State of The outdoors 2024 State of The outdoors 2024
Thank you for joining us for the 6th Annual State of the Outdoors event, hosted by the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance in collaboration with the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation!
The event highlighted the economic value of the outdoor industry while connecting its leaders with business and community leaders through inspiring topics, speakers, and an outdoor expo.
See our Regional Updates Below
Climbing to Higher Ground: Overcoming Threats and Shaping the Future of our outdoors
Our 2024 program and theme was, “Climbing to Higher Ground: Overcoming Threats and Shaping the Future of Our Outdoors.” The program focused on sharing the current state of our outdoors, including the pressing threats to both our natural resources and recreational experiences and the ways we are overcoming these challenges at the national, state, and local levels to create an exceptional future. Together, we explored the value of the outdoors to local communities, recognizing it as a strong and growing economic driver for the nation.
Through our keynote speaker and author, Luis Benitez, we explored the immense value of the outdoor recreation industry and why it is so much more than fun equipment and amazing experiences, rivaling other major industries in the U.S. Luis shared insights from his own story as well as his recently launched book, Higher Ground: How the Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save the World, discussing the industry’s capacity, and the power of the individual, to be a catalyst for lasting change.
We then heard from industry leaders on the state and local challenges and unique opportunities that were in front of us, as well as strategies for advancing sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation efforts while planning for the anticipated growth of our region. We acknowledged some very real threats, but together, we focused on safeguarding our priceless natural resources and recreation assets across the Pikes Peak region to ensure they remain vibrant for generations to come.
State of the Outdoors brought together the business community and the outdoor industry to collaborate, learn, and champion our amazing outdoors together. Businesses were invited to get informed, get engaged, and give back by connecting with our local outdoor businesses, outdoor nonprofit organizations, and land managers at the Outdoor Expo.
During this interactive event, attendees also had the opportunity to:
- Connect with outdoor industry leaders and learn about opportunities to partner during the Outdoor Expo
- View local community updates on recreational planning, conservation efforts, projects, and more across the region
- Participate in a silent auction supporting the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance
- Purchase Luis’ book and have him sign it
- Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar
Program and Speakers
Luis Benitez is a leading figure in the outdoor industry’s political movement. As a former international mountaineering guide, he has led over 30 expeditions worldwide. His political career began in 2015 when Colorado governor John Hickenlooper appointed him director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), and before his first day, PPORA reached out and connected with him and has worked closely with the OREC ever since. In 2018, he was instrumental in bringing together eight states to sign the Confluence Accords and proclaim their shared passion for the outdoors and commitment to cultivating a strong outdoor recreation economy, believing that outdoor recreation is core to the very character and quality of life we should all enjoy. In 2019, he became the vice president of governmental affairs and global impact for VF Corp. Currently, Benitez serves as the Chief Impact Officer at the Trust for Public Land, advocating for access for all to the outdoors. In his spare time, he is also advocating for the creation of a federal office/director of outdoor recreation industry. In his keynote, he will share insights from his new book, Higher Ground: How the Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save the World , and a book signing will immediately follow the program.
Hear also from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Executive Director, Jackie Miller, on the value of the Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative and how local recreation and conservation planning efforts play a role into the greater Colorado vision of creating an outdoors for all. She will share how the locally rooted, state supported Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy is advancing key goals and strategies that communities across the state can play into and help accomplish. Jackie has worked tirelessly to align GOCO to strategically invest in the greatest needs in the most impactful ways to benefit communities across Colorado, including right here in the Pikes Peak region.
Becky Leinweber, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance , will provide insights on the current state of the outdoors for our Pikes Peak region. With the framework of what’s happening nationally and at the state, she will bring your focus to our local situation: both the wonderful things happening and the very real threats that need concerted effort and collaboration to mitigate, as well as how you can be a part of the solution.
View Full Program Presentations, Videos and Photos!
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2024 State of the Outdoors and Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit Photos
Photos by 3 Peaks Photography
View all event photos here