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Press trips are a major investment for any outdoor brand or destination, and getting the coverage to justify the ROI takes more than a dialed itinerary. This session will share what separates a press trip that generates real coverage from one that generates a nice vacation for attendees. Expect candid advice on guest lists, itinerary pacing, and setting expectations upfront, from both the media and PR sides of the table. This breakout session is essential listening for anyone planning or pitching a press trip.

Social media moves fast, and what worked six months ago (and even a decade ago) changes day to day, month to month, and year over year. This session brings together perspectives from brand, media, and creator sides to break down the tactics actually driving engagement right now. Kelly Muededonck (Smartwool), Teaghan Skulszki (GearJunkie), and creator JJ Yosh share what's working across platforms from Instagram to YouTube to posting cadence to the collaborations that will move the needle. You'll get a grounded look at where social media followers’ attention is heading and how to meet them there, whether. This talk is for folks managing a brand account, a media publication’s social channels, or wanting to build your own following.

Whether you're a big brand with resources to spare or a scrappy team stretching every dollar, the lesson is the same: creativity beats budget. This session breaks down three case studies from brands who hit the ROI jackpot – when their marketing campaigns outperformed their spend. Speakers will share what the goal was, what the team actually did, and what they'd do differently next time. If you need proof that smart strategy can outperform cash, this session is built for you.

M&A in the outdoor industry is a mystery to most. Join our panel of esteemed speakers with decades upon decades of combined experience as they pull back the curtain on what actually happens when a brand changes hands – from valuation and deal structure to the negotiations that make or break a sale. This session is built for founders and executive leaders weighing an exit, or looking to grow through acquisition, who want a clear-eyed look at timing, pricing, and the pitfalls that tank deals. Attendees will come away with a sharper sense of what your brand is really worth and how to position it for the best outcome.

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.

Outdoor brand budgets are tight, teams are lean, and expectations keep climbing. Marketing leaders at some of the industry’s most iconic brands, from YETI to Mountain House and more, will get real about the resourcing challenges facing marketing departments across the outdoor industry right now. The session will cover topics from making headcount decisions to allocating spend outside of your in-house team to where dollars actually move the needle. Attend if you want an honest look at how established brands are prioritizing spend, structuring teams, and making the case internally for the resources marketing needs. Ideal for marketing leaders navigating their own budget conversations.

Policy shifts at the federal and state level are reshaping how outdoor brands operate, from public lands access to trade regulation. This session brings together executive-level voices across the industry for a roundup of what's changed, what's coming, and what it means for your business. Expect a fast-moving conversation covering the policy issues execs can't afford to ignore, with practical takeaways for staying ahead of regulatory shifts rather than reacting to them after the fact.

Tariffs have upended supply chain math for outdoor brands, and the old playbook doesn't apply anymore. This session will dig into how companies are rerouting manufacturing, renegotiating with suppliers, and rebuilding margin in a volatile trade environment. Expect a practical, numbers-driven conversation on where brands are moving production, what tradeoffs come with speed versus cost, and how to build a supply chain that can absorb the next shock instead of scrambling to react.