We are preparing to submit our application for a City of Bellingham Signature Event tourism grant. The areas of focus for Bellingham’s tourism economy include:
- Recreation – Biking, Boating, Skiing
- Outdoors – Bellingham Bay, Lake Whatcom, Mount Baker
- Food – Locally grown and produced
- Arts and Culture – Performing, Visual, Heritage
This is our proposal. Let us know if you want in early. We’ll let you know if we get it.
2016 OUTDOOR RECREATION SUMMIT: Meet ~ Learn ~ Play
Thursday, March 3rd – Saturday, March 5th
Bellingham, WA.
The Initiative
Momentum is building in Washington for outdoor recreation and tourism as driving forces for the state’s economy. Last September the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force reported in its’ Final Recommendations to Governor Inslee that “We stand poised at a critical moment in time. We can, and must act now to ensure the stewardship of our parks and public lands, to inspire our children to live a life grounded in recreation in the great outdoors, and to nurture a vital and growing business sector.” The Task Force also recognized that “recreating outside leads to people placing value on natural places and believing it is important to keep them available for today’s and future generations.”
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office recently released the much anticipated and needed study Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State. The report is the first comprehensive analysis of the recreation economy in Washington. The annual statewide impact is enormous- resulting in $21.6 billion dollars spent annually on recreation trips and equipment. Recreation Northwest will be releasing a “deeper-dive” local study Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Whatcom County in April. We are excited to share this both locally and regionally.
As members of The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Washington Tourism Alliance, we are aligning ourselves to support the economic initiative to help these significant industries grow and thrive. In our research, there is no regional event to convene these passionate parties. Our organization, Recreation Northwest, plans to provide a forum for supporting the initiative of robust recreation and tourism economies in our state and region.
2016 OUTDOOR RECREATION SUMMIT will offer an annual three-day event to inspire, educate and connect the various audiences to keep the initiative moving forward. More than ever we are looking for collaboration and solutions.
Who Will Attend?
The OUTDOOR RECREATION SUMMIT will bring recreation retailers, media and manufacturers, tourism representatives, land managers, race directors, economic developers, stewardship and trail building organizations and others working together to inspire a thriving outdoor recreation economy in Washington State. Mark your calendar.
Positive Outcomes
The Summit will bring citizens, communities and businesses together to explore and share ways to grow and promote our flourishing recreation economy. Valuable networking connections and time to get out enjoy the plentiful outdoor recreation amenities highlighting Bellingham as one of the Northwest’s premier recreation destinations to visit, live, work and play. It’s important to play nice with others!
Join Us
We will bring an incredible selection of world-class thought leaders and outdoor industry professionals from across a variety of fields. Hope you can join the fun.
2016 OUTDOOR RECREATION SUMMIT: Meet ~ Learn ~ Play
Thursday, March 3rd – Saturday, March 5th
Bellingham, WA.
DRAFT Agenda & Dates
Thursday, March 3rd – Recreation Northwest EXPO
Local and Regional Recreation Businesses and Organizations as exhibitors (50) and EXPO attendees (800). Free for the Public.
The EXPO allows people to meet recreation industry professionals face to face. Outfitters, Tours, Health & Wellness, Stewardship & Outdoor Activity Organizations, Races, Media and Sponsors.
Featured Speakers are open to both the public and Summit attendees.
Friday, March 4th – Outdoor Recreation Conference
Summit Attendees (150) participating as representatives of the outdoor recreation economy in manufacturing, retail, land managers, tourism, and related industry ecosystem services from around the state and region.
The interactive conference will be a day full of local food and drink, keynote speakers, peer networking and energized breakout sessions in downtown Bellingham, WA. Abundant hotel and local transportation options for conference attendees. The evening will provide networking and dinner around downtown Bellingham. Attendees and the public will have time to explore and enjoy an outdoor recreation themed Art Walk in the on display in local businesses.
Summit Theme: SHARE WAYS TO GROW WASHINGTON’S OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY.
Topic tracks may include:
What does the Future of the Outdoor Industry Hold?
-Creating a Culture of Outdoor Activity
-Encouraging Visitors to Play & Stay
-Race Director College
-In the Balance: Conservation & Recreation
-Strategic Marketing for the New Outdoor Consumer
-Inspiring Kids to be Active
-Starting a Recreation Business – Lessons Learned
-Climate Change & the Impact on Recreation
-Development of the Local Recreation Economy in Rural Areas
-Playing Nice With Others – Case Studies of Cross-Promotion
Saturday, March 5th – Local Events & Excursions
Summit Attendees and their families
Guided Activities: mountain bike rides, trail runs, hikes, road bike rides, paddles and urban walks will be held throughout the day for various fitness and skill levels.
Stewardship Work Parties: WMBC trails on Galbraith, NSEA restoration on Whatcom Creek or others.
Tours of local businesses: McNett, SMC, Nuu-Muu, Transition Bikes, NuCanoe, Trail Insight and more.
Basecamp Bellingham: Attendees may also chose to participate in local races and events.
Excursions will wrap-up with more networking and pints at local breweries on the Bellingham Tap Trail.
Editorial Note: Thank you Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit for leading the way.
Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
