Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), a coalition representing outdoor recreation associations nationwide, hosted its first Outdoor Recreation Technology & Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C.
The event took place at Booz Allen Hamilton’s Helix Center for Innovation and drew business executives, policymakers, and technology leaders.
The summit explored how technology and public-private collaboration can improve land and water management, broaden recreation access, and sustain growth across the nation’s $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy while protecting public resources.
“The Outdoor Recreation Technology and Innovation Summit is a testament to the momentum and collaboration shaping the future of our industry,” said Jessica Turner, president of ORR.
“With the bipartisan EXPLORE Act setting the stage, we brought together visionary leaders from the highest levels of government, business, and technology to spotlight solutions that will expand access for all Americans, strengthen stewardship, and build a more connected and sustainable future for the Great Outdoors,” Turner added.
The day began with remarks from ORR President Jessica Turner, Booz Allen Hamilton COO Kristine Martin Anderson, and Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler.
Frank Hugelmeyer, ORR board chair and chief executive officer of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, introduced Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
Burgum discussed upcoming steps for implementing the EXPLORE Act and integrating new technologies into federal recreation management systems.
A fireside chat featuring Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) followed. Moderated by Turner, the discussion focused on bipartisan priorities for advancing outdoor recreation and leveraging innovation.
Another panel examined the EXPLORE Act’s potential to advance the recreation economy through technology. Participants included representatives from the National Park Foundation, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Tyler Technologies, and GOES Health, who discussed modernizing agency systems and public engagement strategies.