US outdoor leaders convene after decade hiatus
Leaders from the US outdoor industry gathered at VF Corporation’s headquarters in Denver for Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Rendezvous 2026, marking the return of executive convening after more than a decade.
This year’s theme, Building Resilience in Uncertain Times, framed conversations about navigating economic uncertainty, technological change and evolving expectations around sustainability, conservation and consumer engagement.
Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association, said: “Rendezvous is about bringing leaders together for open, honest conversations about the challenges shaping the outdoor industry.
“It’s also the start of rebuilding a stronger culture of collaboration across our industry. By listening to the leaders in the room, OIA can better understand the priorities that matter most and help turn those insights into meaningful action.”
“I think we’re all responsible for being stewards of the soul of the industry,” added Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia. “That means protecting the joy and the specialness of being outdoors, not just thinking about it as a commercial endeavour.”
