Feb 17, 18, 19 - WV Outdoor Economy Summit Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Kick off the West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit with an evening of connection, celebration, and community emceed by Corey Lilly of the Smith OEDC at WVU. Join fellow attendees, partners, and leaders for a relaxed welcome reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, an outdoor photography slideshow, and time to network. Guests will receive one complimentary drink hosted by The Nature Conservancy, followed by a cash bar.

The evening will include opening remarks from Dave Arnold, a pioneer of West Virginia’s outdoor recreation tourism industry and cofounder of Adventures on the Gorge, follow by a brief overview of the Summit and its purpose, recognition of partners, and a special awards program honoring individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions to West Virginia’s outdoor economy.

After the awards, stay to enjoy live music, conversation, and a chance to celebrate the people and ideas shaping the state’s outdoor future.

A light breakfast and coffee will be provided to Summit attendees.

Across the country, economic growth is increasingly shaped by quality of life. In this keynote, Dr. Amanda Weinstein explores how natural assets and outdoor recreation are becoming core components of modern economic development strategies.

Drawing on national and Appalachian data, this session examines why jobs are increasingly following people, how place influences talent attraction and retention, and what these trends mean for West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region. Attendees will gain insight into how investing in outdoor assets can support long term economic opportunity, community strength, and resilience.

Building on the morning keynote, this plenary panel explores how rural communities across the country are leveraging outdoor assets to support economic growth and community vitality.

Panelists will share real world case studies, policy approaches, and investment strategies that support entrepreneurship, workforce development, and place based initiatives. The discussion will focus on what has worked, what has not, and which lessons can be adapted to strengthen West Virginia’s outdoor economy.

This session is designed to connect national and regional experience with practical insights that communities, organizations, and leaders can apply at home.

This lunch plenary highlights current research and ecosystem analysis related to outdoor recreation in West Virginia and Central Appalachia. The session will explore key data trends and emerging insights that help communities better understand the scale and role of the outdoor economy.

Speakers will discuss how data can be used to measure impact, identify opportunities, and inform planning and investment decisions. The conversation will focus on translating research into practical insights that support stronger communities and more informed decision making.

This closing keynote provides an overview of key findings from West Virginia’s statewide trail planning process and outlines why renewing the Statewide Trail Plan is a critical next step.

The session will explore how a renewed plan can strengthen connectivity across the state, support local communities, and guide strategic investment in West Virginia’s trail network. Attendees will gain insight into how statewide planning can help align priorities, leverage resources, and position trails as long term assets for communities and the outdoor economy.

This closing keynote examines how states move from vision to execution by embedding outdoor recreation into economic development, infrastructure planning, and public finance systems.

The session examines how Tennessee has structured governance, cross agency coordination, and investment strategies to scale outdoor recreation as a durable economic driver. Attendees will gain insight into how statewide alignment and long term planning can turn outdoor recreation into a core component of economic and community development.

The Summit will wrap up with key takeaways, reflections from Summit leaders, and a look ahead at what’s coming next. Speakers will outline the flow of the remainder of the Summit, including the evening soirée, the following day’s agenda, and opportunities for continued collaboration beyond the event.

The conversation will close by recognizing the collective effort that made the day possible and setting the stage for continued connection throughout the Summit.

Close out the Summit with an evening designed for connection and conversation at Capitol Market, one of Charleston’s most distinctive downtown spaces. Set in a historic market hall, the Summit Soirée offers a relaxed, after-hours atmosphere that reflects the character and energy of the city.

This gathering is a chance to reconnect with the people you met during the day, continue meaningful conversations, and strengthen relationships built throughout the Summit. Enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres in a casual, welcoming setting that encourages lingering, conversation, and celebration.

The Summit Soirée is less about programming and more about people. Take it as an opportunity to slow down, reflect on the day, and spend time with new and familiar faces before the Summit concludes.

Join us at the West Virginia State Capitol Building, where more than 40 organizations, businesses, and experts will come together to highlight the economic power of outdoor recreation and the importance of conservation and land stewardship in sustaining that growth.

• What: Exhibits, demonstrations, and conversations with outdoor recreation businesses, conservation groups, and state leaders
• Who: Outfitters, guides, tourism operators, nonprofits, and community development partners
• When: Welcome remarks and VIP/legislative speeches begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Lower Rotunda
• Why: A unique opportunity to engage directly with legislators, fellow business owners, and decision makers about West Virginia’s multi‑billion‑dollar outdoor economy.

Participant Schedule

• 7:45 a.m. Vendor Setup
  • Capitol opens; table setup begins (allow extra time for parking & security)
  • Tables must be set by 9:30 a.m.
• 9:00 a.m. Doors Open 
  • Networking in Lower Rotunda 
• 10:00 a.m. 
  • Welcome remarks & legislative/VIP speeches
• 11:00 a.m. 
  • Catered appetizers from 1010 Bridge; floor session begins (optional to watch)
• 12:30–1:00 p.m. 
  • Meetings with legislators & networking