The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) hosted the first National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum on Tuesday, bringing together leaders from various sectors to discuss the future and economic impact of outdoor recreation in the United States.
The event, staged at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, followed a meeting with White House officials on Monday. Discussions centered on the outdoor recreation industry’s contribution of $1.1 trillion to the economy and its support for 5 million jobs, representing 2.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Jessica Wahl Turner, president of ORR, emphasized the importance of the forum in shaping a new vision for the sector. “This forum is a pivotal moment for the outdoor recreation economy,” Turner said. She highlighted the goals of fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity to expand the recreation economy.
The forum also saw the launch of a new report detailing outdoor recreation-related spending and addressing threats to the industry along with potential solutions. This report aims to guide future strategies for growth and sustainability within the sector.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland delivered the keynote address, “The Power of the Outdoors,” which was followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Carolyn MacNaughton, CEO of Manitobah. The discussions underscored the social, environmental, and economic benefits of increasing public engagement with the outdoors.
A series of high-level discussions followed, featuring prominent figures such as U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The forum also hosted a fireside chat with John Podesta, senior advisor to President Joe Biden, focusing on leadership and future challenges in outdoor recreation.
Sessions during the forum addressed various key issues including consumer trends, inclusion, infrastructure, and innovation in outdoor recreation. Leaders from the National Park Service, public lands foundations, and private outdoor companies discussed strategies to meet the evolving needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
Funding for outdoor recreation was another critical topic, with insights from Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, and Luis Benitez, chief impact officer of the Trust for Public Land.
The forum also highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote sustainability within the industry. Discussions featured executives from major companies like Winnebago Industries and REI Co-op, exploring initiatives to reduce environmental impacts and enhance sustainable practices.
Access to outdoor spaces was a key theme, with panelists discussing how to improve access and inclusivity for diverse communities across the country. The panel included U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Ryan Zinke, who shared insights on legislative and grassroots efforts to enhance public land access.
The National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum marked a significant step in uniting industry leaders and policymakers to bolster the outdoor recreation economy. With its comprehensive approach to tackling industry challenges and promoting growth, the forum set the stage for future developments in outdoor recreation across the United States.
Featured image via recreationroundtable.org