America Outdoors

America Outdoors

America Outdoors represents nearly 500 of the most successful and professional outfitters in America — outdoor recreation companies who are driving one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Since 1989, America Outdoors has worked to ensure outfitters in the outdoor recreation industry have a voice. They lead the industry in public policy, business innovation, and promotion of outdoor recreational activities.

American Horse Council

American Horse Council

Founded in 1969, the American Horse Council advocates for the social, economic and legislative interests of the United States equine industry in Washington, DC before Congress and federal regulatory agencies.

American Prairie

American Prairie represents a unique effort to assemble a multi-million-acre nature reserve that conserves the species-rich grasslands of Montana’s legendary Great Plains for the enjoyment of future generations. When complete, American Prairie will span more than three million acres of private and public land, showcasing the iconic landscape that once dominated central North America and helped shape our national character.

American Mountain Guides Association

American Mountain Guides Association

The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is a 501(c)(3) educational non‐profit that is dedicated to supporting the American mountain guiding and climbing instructor community. As the leading organization of America’s most vibrant, inspiring community of climbers and skiers, the AMGA offers cutting edge knowledge and hundreds of years of collective experience that you won’t get from any other climbing organization. AMGA guides and staff are the experts in the business of being a guide, and have spent 30 years setting standards for American guiding instruction, protecting the guiding environment, and organizing a powerful, unified community of guides and clients.

American Sportfishing Association

American Sportfishing Association

The American Sportfishing Association is the sportfishing industry’s trade association and was created to represent tackle manufacturers’ business interests and represent the entire sportfishing community.

Archery Trade Association

Archery Trade Association

The Archery Trade Association is the trade group representing manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and bowhunting industry.

Association of Marina Industries

Association of Marina Industries

Association of Marina Industries is a non-profit membership organization dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of the marina industry and acting as the independent voice of the industry at the national level on all related legislative and regulatory issues.

Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education

The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) is the premier organization dedicated to serving the needs of recreation and education professionals in non-profit settings. Through AORE, members have a mechanism to interact with and affect decisions made by public land managers and the human powered outdoor recreation industry. AORE is committed to promoting ecologically sound stewardship of the natural environment and serves as a collective voice for its members regarding topics of regional and national concern.

Boat U.S.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS)

BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group for recreational boaters with more than a half-million dues-paying members. Services include on-water and on-road towing, boat insurance and a range of consumer programs and member discounts and benefits. BoatUS also helps keep boaters safe and waters clean with the educational nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.

Booz Allen Hamilton

Trusted to transform missions with the power of tomorrow’s technologies, Booz Allen
Hamilton advances the nation’s most critical civil, defense, and national security
priorities. We lead, invest, and invent where it’s needed most—at the forefront of
complex missions, using innovation to define the future. We combine our in-depth
expertise in AI and cybersecurity with leading-edge technology and engineering practices
to deliver impactful solutions. Combining more than 100 years of strategic consulting
expertise with the perspectives of diverse talent, we ensure results by integrating
technology with an enduring focus on our clients. We’re first to the future—moving
missions forward to realize our purpose: Empower People to Change the World®.

CHM

CHM Government Services

CHM Government Services partners with public agencies in the United States who are responsible for visitor and mission-critical facilities and services to develop and implement sustainable strategies to operate, maintain, and improve these hospitality and recreation assets and programs. They achieve this result by applying private sector experience, skills, tools, and networks, and their understanding of policy and funding frameworks.

The Corps Network

The Corps Network

The Corps Network leads and supports over 130 of America’s Service and Conservation Corps. Corps are comprehensive youth development programs that engage participants in service projects, job training and academic programming. The Corps Network supports Corps by advocating on their behalf, providing access to funding and project opportunities, and by offering expertise in Corps operations and programming. Every year, The Corp Network’s efforts enable over 24,000 diverse young people, ages 16-25, to strengthen communities, improve the environment and transform their lives through service in Corps programs.

