Beer:Thirty! is OOAs flagship networking event since 2014. Bringing together industry professionals, founders, makers and doers to support Oregon's robust $8.4B outdoor industry.
What to expect:
Networking with the local outdoor industry community ✔
Presentations & speakers from brands or industry leaders ✔
Raffles with outdoor industry prizes from our members and partners ✔
A free beer or N/A beverage for each guest ✔
Network with southern Oregon outdoor manufacturers, outfitters and guides, trail and advocacy groups, and destination marketing organizations.
5:30-6:00pm: Networking, new member sign-ups
6:00-6:45pm: Presentation and Discussion - The Outdoor Recreation Economy and Southern Oregon University | Dr. Chad Thatcher (details below)
6:45-7:30pm: Social and Networking
Let’s make our voices heard in Salem and Portland. We have ideas and are looking for more.
The Outdoor Recreation Economy and Southern Oregon University | Dr. Chad Thatcher
Outdoor recreation has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the outdoor recreation economy contributing nearly $700 billion to U.S. GDP, making it larger than industries such as mining, agriculture, and the performing arts.
Southern Oregon sits in the heart of this economy. With destinations like Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue River, and the Klamath-Siskiyou region, the Rogue Valley attracts visitors from around the world seeking outdoor experiences.
But outdoor recreation depends on more than landscapes, it requires a skilled workforce. Guides, outdoor educators, recreation managers, and environmental interpreters are essential to making these experiences safe, meaningful, and economically sustainable.
This talk will explore the latest economic data on outdoor recreation, discuss how it shapes the regional economy of Southern Oregon, and highlight the role that Southern Oregon University plays in preparing the next generation of outdoor leaders through its Outdoor Adventure Leadership program.
The goal of the conversation is to share information and hear from those working in the outdoor economy. We want to gather input from guides, outfitters, nonprofits, agencies, and businesses about how Southern Oregon University can better support the people and organizations that power the outdoor recreation economy in our region.
Join us for a conversation about the outdoor recreation economy and why Southern Oregon is uniquely positioned to help shape its future.
All Beer:Thirty! Networking events are FREE for active OOA Members. Not an OOA Member? Sign up here.
$15 for Non-Members.
