Traverse City, MI | Sept 30-Oct 1, 2025

COME CURIOUS, LEAVE INSPIRED.

The Summit

Michigan Outdoor Summit is a gathering for all sectors of the outdoor economy in Michigan to connect, learn, grow, and build together with a vision for the future, health, and vitality of Michigan’s outdoors.

When

Sept 30-Oct 1, 2025

Where

Hickory Hills Ski Area
2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684

think of us like a
base camp for the
outdoors — we’ve
got a big tent,
so everyone should
fit just fine.

Where to Stay

Lodging info coming soon.

Hotel Indigo Traverse City

263 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684

Reservation Info

We’ve teamed up with Hotel Indigo to bring you a great deal! A block of standard rooms is available at a discounted rate of $189 per night for Tuesday-Thursday. Make reservations by September 13th.

Cambria hotels Traverse City

255 Munson Avenue Traverse City, MI 49686

Reservation Info

We’ve also secured a discounted rate with Cambria Hotels in Traverse City for Tuesday-Thursday. Make reservations by October 7th.

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE THROUGH THE PROVIDED LINK TO APPLY THE DISCOUNTED RATE.

Agenda Overview + Focus Areas

Through programming, networking, and outdoor activities, the Summit focuses on how we strengthen our communities and the outdoor economy and improve health and quality of life for all Michiganders.

Summit programming is anchored by focus areas in Conservation + Stewardship, Education + Workforce Training, Economic Development, Public Health + Wellness, and Diversity + Inclusion.

OCTOBER 9TH

Pre-Summit

1PM-4PM | TECHNICAL SESSIONS

Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District for a Guided Kayak River Float of the restored Boardman-Ottaway River and witness what dedication and strong community partnerships can do to heal the earth. Witness first-hand the result of 10 years of restoration efforts, which include the planting of 30,000 native trees and shrubs by local volunteers and a young diverse forest growing where a barren “bottomland” once stood following dam removal. Now, Brown Bridge Quiet Area is a beautiful 1,300-acre parkland featuring over 6 miles of trails framing a restored Boardman-Ottaway River, which is a state-designated Natural River and Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Hikers, anglers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all types treasure the newly restored river as one of the most outstanding natural features of the Grand Traverse Region.

When: Oct 9th, 1p-4:30p

Kayaks & canoes will be provided

Discuss, during this 3-hour course, the most common traumatic emergencies people experience while recreating outdoors. That would include; major bleeding, soft tissue injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries. About half the time is spent practicing skills and running scenarios. This is an essential course for anyone who is interested in being medically prepared while outdoors.

This session has limited space (maximum of 24) and requires a minimum of 8 participants. This is not a certification program.

Wednesday, October 9th – 1:00p-4:30p at MI Moves Fitness

6PM-8PM | KICKOFF WITH BOARDMAN REVIEW + LAND OF OUTSIDERS @ LOCO BOYS

OCTOBER 10TH

MI outdoor summit

9:00AM-10AM | SOCIAL MEET-UP
▲ Go for a hike with fellow attendees at Hickory Meadows before the Summit hosted by Valor Skincare. This is an unstaffed, self-guided hike/meet-up.

10AM-11AM | REGISTRATION + PICNIC BRUNCH + NETWORKING

11AM-12PM | SHAKEOUT SESSIONS
▲ Welcome from Land of Outsiders
▲ State of the Outdoors with Kenji Haroutunian

12:30PM-4:00PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS

4:20PM-5PM | TAKEOUT SESSION + NA HAPPY HOUR
▲ Power of Nature with Jeannette Stawski (AORE) + Dan Wanschura (Points North)

5:00PM-6:00PM | PEOPLE, PLANET, PROFIT
▲ Want to learn more about the solidarity economy? Join Grove Community Incubator around the fire for an afterglow discussion.

Dig into the sessions

2025 agenda coming soon.

Shakeout Session
Breakout Sessions One
Breakout Sessions Two
Breakout Sessions Three
Takeout Session

Time: 11:00am-11:20Am

Welcome to the michigan outdoor summit

Opening remarks from Land of Outsiders.

Room: LDOGE

Presenter

Jonathan Jarosz – Executive Director, Heart of the Lakes

Sponsor

Experience Jackson + Southern Michigan Outdoors

Time: 11:20am-12pm

State of the Outdoors

Explore the State of the Outdoors with Kenji Haroutunian, a leading voice in the outdoors. As the landscape of outdoor recreation evolves, lets focus on the strategies needed to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in a sustainable and inclusive way. Drawing from his extensive experience in producing major industry events and leading initiatives like the California Outdoor Recreation Partners, Kenji will provide practical insights for building resilient networks, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful growth across the outdoor sector.

