado, Ashlee Sack – Royal Gorge Bighorn Roundtable, Susan Davies – Trails and Open Space Coalition, Frank McGee – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Carrie Supino – Palmer Land Conservancy/Leave No Trace
NEW this year: Outdoor Industry Awards!
PPORA is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Awards, presented during this year’s Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit on April 17 at the Penrose House Conference Center. These awards recognize outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations making significant contributions to the health, vitality, and sustainability of the outdoor industry in the Pikes Peak region.
Winners were nominated by their peers and selected by the PPORA Board of Directors in recognition of their leadership, impact, and commitment to the outdoors:
Peak Impact: Business of the Year
Criterium Bicycles
A pillar of the cycling community, Criterium is recognized not only for their service and support, but for their investment in staff, advocacy efforts, and creating a true hub for outdoor recreation in the region.
Voice for Change: Advocacy Program of the Year
Kids on Bikes
With a mission to inspire and empower youth through biking, Kids on Bikes is redefining advocacy with programs rooted in joy, equity, and community. Their work is shaping policy and possibilities for youth outdoor access.
Guardians of the Outdoors: Stewardship Program of the Year
Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI)
With decades of boots-on-the-ground restoration, RMFI has led impactful projects across our landscape. Their commitment to conservation, education, and collaboration sets a gold standard for stewardship.
Pathfinder: Emerging Leader Award
Chris Gonzales, Teller Trail Team
Chris has mobilized a rural county around trails and stewardship as the founder and executive director of the Teller Trail Team. His collaborative, grassroots leadership is inspiring a new generation of outdoor advocates.
Heart of the Outdoors: Volunteer of the Year
Mike Rigney
A quiet force behind the scenes, Mike’s volunteerism spans organizations including TOSC, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, and the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative. He also handcrafted the beautiful awards presented at this year’s event.
Legacy Career Achievement Award
Susan Davies
Honored for a lifetime of leadership and advocacy, Susan’s legacy spans decades of public land stewardship, policy influence, and community collaboration. Her work with the Trails and Open Space Coalition has left a lasting impact on parks, open spaces, and outdoor access across the region.
PPORA extends its deepest gratitude to all nominees, attendees, sponsors, and partners who made the event possible.
Big kudos go to our own Kristen Cannon who took such care in honoring our region’s outstanding outdoor contributors through planning PPORA’s first awards celebration!
SAVE THE DATE:
April 17, 2025
Event Info:
NEW this year: Outdoor Industry Awards!
Nominations OPEN
(See descriptions and forms to the right)
Outdoor Industry Awards
● The Voice for Change Award: Advocacy Program of the Year — Honors an outstanding advocacy program that has made a significant impact in changing policy, process, or bringing awareness of outdoor issues or values to community and elected officials. This award recognizes a program that has worked tirelessly to create positive change, overcome challenges, and champion our outdoors and communities. The recipient has shown leadership in addressing social, economic, or environmental challenges and has created a lasting positive effect on our outdoors and the individuals and communities they sustain. NOMINATION FORM
● The Peak Outdoor Impact: Business of the Year Award — Celebrates a business that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the outdoor recreation industry. This award recognizes a business that has significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of the outdoor economy, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the promotion of outdoor recreation in the Pikes Peak region. The recipient of this award has shown dedication to creating a positive impact on both the local outdoor community and the broader outdoor industry. NOMINATION FORM
● The Trailblazer Legacy Award: Career Achievement — Honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in advancing the Pikes Peak region’s outdoors throughout their career. This prestigious award celebrates a lifelong commitment to pioneering efforts that have shaped and transformed the outdoor industry. The recipient of this award has made a profound and lasting impact on the Pikes Peak region’s outdoor spaces, conservation efforts, and the people within the outdoor ecosystem. Through their innovation, dedication, and inspiring leadership, they have paved the way for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts and advocates. NOMINATION FORM
● The Pathfinder Award: Emerging Leader of the Year — Recognizes a rising star in the outdoor community who has shown exceptional promise, innovation, and leadership early in their career. This award celebrates an individual who has made a significant impact in a short amount of time, demonstrating the potential to shape the future of outdoor recreation and conservation in the Pikes Peak region and beyond. The recipient is someone who has embraced challenges, forged new paths, and inspired others to follow their lead—blazing trails in both their professional and community efforts. NOMINATION FORM
● The Guardians of the Outdoors Award: Stewardship Program of the Year — Celebrates a stewardship or conservation program that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to preserving and protecting outdoor spaces for current and future generations. This award recognizes a program that has shown innovative leadership in environmental conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of the natural resources in the Pikes Peak region. The recipient program’s efforts have made a tangible impact on preserving the beauty, health, and accessibility of outdoor environments while fostering a culture of responsible recreation and stewardship. NOMINATION FORM
● The Heart of the Outdoors: Volunteer of the Year Award — Recognizes the outstanding contributions made by an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service, dedication, and impact within the outdoor recreation community. This award celebrates the tireless efforts of a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to inspire others, foster community involvement, and advance the goals of outdoor recreation, access, and conservation in the Pikes Peak region. NOMINATION FORM
