Issue No. 59: Outside Festival Takes Center Stage 🎶🏔
Hey, Outsiders! Ahhhh, mid-October, the time of missing summer, enjoying the pumpkin spice everything and waiting for winter. The leaves are falling, but that’s not all, at some ski mountains so is the white stuff.
In today’s issue:
Enter stage left…the newest outdoor event - Outside Festival
REI Layoffs, Lulu joins the S&P 500
El Niño is coming for us, one of the U.S.'s oldest ski resorts will not open this season
🏃🏾 Strava 🤝 Black Trail Runners, Biden’s Climate Corps are popular 📈
Kyoto, Japan sets the standard for responsible tourism…
…and a whole lot more.
Let’s go! 🤙
— Scott Crowder
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The Great Outdoors Take Center Stage: Inside the Inaugural Outside Festival 🎉
Colorado is gearing up for an event that promises to be a game-changer in the world of festivals. The recently announced Outside Festival is set to take the Centennial State by storm, and it's not just your typical gathering—it's a lifestyle celebration that aims to capture the spirit of the great outdoors. The website for the festival dropped last week and the industry is already buzzing.
🤝 Collaboration and Vision: This ambitious project is a result of a collaborative effort between several key players, including Outside Interactive, the State of Colorado, Governor Jared Polis, Conor Hall (director of the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation - OREC), and Visit Denver. Their collective vision is to create a festival that not only celebrates the breathtaking beauty of Colorado's natural landscapes but also serves as a hub for outdoor industry professionals, enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from around the world.
😘 Replacing the Lost Tradeshow: The Outside Festival comes at a critical time for the outdoor industry. With the departure of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow from Denver, Colorado has been looking for a way to replace the economic impact generated by the event. The Outside Festival aims to fill this void by providing a platform for outdoor brands, retailers, and industry insiders to connect and showcase their latest products and innovations.
🎸More Than Just a Tradeshow: However, this event is more than just a replacement for a tradeshow. It aspires to be a lifestyle festival akin to South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. In addition to industry exhibits and showcases, attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities, including outdoor adventures, music performances, film screenings, and wellness experiences.
💵 Economic Impact: The estimated economic impact of the Outside Festival is nothing short of impressive. With projections of generating around $105 million in tourism revenue, it's poised to become a significant contributor to Colorado's economy. This influx of visitors is expected to benefit local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and various other sectors that depend on tourism.
As preparations for the Outside Festival continue, outdoor enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience the great outdoors in a whole new way. With its unique blend of adventure, entertainment, and industry connections, this festival promises to be a must-attend event for anyone who loves the outdoors. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado's landscapes and the excitement of the Outside Festival.
Business, Industry, & Economy:
🏞️ REI Shakes Things Up: REI is making changes in the great outdoors as it revamps its store operations. Footwear News reports on the company's strategy, including layoffs affecting 275 employees and a shift in focus. Get the scoop on how REI is adapting to the evolving retail landscape.
💼 Vista Outdoor's Major Deal: Vista Outdoor is embarking on a new journey as it enters a definitive agreement to sell its Sporting Products Business. This $1.91 billion deal with Czechoslovak Group is set to reshape the outdoor industry landscape. This comes on the heels of the separation of its holdings into outdoor products and sporting products. Vista Outdoor’s Outdoor Products segment has been renamed Revelyst, Inc. and will trade under the ticker "GEAR” on the New York Stock Exchange.
🧘 Lululemon Reaches New Heights: Lululemon is making waves as it surges to its highest stock level since 2021. With plans to join the S&P 500, the athleisure giant is showing no signs of slowing down. Yahoo Finance has the scoop on Lululemon's rise to the top.
🏓 Pickleball: The Hottest Trend in Brands: Marketing Brew serves up the latest trend that brands just can't resist—pickleball! Dive into the world of this fast-growing sport and explore how companies are jumping on the pickleball bandwagon, bringing this beloved game to new audiences.
