Schedule

  • Day 1 l Monday, Oct. 27th


  • Day 2 l Tuesday, Oct. 28th


  • Day 3 l Wednesday, Oct. 29th


  • Check in and grab your badge and program!
    Where
    DoubleTree by Hilton Durango - Lobby

  • New Gear Speed Date kicks off Outdoor Media Summit with gear journalists rotating through 24 outdoor brand booths, checking out the latest gear innovations.
    Where
    DoubleTree by Hilton Durango – Riverview Ballroom

  • Take a hike with The Conservation Alliance's Executive Director, Paul Hendricks, in Durango to get some adventure in before the start of Outdoor Media Summit. This casual hike will be walking-distance from town and allow CEOs and Executives to network while exploring pre-Summit.
    Where
    Meet at Strater Hotel Lobby

  • Whether you're wanting one-on-one support or general guidance, their team of technical experts will provide hands-on assistance to optimize your setup and strategy.

    Looking for one-on-one support? Click here to schedule your free session with an Avantlink team member.

    Wanting general guidance? Pop-in from 2-5pm to talk with an Avantlink team member when you arrive.
    Where
    Strater Hotel – Oak Room

  • Join Outdoor Media Summit staff, Visit Durango team and other OMS attendees for our Opening Night Reception in downtown Durango at 11th Street Station. All food and drinks are included with your conference ticket. See you there!
    Where
    11th Street Station

  • Enjoy breakfast on Day 1 with The Conservation Alliance!
    Where
    D&SNG Museum – Keynote Stage

  • The outdoor industry's media landscape is rapidly evolving as traditional publications embrace new formats and emerging platforms gain traction. This session will explore how B2B outdoor media is adapting to serve modern audiences. Hear Aaron Lutze, host of the Second Nature Podcast, who will share insights on cultivating local podcast communities and leveraging Slack to build engaged followings, Tina Wilmott, founder and president at Endurance Sportswire and Outdoor Sportswire, speaking to how brands can better amplify their reach and connect with targeted outdoor industry audiences – and more!
    Where
    Tent – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Negative comments are inevitable in the outdoor industry, where passionate communities debate everything from gear to environmental ethics. But with the right approach, critics can become valuable allies. This session shares tactics for knowing when to respond versus ignore, how to craft replies that reflect your brand values without defensiveness, and strategies for turning skeptics into advocates. Featuring real examples from outdoor brands and media, you’ll see how thoughtful engagement can build trust, expand reach, and spark unexpected collaborations. Perfect for marketers, journalists, creators, and leaders navigating debates and controversies on behalf of their organizations.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • “Made in USA” carries weight with consumers—but also comes with complex realities for outdoor brands navigating supply chains, pricing, and sustainability commitments. This session explores the opportunities and challenges of domestic manufacturing, from increased transparency and faster production timelines to higher costs, scaling constraints, and the impact of tariffs on global sourcing strategies. Industry leaders will share insights on balancing consumer expectations with operational realities, and how to decide when—and why—domestic production makes sense. Attendees will leave with a practical roadmap to evaluate if and how U.S.-based manufacturing can align with their brand values, margins, and long-term growth strategies.
    Where
    Grange – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Dive into how AI is transforming modern marketing strategies. Our AI-expert speakers will explore three cutting-edge applications reshaping the industry: Learn the basics of AI SEO techniques to optimize your content for AI-powered search engines and voice assistants; Explore AI tools that create cinematic-quality commercials and production content at a fraction of traditional costs; Uncover emerging AI capabilities that give forward-thinking marketers a competitive edge in digital campaigns, personalization, and customer engagement strategies; learn practical insights on the tools, strategies, and results behind building an AI-powered customer service engine that elevates satisfaction while driving revenue and growth.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • From the checkout aisle to your Amazon cart, point-of-sale advertising is having a moment. This session unpacks how AllGear Digital’s new partnership with Backcountry and evolving retail strategies are transforming how outdoor brands connect with consumers—both online and in-store—through smarter, more targeted point-of-sale marketing that drives engagement and sales. The talk will also focus on Amazon advertising best practices and a local Durango retailer's take on in-store advertising trends and what's working (and not) at point of sale.
    Where
    Tent – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Whether you’re eyeing an acquisition, succession, or sale, planning your exit is as critical as building your brand. In this candid executive session, PACKFIRE leaders Jeff Polke (CEO) and Mike Wallenfels (Advisor) share lessons learned, near-misses, and smart moves from their own journey with the world’s first full-size round fire pit that packs flat into a backpack. Walk away with practical strategies to maximize value, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your legacy burns bright long after your exit.
    Where
    Grange – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Matt Tucker, Executive Director, Client Development - Sports Equipment at Circana, will share sales data for outdoor product categories for the fall and winter seasons. Learn about which product categories and brands are doing well, while also listening to their forecasts for the year ahead, and how you can leverage retail sales data to make informed decisions and drive revenue growth. Gain exclusive insight into the market, hear strategies for success from leading outdoor brands, and learn how you can adapt quickly to a changing outdoor market.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • The outdoor industry is changing fast—and so are the technologies shaping how brands connect with consumers. From AI-driven content platforms to advanced analytics, today’s marketing and media pros need to navigate an ever-expanding toolkit. This session highlights the latest tools that matter now: the ones streamlining workflows, personalizing campaigns, and tracking engagement in real time. Learn what’s hype, what’s here to stay, and how to make smart investments that future-proof your marketing strategy. Whether leading a brand, managing media, or overseeing marketing strategy, you’ll leave with a template to sharpen your marketing/media tech stack.
    Where
    Tent – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Every byline starts with a pitch, but what makes one stand out in a crowded inbox? In this session, Sierra Magazine digital editor Lindsey Botts, SKI Magazine digital editor Jamie Aranoff, and long-time Outside contributor Jakob Schiller will share what grabs their attention, what falls flat, and how freelancers can sharpen their story ideas. Whether you’re a freelancer chasing your first byline, a seasoned contributor shaping narratives, or a brand hoping to secure top-tier coverage, this session will unpack what makes a dream story come to life—and how you can pitch it with confidence.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Scaling a business to eight figures in less than a decade is no small feat, especially in today’s unpredictable economic climate. This executive-level session brings together three CEOs—Michael Glavin(Zenbivy), Lloyd Vogel (Garage Grown Gear), and Deanne Buck (BRANWYN)—to share the hard-won lessons and growth strategies that fueled their success. From diversifying revenue streams to building resilient teams and optimizing operations without losing sight of brand values, you’ll hear how these leaders turned market challenges into opportunities. Walk away with actionable insights to guide your own path to sustainable, scalable growth in the outdoor industry.
    Where
    Grange – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Explore Durango with our Brand Sponsors to test gear in the field. Excursions categories include Hike, Bike, Paddle, Trail Run, Overland, Photography/Birding, Fly Fish, and a trip to the Durango Hot Springs. It's time to adventure!
    Where
    Depart from DoubleTree – Meet at Lobby

