Great Lakes Outdoor Summit
October 24-26 in Duluth, Minnesota
Three days of learning, networking, and adventuring with hundreds of regional outdoor recreation advocates and enthusiasts!
General Information
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Join Us
October 24-26, 2024
Duluth, MinnesotaHosted by the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance, the Great Lakes Outdoor Summit draws people from across the region to help build new collaborative partnerships.
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At a Glance
Thursday, October 24
Technical trainings + live podcast recording and socialFriday, October 25
12 Sessions + Keynote + NetworkingSaturday, October 26
Outdoor field trips led by local outdoor recreation organizations. -
Lodging
We have partnered with the Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown to provide discounted room rates for Summit attendees.Centrally located, Holiday Inn & Suites is within walking distance to the summit and many area attractions, connected by a climate controlled skywalk system.
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Travel + Accessibility
Friday summit sessions will be hosted at the Harbor Side Convention Center at the DECC in Duluth, Minnesota overlooking Lake Superior, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and landmarks of Canal Park.Click below to learn more about accessibility, driving directions, the skywalk system, and parking.
Schedule
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CPR/First Aid/AED Training
Thursday, October 24
1-3 p.m. Holiday Inn DowntownSpace is limited + registration necessary. $79/participant.
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The Dirtbag Diaries Podcast Live Recording
Thursday, October 24
5-8 p.m. West Theatre$20 in advance, $25 at the door. Open to the public. Not included in summit registration, all summit attendees must purchase a ticket.
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Summit Sessions + Keynote
Friday, October 25
DECC Harbor Side Convention CenterFull day conference including 12 sessions, keynote, lunch entertainment, 40+ exhibitors, and a happy hour social.
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Summit Inspired Adventures + Field Trips
Saturday, October 25
All day, various locationsCome bike, hike, or ride during the summit. Exclusive for Summit attendees.
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Level 1 Leave No Trace Certificate
Saturday, Oct. 26 + Sunday, Oct. 27 from 9-5 p.m. Morgan Park Community Center
Space is limited, registration necessary. $5/participant, includes 2-year certificate.
Summit Highlights
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Session Schedule
We have a stacked lineup of 12 sessions led by over 20 outdoor industry professionals.Topic categories include:
Community Engagement
Capacity Building
Environmental Stewardship
Outdoor Recreation Economy
Government + Policy
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Session Presenters
A melting pot of nonprofit Executive Directors, regional activists and lobbyists, state agency representatives, and even Minnesota’s Senior Climatologist… our presenters are impressive and the work they carry out is inspiring. -
Keynote Speaker
Connor Ryan is an Indigenous activist, passionate skier, and filmmaker. He has devoted his life and platform to rediscovering how traditional Indigenous culture and ecological knowledge can shape our relationship to the lands we relate to through skiing, life, and adventure. -
Lunch Performance
Join Young-Nam Kim, Artistic Director at Northern Lights Chamber Music Institute, and his students for a very special lunch presentation and performance, Bringing Music Off the Page and Into the North Woods. Come learn, experience, and appreciate the many parallels between a string quartet and a living ecosystem.
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"Unless" Award
One of the reasons we come together is to celebrate and recognize regional leaders within the outdoor recreation community. The Judy Gibbs "Unless" Award now serves as an annual recognition of exemplary service and outstanding achievements, and we are excited to honor the 2024 recipient at this year’s summit. -
Exhibitors
Network with nearly 40 regional and national outdoor recreation organizations, user groups, retailers, and agencies at the Great Lakes Outdoor Summit. Throughout the day, these groups will be tabling to share their work and answer your questions.
Get Involved
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Sponsor the Summit
Sponsors make the summit possible! Have your brand seen by hundreds of land managers, agencies, retail businesses, nonprofits, and community members.Sponsorships due September 15, 2024
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Volunteer
We are looking for extra hands to help with pre-summit logistics, during the Thursday social at the West Theatre, and during the full day of sessions on Friday, October 25 at the DECC. Help make the summit a success! -
Welcome to Duluth,
we love it here and hope you do too.
We put together some of our favorite LOCAL restaurants, gear shops, breweries, and more. Check out our Duluth Field Guide to see what adventures await at the 2024 Great Lakes Outdoor Summit.