🏞️ National Outdoor Recreation Conference Unveiled: The National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC) is back! RECPro provides insights into the program, highlighting the professional development opportunities and discussions that will shape the future of outdoor recreation. Get ready for a conference that celebrates the great outdoors!
🎿 Sun Valley's Winning Streak Continues: Forbes unravels the secrets behind Sun Valley's enduring reign as North America's premier ski resort. From pristine slopes to top-notch amenities, discover why this iconic destination consistently claims the title of the best in the business.
🏕️ Campspot Partners with National ARVC: Campspot takes the spotlight as the title partner of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). Dive into RV Business's report to learn more about this exciting collaboration and what it means for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
🌲 US National Parks: The Ultimate STEM Classroom: Tech Learning explores the educational potential of U.S. National Parks as STEM learning environments. Uncover how these natural wonders are becoming dynamic settings for science, technology, engineering, and math education, fostering a new generation of outdoor-inspired learners.
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Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:
🌧️ Battling Winter Storms in 2023: Fasten your seatbelts, folks! El Niño is making a comeback, and you'll want to be prepared for the winter weather showdown. Dive into Fast Company's breakdown to discover what's in store for the upcoming season, with insights on how to navigate the potential storms ahead.
💰 The Great "Cash for Carbon" Hustle: The New Yorker takes us on a captivating journey into the world of carbon markets. Explore the intricacies of the "Cash for Carbon" hustle, where environmentalism meets finance, and where the stakes are higher than ever. Uncover the motivations, the players, and the evolving landscape of carbon trading.
🎙️ Crafting a Global Movement Through Stories: Kate Williams, the CEO of 1% for the Planet, takes center stage on the Built for Good podcast, sharing her remarkable journey from adversity to empowerment. Tune in as she unravels the power of storytelling and how it has fueled the global for-good movement. Kate's transformative narrative not only shaped her life but also sparked a worldwide wave of change through '1% for the Planet.'
🌳 The 3-30-300 Rule: A groundbreaking study in ScienceDirect introduces the 3-30-300 rule, offering a roadmap for cities to provide equitable access to nature for their residents. This innovative framework recommends that individuals should be able to see three trees from their homes, live in neighborhoods with a 30% tree canopy, and be within 300 meters of high-quality green spaces. By employing expert-based consensus and assessing various measurement methods, this research opens new avenues for urban greening strategies that enhance health, equity, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
🌡️ Boiling Point: Solar Companies and Environmentalists Collaborate: In a surprising turn of events, solar companies and environmentalists are joining forces to overcome hurdles in the transition to renewable energy. As the planet's climate reaches a boiling point, this unlikely alliance seeks common ground to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions.
🌊 Microplastics: Tiny Particles, Big Impact: New research highlights the concerning impact of microplastics on ocean plankton and the Earth's key systems, posing a threat not only to marine life but also to climate regulation. These tiny plastic particles are making a big splash in environmental discussions, emphasizing the urgency of tackling plastic pollution in our oceans.
🌱 Plastic Recycling and Climate Change: MIT Technology Review dives into the intricate world of plastic recycling and its impact on climate change. Discover how addressing microplastics can play a significant role in the fight against environmental degradation.
⛷️Historic Ski Area Takes a Winter Off: Ski Mag covers how in an unexpected twist, one of the U.S.'s oldest ski resorts, nestled in New Hampshire, has decided to give its slopes a break this winter season due to various challenges, including shifting snowfall patterns, staffing shortages, and environmental issues. While this decision may leave winter enthusiasts a bit frosty, it underscores the uphill battle ski resorts are facing as they adapt to a changing climate.
🚄 Greener Skiing Choices: Looking to ski greener? The Guardian suggests making the switch from plane to train. Delve into how opting for more sustainable travel options can reduce your environmental footprint while enjoying your favorite winter sports.
