BIRMINGHAM – Alabama’s outdoor recreation industry is an economic engine, supporting more than 65,000 jobs and generating some $3 billion in wages and salaries.
To support those numbers, Innovate Alabama is launching an Outdoor Recreation Summit this month to showcase Alabama’s leadership in outdoor recreation.
Set for April 21-22 at Lake Guntersville State Park, the conference will underscore how outdoor recreation is a driving force in talent attraction and retention, economic development and entrepreneurial innovation in Alabama, organizers said. The deadline to register is next Monday.
With 46.2% of Alabama residents participating in outdoor recreation, the state has a thriving outdoor culture that fuels economic impact and quality of life.
“The Outdoor Recreation Summit is an opportunity to solidify Alabama’s position as a leader in this rapidly growing industry,” said T.C. McLemore, executive director of outdoor recreation programs at Innovate Alabama. “By bringing together community leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, we’re not just talking about outdoor recreation — we’re actively shaping its future in Alabama.”
Aligned with Earth Day, the summit will highlight Alabama’s commitment to investing in outdoor infrastructure, fostering business growth, and elevating the state’s outdoor lifestyle to strengthen its workforce pipeline.
The event also supports one of Innovate Alabama’s key pillars – lifestyle & recreation – reinforcing the organization’s work to help innovators put down roots in Alabama by leveraging the state’s abundant natural assets.
Sponsored by Alabama Power, the summit will feature two tracks designed to engage a wide range of participants, from local governments and nonprofits to budding entrepreneurs:
- Practitioners & Communities: A conference-style track for municipalities, state agencies and nonprofits focused on expanding outdoor recreation. Sessions will cover trail development, water access and grant funding strategies to enhance recreation opportunities across the state.
- Entrepreneurs Bootcamp: A hands-on, intensive bootcamp led by Founded Outdoors, designed for individuals interested in launching or scaling outdoor recreation businesses.
“The Alabama Power Foundation is pleased to sponsor Innovate Alabama’s Outdoor Recreation Summit,” said Staci Brown Brooks, president of the Alabama Power Foundation and vice president of Charitable Giving for Alabama Power. “We believe the summit supports our shared goals by providing transformative opportunities for the people of our state.
“We are honored to assist Innovate Alabama as they bring together amazing partners and drive economic opportunity.”
At the summit, state agencies, local officials and private sector leaders will explore pathways for investment in outdoor recreation. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be among the organizations offering insights into workforce development and outdoor affinity-building programs.
In addition to these programming tracks, attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with SEEK AL, Innovate Alabama’s outdoor recreation marketing campaign designed to position Alabama as a top destination for outdoor adventure and innovation.
Activations will include the SEEK van, VR headsets and an outdoor recreation asset map.
In addition to interactive programming, the Summit will feature networking opportunities, keynote addresses and a resource expo where organizations can showcase internship and job opportunities — helping keep talent in Alabama for the summer and beyond.
Details:
- Date: April 21–22
- Location: Guntersville
- Registration Deadline: April 14
For more information and to register for the Outdoor Recreation Summit, visit here.
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