Room: LODGE

Presenter

Kenji Haroutunian – Business Event Strategist and Organizer, Kenji Consults

Sponsor

Experience Jackson + Southern Michigan Outdoors

Time: 12:30Pm-1:30pm

Preparing Future Leaders in the Outdoor Industry

Explore curriculum design, development of key skills and abilities (KSAs), and the practical applications of the outdoor recreation-focused academic programs at Northern Michigan University through collaborative projects and research. Attendees will engage in small group discussions to identify the outdoor industry’s needs for professional development and workforce training, and to brainstorm ideas for enhancing the synergy between academic programs and industry demands.

Room: Winding Trail

PresenterS

Dr. Jacquie Medina – Professor, Northern Michigan University
Dr. Scott Jordan – Associate Professor, Northern Michigan University
Andrea Daar – Consultant + Interpretive Designer, A. Denham Consulting

Sponsor

Northern Michigan University + Land Trust Alliance

Time: 12:30PM-1:30PM

Boardsports and the Generational Importance

Michigan has a rich history in the foundations of snowboarding. Chill Foundation strives to inspire young people through boardsports and work to build a more equitable outdoor community. They believe our young people are the future of the outdoor industry, and that boardsports can not only make a positive impact on them physically, but also developmentally. Learn the science behind how riding a board, can help with developmental and ancestral trauma.

Room: Northern Lights

Presenters

Amanda Westra – Senior Program Manager, Chill Foundation

Sponsor

AllTrails

Time: 12:30Pm-1:30pm

Building a New outdoor economy

Seeking to improve the area’s economic health the Region 2 Planning Commission, through its Southern Michigan Outdoors initiative, is utilizing outdoor recreation to drive regional economic development by leveraging the area’s outdoor assets. Among the initiative’s goals: growing the local workforce by retaining and attracting more talent; promoting new and existing outdoor recreational opportunities; planning new events aimed at attracting visitors; and leveraging the region’s manufacturing heritage to become a leader in rec tech.

Room: Park Bench

PresenterS

Ryan Tarrant – President + CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson
Jacob Hurt – Executive Director, Region 2 Planning Commission

Sponsor

Experience Jackson + Southern Michigan Outdoors

Time: 12:30Pm-1:30pm

Critical Issues in Michigan’s Outdoor Infrastructure – Part One

As the economic, environmental, and societal benefits of outdoor spaces become increasingly apparent, the need for robust outdoor infrastructure in Michigan has never been more critical. This session will explore the key challenges and opportunities in maintaining and expanding outdoor infrastructure across the state. We’ll discuss the importance of equitable access to outdoor spaces, and examine how investments in infrastructure can enhance the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of all Michiganders. Join us to understand the pressing issues and to learn how you can contribute to ensuring that Michigan’s outdoor spaces remain accessible and welcoming to everyone.

Room: Lodge

PresenterS

Kate Lewis – Director of Communications, TART Trails
Josh McCreedy – Executive Director, TrailSense
Rich Bowman – Director of Working Lands, The Nature Conservancy

Sponsor

AllTrails

Time: 1:45Pm-2:45pm

Trends in Outdoor Retail

Discuss the future of outdoor retail in Michigan, where innovation meets local culture. Dive into the latest trends shaping the state’s outdoor retail market, from emerging consumer preferences to sustainable product development. Discover how Michigan’s unique landscape influences design choices and logistics, and gain insights into the materials and innovations driving the industry forward. Whether you’re involved in product development, retail strategy, or simply passionate about outdoor activities, this session offers valuable takeaways to stay ahead in Michigan’s dynamic outdoor retail scene.

Room: Winding Trail

PresenterS

Bo Brines – Owner, Little Forks Outfitters
Tracy Mayer – Owner, Backcountry North
Cara Cross – Chief Marketing Officer, Gazelle Sports

Sponsor

Southern Michigan Outdoors + Experience Jackson

Time: 1:45Pm-2:45pm

The Outdoors Isn’t Real: Creating an Inclusive Space in the Outdoors

Nature has always existed. The outdoors, however, has not. The outdoors describes how humans interact with nature, and that determination was created. The creation of the outdoors culminated with the signing of the Wilderness Act in 1964. That creation was also intended to exclude BIPOC. Today, over a half century later, outdoor spaces are still not inclusive of people of color.

This session will interrogate the history of the outdoors, illustrate how the outdoors was structured to exclude people of color (to include where parks are located, outdoor rules and regulations, enforcement strategies, and representation), and presents the parallel of BIPOC engagement with the outdoors as a continuation of the march towards Civil Rights.