🌊 Point Conception's Transformation: California conservationists are making waves as they work to transform Point Conception into a protected marine area. Dive into the story of this environmental endeavor, its challenges, and its potential impact on marine life and biodiversity.
🇦🇶 Antarctic Ocean Conservation: Pressure mounts on the Antarctic Ocean conservation body to uphold its name. Discover the challenges and responsibilities faced by this organization as it strives to protect one of the Earth's most pristine and vital ecosystems.
💧 Valuing Freshwater: Freshwater is invaluable, yet often undervalued. World Wildlife Foundation explores the importance of recognizing the true worth of freshwater ecosystems and understanding their critical role in sustaining life on our planet.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
🧠 Loneliness Alters Brain Processing: Loneliness isn't just an emotional state; it's a cognitive shift. Dive into the fascinating insights about how feelings of isolation can reshape the way our brains perceive and process the world around us. From brain scans to behavioral changes, discover the science behind the impact of loneliness.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
🏃♂️ Running for Heritage: Outside Online tells the story of how Phillip Kwahan Espinoza created the San Diego 200-Mile Race to reconnect with his ancestors and embrace the legacy of the Kumeyaay Nation. This inspiring story sheds light on the powerful link between running and cultural heritage.
🏎️ Diversifying the Pit Lane: Female Engineers in Formula One - Oracle Red Bull Racing and Rokt, a prominent e-commerce technology leader, team up to launch an exciting five-part video series. This series shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of female engineers in the high-octane world of Formula One racing. Join us as we explore how these trailblazing women are redefining the boundaries of motorsport engineering.
🏃♂️ Strava's Trailblazing Partnership: Strava, the popular fitness app, has announced a strategic partnership with Black Trail Runners. This collaboration aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in trail running, ensuring that all enthusiasts have equal access to the joys of outdoor activities.
🎥 A Cinematic Journey: Adaptive Adventures, supported by the REI Cooperative Action Fund, is on a mission to ensure that outdoor recreation is accessible to all. REI Co-op Studios has captured the spirit of this mission in the film "MY WILD." The documentary focuses on Army and Marine Corps veterans in Puerto Rico, highlighting their outdoor adventures and the profound impact of nature on their lives.
Government, Grants, & Policy:
🌍 Climate Corps Engagement: Mashable discusses the significant number of applications (over 42,000) received for the Biden American Climate Corps program. This high level of interest reflects growing enthusiasm for climate-related initiatives and the role of young individuals in addressing environmental challenges.
🏞️ Outdoors Advocacy: Outdoor Alliance highlights five recent victories for outdoor enthusiasts and environmental advocates. These wins showcase the positive impact of collective efforts in protecting and preserving natural spaces.
🌲 Alaska's Environmental Concerns: NPCA reports on the Biden administration's recognition of the threat posed by the Ambler Road proposal to Alaska Native communities. This acknowledgment reflects a commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of indigenous populations in the face of potential environmental risks.
🌳 Chicago's Environmental Initiative: Chicago Sun-Times reports on Brandon Johnson's proposal for a Chicago Department of Environment. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to environmental issues and could play a vital role in addressing sustainability challenges.
🌟 Investing in Hydrogen: CNBC covers Biden's plan to allocate $7 billion to hydrogen hubs, including locations in California and Houston. This investment underscores the growing interest in hydrogen as a clean energy source and its potential impact on reducing emissions.
🌲 Enhancing Parks and Trails: Gander Newsroom highlights Michigan's use of federal funds to improve numerous parks and trails. This investment emphasizes the importance of outdoor spaces and their role in promoting recreation, health, and environmental stewardship.
🌲 Protecting Sacred Lands: National Observer reports on a finance agreement in the U.S. that aims to protect more sacred lands. This initiative reflects a vision to preserve and safeguard culturally significant landscapes, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts in harmony with Indigenous communities.
