November 1, 2024 Outdoor Product Development. Sustainable and Circular Supply Chains. Material Innovations
With a focus on material innovations, circular economy principles, entrepreneurship, and the connection between health and the outdoors, the project team at Colorado State University aims to develop an industry-informed, interdisciplinary Sustainable Outdoor Product Design and Development certificate. The program will equip learners with the tools to thrive in the evolving outdoor industry through education pathways designed to foster industry-ready skills to create sustainable and circular outdoor products.
Learners will gain valuable skills in systems thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and design technology—all essential for driving innovation and sustainability in outdoor product development.
Join us on Friday, November 1, 2024, for our inaugural event bringing together leaders in industry and academia to discuss and share insights on essential 21st-century workforce skills for the outdoor industry.
Connect and Collaborate: Aligning Higher Education with Outdoor Industry Needs
The project team at Colorado State University is excited to host a half-day Outdoor Industry Networking & Innovation Summit at the CSU Spur campus in Denver. This event is designed to bring together industry professionals, CSU students, faculty, and staff for a unique opportunity to connect and engage with diverse outdoor recreation businesses.
Nov. 1, 2024 11:30a.m. – 4:30p.m.
CSU Spur, Hydro Building
Confluence Theater
4777 National Western Dr.
Denver, CO 80216
This networking event is a crucial first step in understanding the workforce needs of the outdoor industry and establishing connections with a variety of Colorado’s outdoor companies. It will serve as a foundation for the development of industry-informed education, workshops, and the Certificate in Sustainable Outdoor Product Design. Additionally, the summit aims to build a comprehensive education roadmap for the future of the outdoor recreation economy and sustainable product development at Colorado State University.
This event is sponsored in part by funding from the Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grant program through the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Colorado State University System – Spur funding program.
Event Highlights
- Networking Opportunities: Meet and connect with industry professionals and stakeholders at CSU.
- Innovation Insights: Discover the latest trends and technologies shaping the outdoor recreation industry.
- Career Readiness: Engage in discussions on preparing for careers in the outdoor industry and understanding workforce needs.
- Design and Sustainability: Learn about sustainable outdoor product design and development.
- Professional Growth: Explore opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Panel Discussions
Hear directly from industry experts at two panel discussion opportunities.
Panel 1 – Toward a Circular Future: Outdoor Product Innovation with Sustainable Materials and PFAS Alternatives
Panel 2 – Reskilling for Circularity: Preparing Climate-Smart Outdoor Businesses
Panelists include:
- Conor Hall – Director, Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation
- Jonathan Asher – Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness & Disaster Recovery
- Ryan Perry – Product Developer, Obermeyer
- David Dani – Emerging Contaminants Coordinator, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Doug Kobold – Executive Director, California Product Stewardship Council
- Peter Girard – Co-founder and CEO of Toxnot, Managing Director, Supply Chain and Sustainability – 3E
- Christy Bailey – Vice President – Product, Topo Designs
Focus Areas
- Outdoor Product Development
- Digital product creation
- Textiles and material innovations for PFAS-free outdoor products
- Sustainable and Circular Supply Chains
- Sourcing for a better world
- Health and wellbeing
- Entrepreneurship
- Extension
Join us at CSU Spur for a day of meaningful connections, valuable industry insights, and the chance to contribute to the future of the outdoor recreation economy and sustainable product development. This event is a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to foster collaboration and innovation within the outdoor industry.
Register to Attend
Registration for the Outfitting Tomorrow event is now closed. Stay tuned for content recapping the event!