DEMA

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association

Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is an international non-profit trade association with the mission of bringing businesses together to grow the diving industry worldwide. With more than 1,400 business members DEMA promotes recreational scuba diving through consumer awareness programs such as the Go Dive Now campaign; conducts industry research and advocates for access by divers to a clean and healthy aquatic environment. DEMA owns and produces DEMA Show, an annual trade-only event for businesses in the scuba diving, action watersports and adventure/dive-travel industries.

Eddyline Kayaks

Founded by legendary designer, Tom Derrer, Eddyline Kayaks has manufactured premier touring kayaks since 1971. Eager to share our passion for paddling and the outdoors by offering the most comfortable kayaking experience, we pioneered vacuum bag and thermoformed kayak technology. Thanks to these design advances, we manufacture the highest quality lightweight touring kayaks for sea kayaking, open water, recreational kayaking and fishing.

ISMA

International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association is an organization representing the four snowmobile manufacturers and coordinates committees within the industry to handle concerns such as snowmobile safety, the promotion of the lifestyle activity of snowmobiling, keeping accurate statistics, reporting the growth of the industry and the positive economic impact of snowmobiling throughout the world.

Maine Outdoor Brands

Maine Outdoor Brands

Maine Outdoor Brands is a member-driven alliance of outdoor product makers, experience providers, retailers and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s $3 billion outdoor recreation economy. As champions of our state’s growing outdoor industry, we believe there is strength in numbers and aim to be a catalyst for growth. We empower outdoor businesses to thrive by providing collaborative marketing, networking, resource sharing and education in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Marine Retailers Association of America

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas exists to foster the success of today’s boat and engine dealers, marinas, service shops and other marine retail locations. The MRAA provides tools, resources and educational programming to those businesses and their employees and both unites and represents the retail marine industry with a powerful voice.

Motorcycle Industry Council

Motorcycle Industry Council

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote the motorcycling industry, functioning as a voice on behalf of the powersports industry at the state and federal government levels, and as a clearinghouse for information on legislation and regulation affecting the industry.

NFRA

National Forest Recreation Association

The National Forest Recreation Association represents and serves as an advocate for outdoor recreation businesses offering quality opportunities to visitors on public lands and waters across the United States. NFRA works to forge strong partnerships with federal and state land management agencies. Additionally, they maintain their membership with other recreation coalitions so as to maximize the recreation industry’s voice.

NMMA

National Marine Manufacturers Association

The National Marine Manufacturers Association is the leading trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers, dedicated to advocating for the recreational boating industry.

The National Park Hospitality Association

The National Park Hospitality Association is the national trade association of the businesses that provide lodging, food services, gifts and souvenirs, equipment rentals, transportation and other visitor services in the National Park System. Concessioners have played an important role in creating lasting national park memories for more than 125 years. Concessioners operate in more than 100 national park units with combined sales exceeding $1.4 billion annually and $112 million+ in franchise fees paid to the National Park Service each year. The in-park concessioner workforce of some 25,000 persons assists visitors an estimated 100 million times annually.

RVDA

National RV Dealers Association

The National RV Dealers Association is the only national association dedicated to advancing the RV retailer’s interests through education, member services, industry leadership, and market expansion programs that promote the increased sale and use of RVs and that enhance the positive image of the RV experience.

NSAA

National Ski Areas Association

The National Ski Areas Association is the trade association for ski area owners and operators. It represents over 300 alpine resorts that account for more than 90 percent of the skier/snowboarder visits nationwide. Additionally, it has more than 400 supplier members who provide equipment, goods and services to the mountain resort industry.

NWTF

National Wild Turkey Federation

The National Wild Turkey Federation is an international non-profit organization whose mission is ‘the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.’ It currently has more than 250,000 members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and 14 other countries.

Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI)

OHI’s member-driven organization is dedicated to serving the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. OHI seeks to advance the owners, operators, and staff of all the remarkable and unique destinations that help shape the life-long memories of their adventuring customers. OHI promises to be the trusted pathfinder and voice of all businesses in Outdoor Hospitality. Advancing, empowering, and continuing to equip all recreational campground owners and leisure park operators with the most comprehensive suite of tools and connections the industry over.

Outdoor Industry Associaton

Outdoor Industry Association

The Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C. OIA is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation.

Outdoor Writers Association of America

Recognized as “The Voice of the Outdoors,” OWAA is the nation’s largest organization of professional outdoor journalists. Its membership includes writers, photographers, videographers, radio and TV personalities, digital storytellers and artists. Formed in 1927, the nonprofit association’s mission is to improve the professional skills and opportunities of its members, set the highest ethical and communications standards, encourage public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources, and mentor the next generation of professional outdoor communicators.

People for Bikes

PeopleForBikes

PeopleForBikes aims to make riding better for everyone by collaborating with millions of individual riders, businesses, community leaders, and elected officials to unite people to create a powerful, united voice for bicycling and its benefits.

Professional Trail Builders

Professional TrailBuilders Association

The Professional TrailBuilders Association is the world’s only private sector group of professional trail contractors, designers, and consultants. PTBA represents more than 100 Member Companies who have been professionally vetted and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Since 1976, PTBA members have designed, built, and maintained thousands of miles of trail.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Since 1986, RTC has worked to bring the power of trails to more communities across the country, serving as the national voice for the rail-trail movement. With more than 1 million grassroots supporters, 24,000+ miles of rail-trails on the ground nationwide and more than 8,000 miles of rail-trails ready to be built, their focus is on linking these corridors—creating trail networks that connect people and places, bringing transformative benefits to communities all across the country. Their flagship initiatives—the Great American Rail-Trail®TrailNation™ and TrailLink.com—bring that strategy to life, connecting millions of people by trail.

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is a national, non-profit organization that has been leading the drive for over 20 years – in partnership with industry and government, and through its brands Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar – to increase participation in recreational boating and fishing, thereby helping to conserve and restore our country’s aquatic natural resources.

ROHVA

Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association promotes the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) manufactured or distributed in North America and develops a standard for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ROVs.

REI co-op

At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) we believe a life outdoors is a life well-lived!

We believe that it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors, for all.

Since 1938, we have been your local outdoor co-op, working to help you experience the transformational power of nature. We bring you top-quality gear and apparel, expert advice, rental equipment, inspiring stories of life outside and outdoor experiences to enjoy alone or share with your friends and family. And because we have no shareholders, with every purchase you make with REI, you are choosing to steward the outdoors, support sustainable business and help the fight for life outside.

Rivian

To build the kind of future our kids and our kids’ kids deserve, extraordinary steps must be taken to stop the carbonization of our atmosphere. This requires individuals and entire industries to come together in ways we never have before to transition the world toward sustainable energy. This is where Rivian’s potential lies — in creating solutions that shift consumer mindsets and inspire other companies to fundamentally change the way they operate.

RV Industry Association

RV Industry Association

The RV Industry Association is the national trade association representing recreation vehicle manufacturers and their component parts suppliers who together build more than 98 percent of all RVs produced in the U.S.

Snowsports Industries America

SnowSports Industries

Snowsports Industries America is the winter industry’s non-profit, member-owned trade association representing winter outdoor suppliers, retailers, sales reps and resorts. Their mission is to help the winter outdoor industry thrive.

Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals

Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals

Since 1983, the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) has been serving the outdoor recreation profession. It is the nation’s leading association of outdoor recreation and related professionals who strive to protect our natural and cultural resources while providing sustainable recreation access.

SEMA

Specialty Equipment Market Association

The Specialty Equipment Market Association is the national trade association for the specialty automotive aftermarket. SEMA members offer custom auto and off-road accessories that enhance a vehicle’s appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and safety.

SVIA

Specialty Vehicle Institute of America

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America promotes safe and responsible use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns and state legislation. SVIA also provides information on ATV standards and serves as a liaison with state and federal agencies on rider safety issues.

