AGENDA
(subject to change)
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Subject to change.
Pre-Summit Demo Day, Site Visits, and Outdoor Adventures:
Get outdoors! Unique (and free!) experiences designed exclusively for MOES attendees. Registrants will have the option to select from the following activities. Sponsored by: Malone Auto Racks
1:00p - 4:00p
4:30p - 5:30p
5:30p - 7:30p
Outdoor Activities
Sled Dog and Guide Shop Tour at Mahoosuc Guide Service, led by Polly Mahoney, Kevin Slater and their dogs Erin and Bjorn, Mahoosuc Guide Service
Roll and Stroll at Valentine Farm with Maine Adaptive, led by Enock Glidden, Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation
ATVs with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, led by Gary Proulx, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Fly-Tying, led by Selene Frohmberg, Selene’s Fly Shop
Pointing Bird Dogs, led by Michael Tuminaro, Maine Professional Guides Association
Co-Ed Mountain Bike Tour of Bethel Community Forest, led by Lindsay Currier, Bikepack Maine and Stu Johnson, Maine Trail Builders
10-year Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap Review
This session will provide an in-depth look at the 10-year Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, highlighting the latest State of the Industry research and outlining key goals and strategies to advance Maine's outdoor economy. Attendees will learn about plans to drive growth in outdoor businesses, increase outdoor participation, and position Maine as a leading state for outdoor industry careers and education. The session will also cover next steps in the roadmap’s implementation and offer opportunities for stakeholders to engage in and contribute to the future of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.
Opening Kick-Off Reception at Camp Restaurant
Kick off this year's Summit with a tasty spread at Camp, Sunday River's cozy-yet-modern dining experience, reminiscent of an age-old Maine tradition: escaping daily life with a trip ‘upta Camp.’ Complimentary brews provided by Allagash Brewing and Eighteen Twenty Brewing Co. The opening kick-off reception is sponsored by: Miles Partnership.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Subject to change.
6:15a - 7:30a
7:00a - 8:30a
8:00a - 1:00p
8:30a - 9:00a
9:00a - 9:30a
9:30a - 10:30a
10:30a- 10:45a
11:00a - Noon
Noon - 1:00p
1:15p - 2:15p
2:15p - 2:45p
2:45p - 3:45p
4:00p - 5:00p
5:30p - 7:00p
7:00p - 9:00p
9:00p - 11:00p
Morning Wellness:
Start your day off with one of our fun (and free!) morning wellness adventures. Sponsored by Maine Technology Institute.
Yoga with Ashley Flowers Yoga, led by Ashley Flowers, Ashley Flowers Yoga
Trail Run, led by Patrick Caron, Move Free
E-Bike Ride with Bicycle Coalition of Maine, led by Travis Clough, Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Women’s Fundamentals of Mountain Biking Skills Clinic, led by Lindsay Currier, Bikepack Maine
Breakfast
Maine GearShare, repair shop opens
Sponsored by ReVision Energy
Welcome, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands Reports
Keynote: Luis Benitez, Global Impact | Government Affairs | Philanthropy | Strategy & Transformation
Sponsored by Knickerbocker Group
Keynote: Kelly Davis, Outdoor Industry Association
The State of the Outdoor Market and Participation Trends
Sponsored by The THOR Institute
Coffee Break, sponsored by Central Maine Power
Breakout Session 1: (sponsored by Allagash Brewing)
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What is a Brand and How Do You Create One? Principles for Meaningful and Enduring Brand Building in the Outdoor Space presented by: Meranne Behrends, Co-Founder and CEO at Words from the Woods and featuring perspectives from the brand directors of companies like Stio, Wolverine, Yeti, TNC, Saddleback and others
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Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Initiative, presented by: Sarah Woog and Courtney Wynn, Four Directions Development Corporation
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Public-Private Partnerships to Successfully Create a Vibrant Trail System, moderated by Thomas Poirier, Director of Community Development, Town of Gorham. Panelists: Rob Lavoie, Town Councilor and GPNEMBA Member, Bill Moreno, Gorham Conservation Commission, Chair, Sam Morton, GPNEMBA Member, and Cindy Hazelton, Director of Parks and Recreation, Town of Gorham
Lunch, sponsored by Maine Connectivity Authority
Breakout Session 2: (sponsored by Eighteen Twenty Brewing Co.)
