Overview
- Organizers confirmed the Minneapolis Convention Center for Aug. 19–21, 2026, shifting from the crowded June calendar to better fit retailer schedules.
- Sunny Stroeer and Paul Gagner will co-lead the Leadership Village with initial members Sasha DiGiulian, Peter Sachs, Mike Massey, and Dana Caraway, with more to be named by Oct. 30.
- The new format adds Ascent for emerging brands, Camp Forward for startup pitches and keynotes, Campfire for storytelling, Outdoor Lab for design concepts, and an Industry Day covering AI, e‑commerce, sustainability, and supply chains.
- Key initiatives include a Grassroots Outdoor Alliance scholarship to lower costs for specialty retailers, complimentary space for Minnesota mission‑driven nonprofits, and the revival of the Outdoor Industry Innovation Awards.
- Organizers say they are actively reconnecting with larger brands and nonprofit partners that had stepped back, with additional leadership appointments and detailed exhibitor and programming information to follow.