SFIA

Sports & Fitness Industry Association

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association is the trade association of leading industry sports and fitness brands, suppliers, retailers and partners. Their mission is to “Promote Sports and Fitness Participation and Industry Vitality” by focusing on core product areas for the industry. SFIA’s purpose is to support their member companies and promote a healthy environment for the sporting goods industry by providing access to thought leadership, industry & public affairs, research and member services. SFIA enhances industry vitality and fosters sports, fitness and active lifestyle participation.

Trust for Public Land

The outdoors are essential to our happiness, health, and well-being.

Quality parks and green spaces are fundamental for sustaining equitable, resilient communities. Access to nature and the outdoors—close to home, in the cities and communities where people live—is a matter of health, equity, and justice. That’s why we work alongside communities across the country to create, protect, and steward the nature-rich places that are vital to human well-being.

We’re driven by four commitments: equity, health, climate, and community.

Tyler Technologies

Partnering with government and schools to find the best technology solutions is Tyler Technologies’ passion. When technology works seamlessly, citizens connect to their communities and are more engaged, and government and schools can efficiently serve their constituents. Tyler Technologies has decades of experience providing software and services – beginning their exclusive focus on the public sector in 1997.

VF Corporation

VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands.

State Office of Outdoor Recreation Members

Arkansas

Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation

Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation’s goal is to further establish Arkansas as a top destination for outdoor recreation and to ensure outdoor businesses continue to thrive. The office provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation economy. The office focuses on economic development, education and workforce training, conservation and stewardship, and public health and wellness, to ensure the state’s strategic growth as a place where outdoor businesses and recreation communities can flourish.

Colorado

Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation economy. OREC’s mission is to champion industry, communities, and people to come to life through Colorado’s great outdoors. Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry accounts for $9.6 billion in value-added (GDP) annually and contributed 120,000 direct jobs in 2020. According to the 2017 SCORP report, 92% of Colorado residents participate in outdoor recreation each year. Colorado’s outdoor economy contributes to a higher quality of life, making people and communities happier and healthier.

Maine

Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation

The Office of Outdoor Recreation leverages Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand as part of a coordinated effort with partners from the public and private sectors. Outdoor recreation made up 3.3% of Maine’s economy, more than double the national average in 2020. From 2018 to 2019, contribution to state GDP grew 5.9% in Maine, compared with an increase of 3.7% for the US. The biggest activity contributors in 2020 were boating/fishing generating $379 million ($299 million in 2019); followed by RV’ing, at $149 million ($137 million in 2019). Snow activities generated $46 million; with hunting/shooting/trapping at $38 million. Outdoor recreation supported more than 28,000 jobs in Maine in 2020, accounting for 4.6% of employment and providing more than $1.1 billion in compensation.

Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation

The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) seeks to promote Massachusetts as a great place to come play outside!

We further seek to make Massachusetts one of the most welcoming, inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible places to recreate outside.

Whether you are a visitor or a resident, explore what Massachusetts has to offer.

Michigan

Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry

Outdoor recreation plays an important and growing role in Michiganders’ quality of life, leisure time and health. The Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry – a first for our state – works with industry partners from many sectors to anticipate emerging trends, create effective policy and elevate outdoor recreation opportunities and resources across Michigan.

Montana

Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation

Nevada

Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation

The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation works to promote Nevada’s outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities and the conservation of its natural environment, grow Nevada’s economy through outdoor recreation, and educate the public about responsible recreation and healthy and active lives enriched by the outdoors.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development

The addition of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development (ORID) was established to support New Hampshire’s diverse outdoor economy and connect our state’s world class outdoor assets to broad economic development strategies such as workforce and business recruitment. In a post-COVID world and the new remote work environment, these connections will take on even more importance. The new outdoor recreation office and its director will put exclusive focus on this effort and will be fully integrated into our department, working with our economic and tourism development teams and partnering with our growing outdoor industry.

