Outdoor Recreation Office Blazes Economic Trail with First-ever Summit

Pete CodellaNews

Outdoor enthusiasts and savvy business professionals alike will gather at the Salt Palace on Thurs., May 8, 2014, to participate in the inaugural Governor’s Outdoor Recreation Summit.

“There’s no better way to celebrate the unique environmental assets Utah brings to the table than to invite the state’s outdoor industry community to gather together to learn from one another and experts in the field,” said Gov. Gary R. Herbert. “With a balanced plan we can maintain the pristine beauty of our environment, while  maximizing the benefit of the renewable assets of our outdoor recreation venues.”

The Outdoor Recreation Office, established by Gov. Herbert, is the first of its kind in the nation. The inspiration to create the office stemmed from a desire to continue to promote Utah’s unparalleled natural assets. The Outdoor Recreation Summit is one of the many ways the office is working to grow the recreation economy in the state. The focus of the Outdoor Recreation Summit is to explore and share new ways to responsibly grow business while promoting and enhancing Utah’s flourishing recreation economy.

During the summit, individual presenters and panels of knowledgeable state and national experts will focus on three key areas of growth for the recreation economy: outdoor recreation in Utah’s communities, growing Utah’s thriving outdoor industry and helping Utah to become “An Active Life State.” Major speakers include Gov. Herbert, Frank Hugelmeyer, president & CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Graeme Newell, a customer loyalty expert for 602 Communications who will speak about how to emotionally market a product, service or location in a way that will increase customer loyalty.

“Utah’s diverse landscape and outdoor recreation venues provide the perfect laboratory for Utah’s outdoor companies to test their products,” said Brad Petersen, director of the Outdoor Recreation Office. “The Outdoor Recreation Summit will help producers and users of outdoor products begin to connect with one another and learn how to maximize the geography and business environment Utah offers.”

The summit will open with an early morning breakfast during registration, which begins at 7 a.m. The cost to attend is $65 and this price includes lunch. There will be numerous breakout sessions to attend with topics that include the following:

  • Creating a Culture of Activity
  • Strategies for Success
  • The Power of Emotional Marketing to Connect with your Clients
  • Leave Nothing to Chance & Create a Culture of Excellence
  • Driving Economic Development Through Events

Those interested in attending the summit can click on the link to register. A pre-summit event will take place at the Easton Salt Lake City Archery Center on the evening of May 7 and is free to all attendees. This event does, however, require a separate registration.