Kraig Becker

WILDSAM

Kraig is a veteran writer and editor in the outdoor and adventure travel space who has contributed to Popular Mechanics, GearJunkie, Digital Trends, Tripsavvy, Wildsam, and numerous other outlets.

Social Profiles

All Sessions by Kraig Becker

  • Day 2 l Tuesday, Oct. 28th


  • 10:00 AM  - 10:50 AM
    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

  • 10:00 AM  - 10:50 AM
    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

  • 1:00 PM  - 1:50 PM
    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

  • 6:00 PM  - 9:30 PM
    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

  • Day 3 l Wednesday, Oct. 29th


  • 10:00 AM  - 10:50 AM
    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

  • 11:00 AM  - 11:50 AM
    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

  • 11:00 AM  - 11:50 AM
    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

  • 12:00 PM  - 12:50 PM
    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




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Kraig Becker