Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) will host its first Outdoor Recreation Technology and Innovation Summit on Sept. 16, in Washington, D.C., bringing together leaders from the outdoor recreation industry, government, and technology sectors.
The event will gather top outdoor recreation businesses, policymakers, federal agency officials, and technology executives to showcase tools and strategies aimed at improving participation and information-sharing across America’s public lands and waters.
Organizers say the summit will highlight how technology can help meet the growing demand for outdoor experiences while safeguarding natural resources.
“The Outdoor Recreation Technology and Innovation Summit is a testament to the momentum and collaboration shaping the future of our industry,” Jessica Wahl Turner, ORR president, said in a press release.
She noted that the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act provides a strong foundation for advancing innovation, access, and partnerships.
Turner said the summit will convene “visionary leaders from business and government to elevate technological innovations and partnerships that will help expand access for all Americans to experience the many lifelong benefits of outdoor recreation while growing our economy and protecting these special places for future generations.”
U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will also deliver the keynote address, offering updates on efforts to implement the EXPLORE Act, which aims to modernize recreation infrastructure and access on federal lands and waters. Burgum recently signed a Secretarial Order to advance the act’s provisions.
Bipartisan members of Congress and senior federal officials will also participate, including U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo.; U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Kristin Sleeper; and National Park Service Comptroller Jessica Bowron.
Industry leaders from organizations such as AllTrails, Booz Allen Hamilton, Hipcamp, iSportsman, Kampgrounds of America (KOA), National Forest Foundation, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Park Foundation, Outdoor Industry Association, onX Maps, RV Dealers Association, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, Tyler Technologies, and Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, will be present to discuss technology’s role in driving growth and participation.