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Going Global: Expanding Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy through International Trade and Tourism, presented by: Abby Gray, Maine International Trade Center, Devin McNeill, Flowfold, Carolann Ouellette, Maine Office of Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Film, Gilles Simard, Tourisme Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
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#WEOUTSIDE - Lessons in Partnership with the Maine Association of New Americans and Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust, presented by: Moon Machar, Community Wellness Program Manager, Maine Association of New Americans and Simon Rucker, Executive Director, Maine Appalachian Land Trust
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Sustaining the Volunteer Ecosystem: Landowner Relations and Access, moderated by: Kris MacCabe, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Panelists include Brian Marcaurelle, Maine Island Trail Association, Chris Riley, Central Maine Chapter of NEMBA, and a new speaker and company
Dessert Break, sponsored by Johnson Outdoors
Breakout Session 3: (sponsored by Acadia Benefits)
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Transforming Rural Narratives: Embracing Outdoor Recreation for Economic Revitalization in Maine, moderated by: Mary Haley, Founder, MxH Marketing. Panelists include: George O’Keefe, Town Manager and Economic Development Director, Rumford and Tracey Perry, Initiatives Director, Katahdin Collaborative
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From Sci-Fi to Maine-Street: How to Harness the Power of AI for Business, presented by Justin Gibbs, Miles Partnership
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The PFAS Landscape: Phasing Out 'Forever Chemicals' in Outdoor Products, moderated by Jenny Kordick, Executive Director, Maine Outdoor Brands. Panelists include: Brian Lenberg, Sustainability Coordinator, Sunday River Resort and Phil Shettig, Sterling Rope
Small Business Speed Networking: Pitch, Connect, Collaborate
Coordinated by Marshall Merriam, Founder, Uphill Advisory and Paul Botticello, Founder, Botticello Consulting
This fast-paced session is designed for outdoor entrepreneurs and small business owners to make meaningful connections and build valuable partnerships. Participants will have the opportunity to give a short pitch introducing their business, highlighting what they do, and sharing what they need—whether it’s funding, resources, partnerships, or advice. Attendees will include resource providers, funders, state government representatives, and industry experts, offering access to support and solutions. The goal for this session is to create a collaborative space for businesses to explore opportunities, exchange ideas, and foster relationships that can help drive growth within Maine’s outdoor economy.
The Rugged Runway: Maine Outdoor Brand Fashion Show and Industry Celebration, sponsored by L.L.Bean
and Maine Outdoor Brands Trailblazer Awards
Celebrate Maine’s outdoor industry at The Rugged Runway, a unique fashion show spotlighting Maine-designed and made outdoor gear and apparel. This event will showcase the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Maine's outdoor brands, while highlighting the latest in functional, sustainable outdoor fashion from Maine brands. The evening will also honor trailblazers in the industry with the Maine Outdoor Brands Trailblazer Awards, recognizing outstanding leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Enjoy beverages and apps during this innovative showcase!
Emceed by Paul Drinan and featuring a performance by Firefly
Dinner on your own
Sunday River has a variety of dining options onsite.
Afterhours on the Mountainside Firepit Hangout
Join fellow Summit attendees around the firepit, mountainside, for smores, beverages and convos.
A multi-talented artist and dramatic performer known as Firefly, Jason Brown is a member of the Penobscot Indian Nation, one of five traditionally-allied Wabanaki tribal nations in the Atlantic Northeast. He grew up on Panawamskek (Indian Island), a village in the Penobscot River, which runs through his ancestral homeland in central Maine. Jason is an innovative artist who creatively draws on his Wabanaki cultural heritage.
Friday, November 15, 2024
Subject to change.
8:00a - 9:00a
8:00a - 9:00a
9:00a - 9:15a
9:15a - 10:30a
10:30a - 10:45a
10:45a - Noon
Noon
12:30p - 2:30p
Becoming an Outdoor Entrepreneur - Student Prototype Presentations and Q&A
Sponsored by Franklin Savings Bank
Students from the University of New England’s Outdoor Business and Innovation program will share their innovative ideas for the outdoor recreation industry. These future leaders have worked this semester to apply business and economics principles to develop creative solutions addressing real-world challenges in outdoor recreation.
After the students present their prototypes, there will be a Q&A session where industry professionals can offer feedback and insights. This is a great opportunity to see the next generation of outdoor entrepreneurs in action and to explore fresh perspectives on growing the outdoor economy.
Breakfast
Welcome Back
General Session: Future-Proofing the Outdoor Industry: Higher Education and Workforce Development
Sponsored by Grandy Organics
Moderated by: Joel Hartter, University of Colorado Boulder and Parallel Labs
Panelists include Maureen Lafferty, L.L.Bean, Danny Twilley, West Virginia University, and Jessica Haight, Sunday River
Coffee Break
General Session: Future-Proofing the Outdoor Industry: Net Zero Commitments and Climate Solutions
Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy
Moderated by Sarah Curran, Deputy Director, Climate Planning and Community Partnerships with the Govenor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
Panelists include Jennifer Natyzak, Appalachian Mountain Club Director of Sustainability, Dana Bullen, President of Sunday River, and Aaron Anker, Chief Granola Officer, Grandy Organics
Adjourn
Higher Education and Industry Forum, Invite Only