2023 Industry Summit Is a Wrap!
Penrose House Conference Center
November 2nd, 9 AM – 1:30 PM
The 5th annual Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit was held on November 2nd, at the Penrose House Conference Center! This workshop style event inspires, connects, and engages outdoor leaders with one another through exceptional speakers and forward-facing discussions. This year’s theme was centered around Creating an Outdoors for All- Today and Tomorrow. A full agenda provided ample time for both connecting and learning with one another through two large group panel discussions and five small group breakout session options. Over 100 outdoor industry leaders joined us for this 5th annual summit. We look forward to expanding and continuing to provide a regional event for our leaders to convene and connect!
View the 2023 Event Program and Details Below
Program Details: Breakfast Panel (9:20-10:05 AM) Accessible Outdoor Adventures
With much talk about making the outdoors more inclusive, there is also a lot of confusion about how to reach that lofty goal. Join our panel of experts from a broad range of perspectives as we dive into how the Pikes Peak region can collaborate to create a more inclusive outdoor experience for those with cognitive and physical disabilities, providing opportunities and resources to truly create an Outdoors for All!
Panelist Included:
- Theresa Odello, Recreation & Cultural Services Manager, El Paso County Parks
- Sheridan Powell, Communications Specialist, Visit Colorado Springs
- Kristy Cook, Accessible Adventures
- Allen Beauchamp, Trails and Open Space Coalition
Advocacy in Action: How to Move the NeedleHow to Move the Needle
Understand the outdoor industry initiatives being made at the regional, state and federal level. Discover ways to put your advocacy efforts into action to create an exceptional outdoor economy and inspire recreation opportunities and access for all while protecting our amazing natural resources for generations to come.
Building an Exceptional Outdoor Future:Recreation and Conservation Priorities
Come learn about progress being made on the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative regional planning effort! The project team will share on the process to date including; community engagement efforts, sub-committee focus groups, evaluation of management strategies, and proposed strategies for creating an exceptional outdoor future for the Pikes Peak region. Engage with the planning team with your questions and provide feedback on the process thus far.
Outdoor Pikes Peak Datahub:Your Resource for Outdoor Related Information
Explore the Outdoor Pikes Peak Datahub developed by University Of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) students and faculty. The purpose of the data dashboard is to communicate outdoor-related information to the public and community leaders of the Pikes Peak region for better understanding, recognition of value, and thoughtful fact-based planning and decision-making. Engage with the development team with your feedback and questions to make this a helpful resource to the region.
Learn how to utilize the datahub as a tool for you with a datahub walkthroughs on the following:
- Grant Writing: Socioeconomic and Recreation and Tourism Data
- Explore Regional Interactive Maps: Wildfire, Critical Habitat, Trailheads, Regional Plans, OPPI Focus Area and much more!
- Data at a Glance: Population Dat and Regional Demographic
- Relevant Regional Plans and Summaries
Customizing a Community Ethic:Messaging Strategies to Create a Culture of Stewardship
The need for a greater focus on environmental stewardship in our region is ramping up! How can we create a community-centered stewardship ethic and marketing strategy that works for the diverse organizations, businesses, and agencies that make up the Pikes Peak Region? Join this workshop-style discussion on regional stewardship initiatives and discover the small wins you can make for stewardship, today!
Summit Luncheon (12:00-1:00 PM)Facilitated Outdoor Recreation:An Open Discussion on the Many Facets of "Commercial Use"
The term “commercial use” means many things to various people. It’s a term in our master plans, agency directives, and recreation community. But what does it really mean to the resource, the community, and those desiring to use our public lands through hiring a service or professional? This diverse panel, from land managers to guides, will share their perspectives and maybe even challenge your thinking!
Panelists Included:
- David Leinweber, Owner, Angler’s Covey
- Christine Malmborg, Owner, Dragonfly Paddle Yoga
- Micah Rice, Race Director, Pikes Peak APEX
Presented By:
Sponsors:
Devil's Playground Sponsors
Barr Camp Sponsors
Media Sponsors