  • Join us on The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge (D&SNG) train departing from the Durango Depot. We'll soak in breathtaking views at sunset and under a full moon of the Animas River, highline, and miles upon miles of rugged wilderness and Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado.

    On the historic train charter, we'll eat, drink, and enjoy community on board after a day of adventuring.

    IMPORTANT: Train begins boarding at 6:15 PM. Train departs at 6:30 PM sharp.

    DO NOT be late, or else you'll miss the private, OMS train charter (and dinner!)
    Where
    Meet at The Grange – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Join The Conservation Alliance for breakfast burritos and a morning activity.

    Breakfast served 8:00 AM and activity starts at 8:30 AM.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Let's talk YouTube. In this session you'll learn about what brands stand to learn from creators, what it takes to scale your subscriber count fast, and the ins-and-outs of membership growth from three unique YouTube creators—Steven Smith of My Life Outdoors, Chris Cage of Greenbelly, Youtuber Kraig Adams. These experienced outdoor content creators will equip you with practical insights and techniques to elevate your YouTube strategy and maximize your digital presence.
    Where
    Tent – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Affiliate marketing in the outdoor space is shifting fast, with changing commission structures, evolving SEO rules, and new competitors reshaping the landscape. In this session, three leading publishers share how they’re adapting—experimenting with new revenue models, diversifying partnerships, and rethinking content strategies. Gain actionable insights to future-proof your affiliate approach and keep your monetization game strong.
    Where
    Grange – D&SNG Train Museum

  • From shifting demographics to new spending habits, today’s consumer trends are reshaping the outdoor industry at every level. This executive session delivers a data-driven look at the current state of the industry, highlighting where demand is growing, where it’s slowing, and what’s next. Gain the intelligence you need to make bold, informed decisions in a rapidly changing market.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Simply put: The old PR playbook no longer works. As lines between PR, brand marketing, and content creation blur more every day, this session dives into fresh and effective ways outdoor brands and their PR teams are connecting with media and creators that goes beyond stale pitching tactics. Discover new tricks (and tools) to cut through the noise and inspire authentic coverage.

    To get the most out of this talk, consider joining JamNet and play around before you arrive:

    – Journalists and Content Creators — Click here!
    – Brands and PR Reps — Click here!
    Where
    Tent – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Stop chasing followers, and instead, build brand fanatics (who also want to buy everything you make and spread the word about your brand while they do so). Our speakers will share unconventional strategies that create deep customer loyalty that converts. Discover how daily Zoom dance parties foster virtual connections, learn to design memorable backcountry experiences that build lasting bonds, and explore creative event formats that turn casual customers into brand evangelists. This session will cover actionable insights on community-building tactics that drive authentic engagement and measurable conversions for outdoor industry brands.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • In today’s unpredictable economy, strong financial strategy is the backbone of sustainable growth. This executive session covers essential insights on cash flow management, investment planning, and funding opportunities tailored to the outdoor industry. Learn how to strengthen your financial position, weather market fluctuations, and fuel long-term success.
    Where
    Grange – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance, will give a policy update on the most important pieces of legislation that outdoor companies and media need to keep top of mind. He will also provide insights on conservation efforts and public land access issues currently in legislation that can help grow the outdoor industry.
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • Hosted by MC's – industry icon, Parker McMullen Bushman (aka Kween Werk) and GearJunkie Editor in Chief, Adam Ruggiero – the Outdoor Media Awards celebrate excellence in storytelling, brand marketing, and more in the outdoor media industry! This prestigious event recognizes outstanding contributions across various categories, highlighting the creativity, innovation, and impact of professionals in the field. We'll also announce winners of Excursions competitions from Tuesday!
    Where
    Keynote Stage – D&SNG Train Museum

  • This hike is optional as it takes place post-conference!
    Join local guide and outdoor tour company, TripOutside, and OMS staff and attendees for a post-conference hike in Durango. Trail will be walking-distance from the Durango DoubleTree and the hike will end at a local brewery/restaurant downtown for post-hike drinks and food (drinks/food must be purchased on your own).
    Where
    Depart from DoubleTree Lobby