Room: Northern Lights

PresenterS

Brandan Freeman – Outdoor Recreation DEI Consultant + Founder, Shades of the Outdoors

Sponsor

Kaizen

Time: 1:45PM-2:45PM

Unicorns Really Do Exist

Learn about how Huron Pines, a small-ish conservation non-profit serving Northeast Michigan, is evolving their community engagement and technical assistance programming to bring needed capacity to our rural, traditionally underserved and under-resourced communities. These unique partnerships are successfully creating new outdoor recreation experiences for local residents and positioning City, Township and County officials to strengthen local quality of life, invest in their outdoor recreation economy and design projects in a way that protects local natural resources. Sound a little bit like a unicorn? Hear the stories of these communities and share yours.

Room: Park Bench

Presenters

Abby Ertel – Community Program Director, Huron Pines

Sponsor

Huron Pines + Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

Time: 1:45Pm-2:45pm

Critical Issues in Michigan’s Outdoor Infrastructure – Part Two

Room: Lodge

PresenterS

Group discussions

Sponsor

TrailSense + Leelanau Conservancy

Time: 3PM-4PM

Building a Better Tomorrow in the Industry of “Go”

Outdoor recreation saw a record 168.1 million participants in 2022, marking a modest 2% increase from the previous year but an impressive 17% growth since 2012. Despite this surge, the physical spaces for outdoor activities are not expanding—in fact, they are shrinking due to population growth and climate change.

All Ethos and True North Legal Group emphasize the importance of mindful growth in the outdoor recreation industry. Explore how to foster innovation and introduce more people to nature while ensuring that local communities protect and preserve their cherished outdoor spaces. By reflecting on the past and envisioning a sustainable future, participants will engage in a vital conversation about balancing growth with the preservation of natural landscapes.

Room: Winding Trail

Presenters

Elaine Tait – Founder, All Ethos
Josh Traeger – Founding Attorney, True North Legal Group

Sponsor

Kaizen

Time: 3PM-4PM

Mission, Tribe + Grace: Discovering Inclusive Leadership Through Outdoor Experiences

Discover how the lessons learned from outdoor adventures can be applied to build inclusive, supportive communities and lead with purpose. Gain practical strategies to harness the strength and resilience developed in nature to navigate life’s challenges and thrive both personally and professionally.

By focusing on community-first approaches and embracing diversity, this session will empower you to contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant outdoor industry in Michigan. Expect to leave with actionable insights on how to foster growth and empowerment in yourself and others.

Room: Northern Lights

Presenters

Jill Hinton Wolfe – Co-Founder, Outdoor Book Club
Sara Wesche – Co-Founder, Midwest Vertical

Sponsor

Parallel Solutions + Expedition Detroit

Time: 3Pm-4pm

Building the blue tech cluster

Introducing the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, set to become a global hub for freshwater innovation in the Grand Traverse region. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Center will focus on research, education, and commercialization, driving economic growth through new business incubation and startup acceleration in areas like sustainable mobility and freshwater monitoring.

Gain insights into the region’s blue economy, explore entrepreneurial opportunities, and discover how collaboration can further develop this vital sector. The session aims to inspire ideas for fostering high-value, year-round jobs while addressing critical freshwater and climate challenges.

Room: Park Bench

PresenterS

Camille Hoisington – Director of Ecosystem Development, Traverse Connect
Jason Slade – Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Northwestern Michigan College
Vernon LaLone – Managing Director, WaveLumina

Sponsor

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council + Olson & Howard

Time: 4:20PM-5PM

Inspiring Leadership in Uncertain Times

Join Points North Podcast for an engaging interview with Jeannette Stawski, a seasoned leader who knows the true meaning of resilience and grit. In this candid conversation, Jeannette will share her insights on how to lead with strength and inspire others to reach their full potential, even in the face of challenges. Learn from Jeannette’s experiences and gain practical advice for navigating the complexities of leadership when the path ahead isn’t always clear.

Room: LODGE

Presenters

Jeannette Stawski – Executive Director, Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education
Dan Wanschura – Host + Executive Producer, Points North

Sponsor

Kaizen and Points North Podcast

Time: 5:00PM-6:00PM

People, Planet, Profit

Want to learn more about the solidarity economy? Join Grove Community Incubator around the fire for an afterglow discussion.

Room: Firepit one

Presenters

Nick Beadleston – Executive Director, Grove Community Incubator

Sponsor

Grove Community Incubator

Meet Our Friends

We’re working to bring outdoor companies and organizations across the state together to solve the unique challenges Michigan faces and create a thriving outdoor economy for years to come.