SHR at the 2025 Outdoor Economy Conference
This September, Executive Director Kelly Holdbrooks attended the 6th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, NC—an event that brought together hundreds of leaders from conservation, business, education, and government to explore the theme: “Investing in the Ecosystem.”
The conference featured four core tracks—People, Communities, Businesses, and the Natural World—each emphasizing the interconnectedness of outdoor spaces and economic vitality. Through workshops, field visits, and cross-sector summits, attendees examined how outdoor recreation can drive sustainable growth, support workforce development, and foster resilient communities.
Key Takeaways from the Conference Sessions:
- Community Engagement & Equity: Strategies for inclusive access and local partnerships.
- Long-Term Planning & Adaptability: Climate-resilient infrastructure and land use planning.
- Funding & Policy Innovation: Public-private partnerships and outdoor recreation grants.
- Workforce Development: Training programs and career pathways in conservation.
- Data & Emerging Trends: Visitor analytics and biodiversity mapping for smarter decisions.
Holdbrooks said the conference was powerful in that it highlighted so many different practitioners, industries, and communities involved in public land, from politicians, to eco-tourism, to conservationists, to recreationists, to land managers.
“It’s an interesting time in modernity when culture meets ecology,” she said. “So often we are all working with our heads down doing the good work, and this conference offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, learn, and connect with others who love the mountains. It will take this village and many more to help steward the land for future generations.”