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.
Coming in october 2023! Stay tuned for event details!
In 2022, we combined the State of the Outdoors with the Pikes Peak outdoor industry leadership summit for a full day of presentations, breakouts, panels, and more! view the 2022 event program below!
2022 keynote remarks were delivered by Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation. Reeder Kleymeyer shared her own story of how the outdoors played in her coming to Colorado Springs, and expressed how important outdoor recreation is as an economic driver, as well as a tool for recruitment.
Local agency and organization leaders shared brief updates on the state of our outdoors.
STATE OF OUR OUTDOORS INDUSTRY UPDATES PROVIDED BY:
- Sarah Watson, Colorado Springs District Wildlife Manager, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Cory Noble,Aquatic Biologist, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Jason Hagan, Park Manager, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Becky Leinweber, Executive Director, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance
- Ashlee Sack, Coordinator, Fremont Adventure Recreation
- Todd Marts, Director of Community Services, El Paso County
- Karen Palus, Director, City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Following the State of the Outdoors updates and presentations, attendees participated and engaged with industry leaders in two breakout sessions on the topics below:
PAY TO PLAY:THE SHIFT TO RESERVATIONS & PAY MODELS IN MANAGING RECREATION
As recreational use increased to record-breaking numbers, land and recreation managers have implemented new reservation systems and pay models to try to better manage visitors to some of our most popular local destinations. Learn the facts and engage around this topic with both proponents and those opposed to these measures, as well as how these measures impact equity in the outdoors.
WORKFORCE CONNECTIONS:CREATING A “WIN WIN” FOR STUDENTS AND INDUSTRY
Panelists from the Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak Community College will share about their degree and certificate programs to train up the next generation of outdoor industry workforce as well as how to better connect to the industry through internships and advisory opportunities. There will be opportunity to engage around the two-sided coin: ensuring students are trained in the skills desired and businesses are providing the opportunities and experiences students are seeking
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE:PHASE ONE OF THE COLORADO OUTDOOR REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Planning for the Pikes Peak region’s conservation and recreation future is under way! Come learn about the first phase of the region’s Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnership planning process – both the development of a data dashboard, as well as evaluation of existing outdoor plans and potential solutions to some of the challenges we’re facing.
SESSION 1: PIKES PEAK OUTDOOR REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS
- Our community has a history of collaboration and planning for our outdoors and we’ve enmassed a number of plans that are fully, partially, or barely implemented. N.E.S. Inc. will share their evaluation of these plans and priorities (wow, we have a lot!) to identify what has and hasn’t been implemented, where there is crossover, and where there are gaps. They will also bring you into the conversation of possible solutions to some of the challenges they’ve identified. Engage with the planning team with your questions and provide feedback on the process thus far.
SESSION 2: THE PIKES PEAK OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY DASHBOARD
- Get a first look at the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Economy Dashboard being developed by University Of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) students and faculty, and provide your feedback and thoughts as we move forward. This dashboard will include outdoor activities, tourism, recreational assets, impacts on natural environment and wildlife, and relevant socio-economic dimensions. 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.
KEEPING IT WILD:DISCUSSION ON THE STATE OF OUR REGION’S WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS
Learn about what’s happening with wildlife in our region from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. What are new developments, concerns, and some key initiatives going forward? Bring your questions to engage around wildlife on the land, in the air, and in the water
The Pikes Peak Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit Luncheon focused on Looking to the Future:What’s in Store for the Region’s Outdoor Industry?
The Leadership Summit is designed specifically for those providing leadership for the Pikes Peak region’s outdoors to inspire, connect, and engage leaders with one another through exceptional speakers and forward-looking discussions. The outdoor industry has experienced a number of changes in recent years – some have certainly been the result of the pandemic and may be temporary but others may be here to stay. Industry experts shared their thoughts on what the future holds and the important role each of us plays in ensuring it’s a future that serves our communities and our industry well.
Panelists Included:
- Lauren Truitt, Assistant Director Information and Education, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Conor Hall, Director, Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
- Andy Neinas, Owner, Echo Canyon River Expeditions
View Full Presentation here.
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Presented By:
Sponsors:
Devil's Playground Sponsors
Barr Camp Sponsors
Media Sponsors