🏞️ Advocating for Outdoor Recreation: The Trustees shed light on the Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Act and its advocacy to create the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation. This act holds the potential to positively impact outdoor recreation, highlighting the role of policy and legislation in supporting and enhancing outdoor experiences.
🌿 BLM Wildlands Campaign: The Conservation Alliance announces grants for the BLM Wildlands Campaign. These grants signify support for the protection of public lands and wilderness areas, showcasing the collective efforts of conservation organizations to preserve the natural beauty of these spaces.
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
🇯🇵 Responsible Tourism in Kyoto: Forbes highlights the success of a code of conduct for tourists in Kyoto, Japan. This initiative has led to improved tourist behavior, fostering greater respect for Kyoto's cultural heritage. It's a promising example of how responsible tourism practices can positively impact popular destinations.
🚢 Life at Sea Delays: Business Insider shares the story of a three-year cruise delayed for "Life at Sea" cruises. The challenges faced by this cruise line illustrate the complex logistics and uncertainties involved in the cruise industry. It serves as a reminder that travel, even in the realm of luxury cruises, can be subject to unexpected delays and hurdles.
🌋 Discovering Iceland's Wonders: Thrillist invites readers to explore the best natural attractions in Iceland. From the mesmerizing Northern Lights to the stunning landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, this article provides a captivating glimpse into Iceland's breathtaking beauty. It's a reminder that the world is full of awe-inspiring places waiting to be explored.
📷 Vintage Alaska: Insider.com takes us on a journey back in time with vintage photos of Alaska before it became a state. These evocative images offer a glimpse into Alaska's history, capturing its unique charm and rugged beauty. They provide a fascinating window into the past, reminding us of the rich heritage of this remarkable place.
🏞️ Breathing Fresh Air into Outdoor Lodging: Outdoor lodging brands are revitalizing the hospitality industry. With travelers seeking immersive experiences in nature, outdoor accommodations are on the rise. From treehouses to glamping sites, these innovative lodging options are redefining the way we connect with the great outdoors. It's a testament to the growing demand for sustainable and nature-centric travel experiences.
Products, Gear, & Gadgets:
🌱 Nature-Friendly Collaboration: Outdoor Research's partnership with Nikwax highlights the outdoor industry's growing commitment to sustainability. By teaming up with a company known for its eco-friendly waterproofing products, Outdoor Research is taking strides to reduce its environmental footprint and offer outdoor enthusiasts more sustainable gear. This partnership underscores the industry's recognition that protecting the environment is essential for the future of outdoor adventures.
🌊 Sportswear for the Seas: Swiss apparel brand Mover’s innovative clothing line not only caters to surfers but also serves as a beacon of environmental responsibility. By creating plastic-free sportswear, the brand addresses the issue of ocean pollution head-on, offering consumers a stylish and eco-conscious choice. It's a reminder that fashion can be a force for good, contributing to cleaner oceans and healthier ecosystems.
🏔️ Mountain Musings: Stio's, "Mountain Perspectives," provides a glimpse into the world of mountain living. It's not just about the breathtaking scenery but also the unique challenges and rewards of life in high-altitude regions. Stio invites you to see mountains through a different lens, providing a fresh perspective on what it means to embrace these majestic landscapes. New episodes released throughout Winter 24'
❄️ Sip for Sustainability: CamelBak's collaboration with Protect Our Winters is a powerful example of a brand using its influence to make a positive environmental impact. By purchasing products from this capsule collection, consumers not only get quality gear but also contribute to the fight against climate change. It's a win-win for both adventurers and the planet, reinforcing the idea that every small action can make a big difference in preserving our natural world.
📸 Powder Power: POWDER Magazine's return with a special print edition for 2023-24 is a treat for winter sports enthusiasts. Beyond its glossy pages, this edition tells visual stories that capture the exhilarating essence of winter adventures. With stunning photography and captivating narratives, it's more than just a magazine; it's an invitation to immerse oneself in the magic of winter sports.
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