Keynote Speaker Lineup set for the 2023 America Outdoors Conference

September 13, 2023

Presentations to focus on themes of belonging, industry trends, and team resilience

September 13, 2023 – Knoxville, TN /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – America Outdoors, the national membership-led association committed to helping America’s outfitting businesses, announces its lineup of keynote speakers for the upcoming 2023 America Outdoors Conference. Taking place in Phoenix, Arizona on December 5-8, conference attendees will be able to take advantage of education sessions, roundtable discussions, networking events, and a trade show, all focused on helping outfitters thrive.

“It is our pleasure to provide a talented and insightful mix of speakers who will leave conference attendees inspired and prepared to meet the needs of the ever-changing outfitter industry,” says Aaron Bannon, Executive Director at America Outdoors. “There is something for everyone in this year’s lineup.”

December 6, 9:30 AM-10:45 AM

Join travel expert and diversity advocate Mikah Meyer for a humorous multimedia session on how to effectively tap into new markets. Spurred by the death of his father, Mikah spent 2016-2019 visiting all 400+ National Park Service sites. Along the way, Mikah discovered the many ways our outdoor spaces are less welcoming to certain demographics. Currently, Mikah is committed to helping the outdoor industry tap into the diversity of America’s population.

December 7, 9:30 AM-10:45 AM

Hear from America Outdoors Executive Director Aaron Bannon and Board of Directors President Dave McGlashan as they cover important industry trends for outfitters and the outdoor industry as a whole, along with association updates. Lastly, they will present the George and Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award and the new Innovator Award.

December 8, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Stacy Bare, Executive Director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, will speak to the power of building out teams that care about each other’s success, which translates to greater success not just within the team, but for all customers and stakeholders. Attendees will come away with actionable steps to build welcoming teams where folks feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Stacy is a proud veteran and father, as well as an accomplished skier and climber. Additionally, Stacy has received many accolades for his work in the outdoor industry including being named the 2017 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and the 2014 and 2017 recipient of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Excellence Award.

For more information on registration along with a full conference agenda, please visit this link or contact Marketing and Events Manager Hilary Wickes at hwickes@americaoutdoors.org. For press inquiries please reach Kade Gewanter at kadegewanter@darbycommunications.com.

About America Outdoors

America Outdoors is a community of outdoor adventure businesses and organizations who have joined together to promote and support the outdoor recreation industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration. AO has been working on behalf of the outdoor industry for over 30 years. For more information, please visit our website www.americaoutdoors.org.