Outdoor Retailer Announces Comprehensive Industry Day Programming
Outdoor Retailer Announces Comprehensive Industry Day Programming for June 17, 2025
Leaders from Cascale, Cotopaxi, Google, Orvis, Salomon, and Skullcandy, Among Others to Discuss Key Issues Facing the Industry
SALT LAKE CITY (APRIL 1, 2025) – Outdoor Retailer, North America’s leading business-to-business event for the $1.2 trillion outdoor industry, today unveiled its in-depth schedule for Industry Day at Outdoor Retailer. Leading brands including Cascale, Cotopaxi, Google, Orvis, Salomon, and Skullcandy will tackle key challenges facing the industry including: outside variables, e.g. rapidly changing policies from the Administration; the changing retail landscape; new technologies and brand transformations. This half-day conference is set for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:15 PM in Conference Room 250 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City.
Free for attendees and exhibitors, Industry Day at Outdoor Retailer brings together thought leaders across retail, technology, marketing, consumer behavior, and operations. Greg Thomsen, former managing director at adidas Outdoor USA, and Suzanne (Sunny) Stroeer, accomplished athlete, owner of Dreamland Safari Tours and founder of AWExpeditions, will serve as moderators.
“Industry Day at Outdoor Retailer is a venue for the most pressing conversations shaping the future of our industry,” said Sean Smith, Show Director of Outdoor Retailer. “This is where decision-makers come together for candid, forward-looking conversations on emerging issues, and the ongoing forces driving change. Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and equip attendees with the insights to navigate an increasingly complex outdoor marketplace.”
A key session will be: Under Pressure: Understanding the Continuing Forces Redefining Outdoor Business. This will look at today’s external factors quickly altering the future of the outdoor industry and, specifically, explore how brands are responding to tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and sustainability demands, along with evolving consumer values, including boycotts of American products.
Moderator: Suzanne (Sunny) Stroeer
Guests:
- Cascale, Joleen Ong – Senior Director of Brand and Retailer Membership
- Salomon, Jenni Staudacher – Vice President Of supply chain
- Orvis, Laura Schaffer – Vice President of Integrated Marketing, Brand Amplification & Impact
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Other sessions include:
Session 1: “Beyond the Sale: Crafting Unforgettable Retail Experiences That Stand Out in Today’s Chaos”
Moderator: Greg Thomsen
Guests:
- Locally, Mike Massey – founder and CEO
- Christy Sports, Peter Labore, CEO
- Water Stone Outdoors, Holly Fussell – owner
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Discover how retailers are completely redefining the shopping experience to engage customers beyond transactions as they navigate today’s chaotic buying environment. From in-store events to digital integrations, learn actionable strategies to create memorable, immersive experiences that foster lasting connections. Join industry leaders for insights on how experiential retailing is transforming the future of outdoor commerce.
Session 2: “The Future of Exploration: Tech Transformations in the Outdoors”
Moderator: Greg Thomsen
Guests:
- ENDVR.io, Steve Gendron – Co-founder & CEO
- Google, Joe Bush – Global Head of Vendor Operations, Marketing & Business Development
- TrackFly, Stephen Baird – Founder & CEO
2:30 – 3:15 PM
From AI-powered insights to next-gen retail platforms, technology is accelerating change across the outdoor landscape. Join industry leaders as they explore how innovation is elevating customer experiences, streamlining operations, and driving growth. Hear how brands are staying ahead by embracing the latest technology.
Session 3: “The Power of Brand Influence: Navigating the Creator Economy and Consumer Shifts”
Moderator: Sunny StroeerGuests:
- Cotopaxi, Lindsay Shumlas – CEO
- Off Madison Ave, Roger Hurni – Co-founder and Chief Brand Strategist
- Skullcandy, Inc, Evin Catlett – Global VP
3:30 – 4:15 PM
Creators are reshaping how brands connect with consumers. Learn how the rise of the creator economy is influencing brand storytelling, product discovery, and consumer loyalty. Industry leaders will discuss the latest trends in digital engagement, authentic partnerships, and how evolving consumer preferences are driving change in the outdoor market.
Registration is now open for Industry Day at Outdoor Retailer. For more information, visit outdoorretailer.com and follow Outdoor Retailer on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.
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About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.
About Emerald
Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com