Alex Maier

Where is outdoor recreation headed next — and how do we know? This breakout session brings together three data-driven perspectives on the future of participation across public and private land and water. Eric Slayman of The Dyrt, James Warner-Smith of Hipcamp, and Alex Maier of onWater will each share insights from their platforms, spanning public camping trends, private land and unique stays, and public land and waterway usage. Together, this panel offers a fuller picture of where campers, paddlers, and outdoor adventurers are headed in 2027, and giving media, brands, and destinations the data to plan smarter for the year ahead.