Major Figures in the Outdoor Industry to Headline the 2025 Outside Summit

Some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry will convene in Denver for the 2025 Outside Summit, a multi-day networking and thought leadership event that begins in late May and rolls into the Outside Festival, a massive celebration of outdoor culture and community.

Featured speakers at the Summit include a diverse range of celebrated pioneers and rising stars. Among them are Co-Founder of Netflix and CEO of Powder Mountain Reed Hastings, Global Brand President of The North Face Caroline Brown, National Geographic Explorer and TV Host Albert Lin, Founder of Hipcamp Alyssa Ravasio, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land Carrie Besnette Hauser, President of the Outdoor Industry Association Kent Ebersole, Multidisciplinary Designer Nicole McLaughlin, Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper, and Founder of Urban Native Era Joey Montoya. The full lineup, which will continue to expand in the coming weeks, can be explored at theoutsidesummit.com.

The Summit brings together key stakeholders, career veterans, and emerging talents to set a vision for the future of the industry. Programming begins on Thursday, May 29, with a job fair hosted in partnership with Basecamp, along with networking opportunities, then continues on Friday with a full day of talks, panels, and workshops, followed by evening festivities.

Over the weekend, Summit badge holders will have ticket holder access to the Outside Festival presented by Capital One and REI Co-op, which takes place in Denver’s Civic Center Park and features musical performances by Khruangbin and Lord Huron among other major national acts, an adventure film series co-curated by Mountainfilm, conversations with iconic athletes, and an eclectic mix of outdoor experiences. Summit badge holders will also be invited to join exclusive Saturday and Sunday activities and gatherings, and gain entry to an Outside Summit lounge on the Festival grounds.

Last year’s Outside Summit saw 35 speakers, 27 panel discussions, and a sold-out gathering of more than 500 attendees. In 2025, the program will expand to a dedicated campus adjacent to Civic Center Park, with sessions taking place at the Denver Art Museum and newly renovated spaces within the Denver Public Library. The program will focus on entrepreneurship, storytelling, access, and sustainability, and will include a pitch competition for industry startups.

“The Summit is an embodiment of our mission at Outside and serves the larger vision behind the Outside Festival,” said Robin Thurston, founder & CEO of Outside Interactive Inc., who will also be speaking at the Summit. “Last year’s inaugural Summit brought together changemakers from across the outdoor industry to spark important conversations about the future of our businesses. Our 2025 speaker lineup will continue building on last year’s success with an inspiring group of individuals who will empower more people to enjoy, discover, and protect the outdoors. I’m eager to hear their valuable insights.”

The complete schedule will be released early in the spring. Industry professionals interested in attending are encouraged to secure their spot today. A limited number of discounted badges are available for students, those who work in education and government, nonprofits, and smaller brands or startups. Outside+ members receive a special discount on Summit badges, and group discounts are also available.