february 17-19th
Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
WE’RE Building WV’s
Outdoor Future Together
Join the Inaugural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit presented by the Charleston CVB
The West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit, hosted by The Nature Conservancy and the WVU Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic
Development Collaborative, is the state’s first cross-sector gathering to harness the momentum of our $2.1 billion outdoor economy.
On February 17–18, 2026, leaders from the tourism, conservation, recreation, entrepreneurship, and community development sectors will come together at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. This inaugural event is more than a conference — it’s a place to roll up our sleeves, share ideas, and shape what comes next for West Virginia’s outdoor future. And on February 19, we’ll take that momentum to the State Capitol to share with lawmakers the strength, growth, and potential of West Virginia’s outdoor economy.
Who should attend?
If you care deeply about West Virginia, its outdoors, and its future, you belong here. You see the opportunity in our landscapes, our communities, and our people — and you know it takes vision, leadership, and elbow grease to seize it. If that sounds like you, you belong at this Summit.
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OUTDOOR INDUSTRY LEADERS
Outfitters, guides, and recreation-based businesses fueling adventure
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COMMUNITY BUILDERS & NONPROFITS
Those expanding access and growing participation statewide
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POLICY & GOVERNMENT LEADERS
Shaping the future of outdoor infrastructure and investment
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AGENCY SUPPORT MEMBERS
The partners who keep the industry moving forward.
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STUDENTS & YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The next generation building their careers in the outdoor economy
February 17-19th
CHARLESTON, WV
What You’ll Experience
From workforce growth to trail development and sustainable tourism, the Summit’s sessions deliver practical insights and bold ideas.
Building sustainable outdoor destinations
Growing West Virginia’s outdoor workforce
Expanding trail systems and recreation infrastructure
Leveraging technology and innovation in the outdoors
Speakers
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Gayle Manchin
Federal Co-Chair
Appalachian Regional Commission
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Jim Bryson
Commissioner
Tennessee Commissioner of Finance and Administration
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Matt Herridge
Secretary of Commerce
State of West Virginia
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Amy Goodwin
Mayor
City of Charleston, WV
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Dr. Amanda Weinstein
Director of Research, Knowledge, & Evaluation
Center On Rural Innovation (CORI)
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Bill Woodrum
Senior Program Officer
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
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Jessie Powers
Executive Director
Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA)
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Ta Enos
Founder and CEO
The Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship
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Tim Brady
President and CEO
Charleston CVB
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Dr. Heather M. Stephens
Director
WVU Regional Research Institute (RRI)
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Dr. Danny Twilley
Assistant Vice President-Economic & Community Development
Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at WVU
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Bobby Chappell
Outdoor Economy Specialist
TIS - Impact Services
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Noah Wilson
Director of Sector Development
Mountain BizWorks
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Mark Burdette
Deputy Director
WV Small Business Development Center
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Sam England
Executive Director
WV Trail
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Chris Kehmeier
Executive Director
Pisgah SORBA
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Charles Evans
Trail Crew Coordinator/Backcountry Recreation Coordinator
Snowshoe Highlands Area Recreation Collaborative (SHARC)
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Tracey Valach
Founder & Director
Nature’s Mountain Classroom
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Jonathan Scott
Senior Project Manager
Destination by Design
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Matt Powell
Director of Communications & Place Branding
Destination By Design
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Stella Hehnly
Brand Experience Manager
Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
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Melanie Seiler
Executive Director
Active Southern West Virginia
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Matt Knott
Owner & President
River Riders, Inc
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Kristen Beverage
WV REI Manager
Partner Community Capital
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Louis Argento
Business Services Coordinator
Partner Community Capital
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April Elkins-Badtke
Executive Director
Convervation Legacy, Stewards Individual Placements
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CJ Belnap
Director
Adventure WV
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Rich Edwards
Associate Director Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure
Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at WVU
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Eriks Brolis
Director of Economic Development
The Nature Conservancy of West Virginia
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Andy Williamson
Executive Director
Adventure Cycling Association
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Ben Isenberg
Principal
Symmetry Agency
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Eric Oberg
Senior Director of Programs
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
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Nick Hart
Director of Business Development
Inner Action Media
Why Attend The Summit?
This isn’t just a conference where you sit and listen. It’s about learning, sharing, and shaping what comes next for West Virginia’s outdoor future.
1
2
SHAPE
Help chart the path of the state’s $2.1 billion outdoor economy.
3
CONTRIBUTE
Share your own ideas in collaborative sessions.
4
LEAVE WITH
Connections and momentum to drive change in your community.
Take the Summit to the Capitol
On February 19, we’ll take the Summit’s energy to the Outdoor Recreation Day at the West Virginia State Capitol. This optional day is your chance to stand with West Virginia’s outdoor economy and show our legislators the power of this $2.1 billion sector.
Outdoor businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders will set up in the Capitol Rotunda to share products, programs, and ideas. The day will feature a short program with guest speakers, plus plenty of opportunities to connect with policymakers and partners.
Whether you exhibit, network, or simply show up — your presence helps send a clear message: the outdoor economy matters.
WV Outdoor Economy Summit Host Partners & Sponsors
This Summit is built on collaboration — thanks to our host partners and sponsors for
helping bring it to life.
Title Sponsor
Host Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Advisory Committee
In addition to our sponsors and partners, we’re grateful for the guidance of our advisory committee, whose perspectives help ensure the Summit reflects the priorities and opportunities of West Virginia’s outdoor community.
Andy Williamson, Adventure Cycling Association
Brian R. Bolyard, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Chelsea Faulknier, Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Chris Zeto, Hatfield McCoy Regional Recreation Authority
Ted Armbrecht, The Wine Shop of Capitol Market
Eriks Brolis, The Nature Conservancy – West Virginia
Holly Fussell, Waterstone Outdoors
Jeff Campbell, Gilmer County EDA
Jeffrey Lusk, Hatfield McCoy Regional Recreation Authority
Josh Nease, Mon Forest Towns Partnership
Joe Vessecchia , Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
Ken Gaitor, Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Matt Knott, River Riders Family Adventure Resort
Molly Williams, Raleigh County Parks & Recreation
Phil Waidner, Arrowhead Bike Farm
Ruffner Woody, Logan & Kanawha Coal Company
Ruthana Beezley, Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation
Sam England, WV Trail
Tom Price, Timberline Mountain
Corey D. VanBibber, West Virginia Department of Tourism