New Mexico

New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division

We have an ambitious vision for outdoor recreation in New Mexico. Our goal is nothing short of transforming the state’s economic, social, and environmental future by championing sustainable outdoor recreation and increasing access to it for all New Mexicans, especially those who have been excluded from the traditional outdoor recreation and environmental movements. The Outdoor Recreation Division works to achieve positive, measurable impacts within economic development, conservation, education, and public health. The Outdoor Recreation Division’s success is dependent on collaboration, with New Mexican businesses, nonprofits, and partner state and federal agencies. Through this network, we aim to engage all New Mexicans as stewards of the state’s incredible natural resources.

North Carolina

North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

North Carolina’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office works to grow and support the outdoor recreation economy at the state level through collaboration with existing outdoor businesses, local governments, and communities who rely on a richly diverse outdoor recreation landscape. The office focuses on economic development, education and workforce training, conservation and stewardship, and public health and wellness, to ensure the state’s strategic growth as a place where outdoor businesses and recreation communities can thrive.

Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation

Recognizing the importance of the economic and many other benefits of outdoor recreation to the Commonwealth, in 2022 Pennsylvania established the position of Director of Outdoor Recreation within the office of the DCNR Secretary.

The director’s mission is to expand and ensure the benefits of outdoor recreation for all Pennsylvanians as individuals, communities, and a Commonwealth.

The director serves as a liaison among industry, non-governmental organizations, user, and government partners to:

  • Communicate the significance of outdoor recreation
  • Address needs for systematic support and investment in outdoor recreation
  • Welcome all residents of and visitors to Pennsylvania to enjoy and benefit from the Commonwealth’s diverse and exceptional outdoor experiences.
Utah

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

The Division of Outdoor Recreation is committed to ensuring every Utahn can live a healthy and active lifestyle through outdoor recreation and access to natural space.

Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

The Division of Outdoor Recreation is committed to ensuring every Utahn can live a healthy and active lifestyle through outdoor recreation and access to natural space.

Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation

Wyoming’s Office of Outdoor Recreation aims to diversify Wyoming’s economy by expanding, enhancing, and promoting responsible recreational opportunities through collaboration, outreach, and coordination with stakeholders, landowners, private industry, and public officials.

Preferred Academic Partners

University of Denver Leadership in the Outdoor Recreation Industry

The University of Denver has partnered with the VF Foundation to launch the Outdoor Recreation Industry Program, two interdisciplinary graduate certificates designed for individuals seeking to enter or advance in the outdoor industry.

These graduate certificates, which include courses from the Daniels College of BusinessJosef Korbel School of International Studies and Sturm College of Law, will be taught fully online, including both asynchronous and synchronous content. A “Sprint” format, consisting of focused one-credit courses, will allow students and organizations extensive flexibility to tailor the programs to their specific needs.

Education Members

University of Arkansas

The Undergraduate Outdoor Products and Services Certificate: This 15-credit-hour certificate includes immersive coursework and extensive interaction with industry partners. Beginning in their sophomore year, students in the program will join a three-hour Introduction to Recreation Industries to establish a foundation for the remaining coursework, including economic, environmental, cultural, political and ethical aspects of the industries. Students will then select one of two six-hour tracks — one focused on services, hospitality and experiences, and the other on scalable product ideas.

Oregon State University Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Oregon State University Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy

The Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy is delivering a new kind of workforce development to meet the unique needs of the vast, extremely entrepreneurial, and rapidly growing outdoor recreation industry. Our work Research: We are connecting industry and higher education to undertake research aimed at understanding outdoor recreation workforce needs. Program development: We are uniting industry expertise, academic rigor, and innovative instructional design to deliver engaging and relevant training for every point along the learner’s career journey. Industry engagement: We are partnering with industry stakeholders to identify and respond to workforce training, leadership development and research needs. Higher education outreach: We are spearheading the creation of a national consortium designed to support and coordinate industry-responsive research & development at universities and colleges nationwide.