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Outdoor Industry Summit 2025 Delivers Collaboration and Connection in Canberra

More than just a gathering of professionals, the 2025 Outdoor Industry Summit, held from 8–11 July in Canberra, was a defining moment for the sector—bringing to light the challenges, opportunities, and transformative ideas shaping the future of the outdoor industry.


Hosted by Outdoors NSW & ACT, the Summit welcomed attendees from across the country for four days of inspiration, connection, and action. Together with partners NATCORR (National Centre of Risk & Resilience) the program was jam-packed.


Key highlights included:

  • The Bureau of Meteorology, National Emergency Management Agency and Australian Institute of Disaster Resilience sharing their knowledge with the Outdoor Industry.

  • The release of the 2025 Outdoor Industry Census data, providing vital insights into workforce trends, participation levels, and the industry's challenges.

  • Launch of the “MTB Merimbula Manifesto”, a bold call to action for the mountain biking community and policymakers to better support sustainable MTB growth across the region.

  • Graduation of the first cohort of the Pinnacle Leadership Program, recognising the next generation of female leaders in the outdoor sector.

  • Announcement of a special Medibank Corporate Health Insurance Rate for Outdoors NSW & ACT members, supporting the wellbeing of those who support others.


The event’s familiarisation experiences gave attendees rare insights into the evolving outdoor landscape in Canberra. From touring Outward Bound Australia’s revitalised facilities, to experiencing First Nations storytelling and connection to Country at Birrigai, and seeing the exciting future plans for Stromlo Forest Park’s MTB precinct, the field visits brought theory into practice.


Among many powerful sessions, the Access and Inclusion workshop stood out as the most impactful. Ryan Smith, a international leader in disability inclusion, delivered a compelling session that reminded everyone: creating inclusive spaces isn’t just about accommodating a few—it’s about enriching the whole community and how they feel.


There were also some significant achievements awarded to members, including recognising the members that have been part of the organisation consecutively for 20 years in 2025 (see pictured).


What They Said:

  • "The best learning and networking experience that I have attended in my 40-odd year outdoor industry career. Just amazing – Well done!" – D. Chitty

  • "It was a fantastic few days. Grateful for the opportunity to be part of it and very appreciative of all the work that went in to making it really relevant and brilliant!" – B. Trenwen

  • "I loved connecting with others, particularly the suppliers and partners – they were excellent." – Attendee feedback

  • "It was so well run and flowed beautifully to time constraints. Great MCeeing! The topics covered were very relevant and helpful. Thank you and well done to all who put it together." – Attendee feedback

  • "The Summit is a great way to network and build relationships across state borders. Sessions were highly relevant, not just NSW/ACT-centric, which made the content even more valuable." – Attendee feedback

  • "This was the most valuable conference I have attended in my 30 years in the Outdoors Industry." – N. Payne


The supporters of this event included Canberra Convention and Visitors Bureau, Affinity Insurance Brokers, NSW ITAB, Paddy Pallin, ACT Government and Equipped Outdoors. There were 15 exhibitors that kept the visitors engaged at every break time with skin checks, massages, special guests like Kate Grarock from Alone Australia and more.


Outdoors NSW & ACT CEO, Lori Modde, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and participation:"The Summit showed us what’s possible when leaders, doers, and change-makers step up and come together. The energy, the insights, the connections—it’s clear the outdoor industry now has a strong, unified voice and a big future."


Plans are already underway for the next Outdoor Industry Summit for 2027, building on this year’s success but the organisation has a few events in between for its community. The next event on the agenda is the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference to be held at Birrigai Outdoor School in September 2025.



Media Contact:

Lori Modde

CEO, Outdoors NSW & ACT



20 Year Members
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