MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Outdoor Retailer, the platform for connection, learning, and outdoor innovation, announced the closing keynote for Industry Day: author, skier, ultrarunner, and DEI consultant Mirna Valerio. Industry Day takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 19, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, according to a press release.
Outdoor Retailer’s Industry Day is a leadership forum that convenes retail leaders, brand executives, innovators, and researchers for a fast-moving, ideas-driven exploration of the forces reshaping the outdoor industry. The afternoon stage program will focus on consumer behavior, innovation, technology, and the evolving structure of outdoor commerce.
“Industry Day gathers the outdoor community together around the ideas, innovations, and conversations shaping the future of our industry,” said Matthew Mathiasen, group show director, Emerald. “Mirna embodies resilience, inclusion, authenticity, and expanding who feels welcome in outdoor spaces. Her perspective and story will leave attendees inspired, while reinforcing the importance of building an industry that reflects and serves a broader, more diverse community.”
The program includes “The Big Debate: Is the Independent Shop the Future of the Outdoor Industry?” moderated by Mike Massey, founder of Locally, featuring Neil Fiske, president of Black Diamond, Brendan Madigan, founder of Alpenglow Sports, and Dana Caraway, founder and owner of Caraway & Co. The session addresses whether independent specialty retail remains the industry’s innovation engine or whether broader market shifts are redefining its role.
Next, “The New Customer Code: Getting Gen Z & Winning with Women” examines how generational change and women’s purchasing power are reshaping retail strategy. Moderator Kristin Hostetter leads Sara Lawhead, vice president of ThackerNYC, Jamie Kvamme, director of marketing at Red Wing Shoe Company, and Nadah Feteih, founder of Ma’wa Collective, in a discussion on values-driven consumption and evolving consumer identity.
“The Gear of Tomorrow: Wearables, Smart Tech & Innovation” follows, focusing on how technology is being embedded into performance systems. Moderator Peter Sachs is joined by Lucy Dunne, co director and founder of the University of Minnesota Wearable Technology Lab, Dustin English, Chief Experience Officer of VOORMI, and Kristoffer Stokes, co founder of D glue, to examine how wearable tech and smart textiles are reshaping outdoor equipment and apparel.
“The Tools of Tomorrow: AI & The Circular Economy” expands the conversation to systems level change. Moderator Peter Whitcomb, CEO of Tersus Solutions, leads Ramiro Gomez, co founder of Alpaka, Barruch Ben Zekry, senior director new business models at VF Corporation, and Aaron Provine, president of Geartrade, in a discussion on how AI, e-commerce, and circular systems are reshaping supply chains and unlocking new business models.
Closing the program, Mirna Valerio will speak on belonging and her work to expand who feels seen and welcomed in endurance sports and outdoor spaces. A former educator and cross country coach, she is the author of A Beautiful Work in Progress. After recommitting to running following a health scare in 2008, she launched her blog Fatgirlrunning, which became a widely followed platform documenting her journey as a larger bodied endurance athlete and advocate for inclusion in outdoor sports.
The event will conclude with a special evening rally in partnership with Save the Boundary Waters, bringing together the outdoor community in defense of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness amid renewed federal efforts to roll back long standing protections and reopen the region to mining activity. The event features National Geographic adventurers and advocates Amy Freeman and Dave Freeman, alongside ultrarunner and Minnesota state representative Alex Falconer, underscoring the industry’s continued engagement in conservation and public lands advocacy.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry comes together to move the business of the outdoors forward. Designed in collaboration with brands, retailers, and industry leaders, the event creates space for connection, practical education, and the discovery of innovative products shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry gathers to connect, collaborate, and take ownership of what comes next – #MakeItYours.
Learn more about #MakeItYours at outdoorretailer.com
