Camber Outdoors, the active-outdoor industries organization that works to elevate and accelerate women’s leadership and participation in the outdoors, announced the sponsors and partners for Pitchfest 2017, which will take place on July 25 at Petzl headquarters near Salt Lake City.
Camber Outdoors Pitchfest drives innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among women with a passion for the outdoors. This year’s seven finalists will pitch their business plans to some of the industry’s most influential CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders and receive mentorship and coaching leading up to the event.
Now in its third year, Pitchfest will be funded in part by The REI Foundation’s Mary Anderson Legacy Grant, as it has since its beginning. This year’s event will also be co-sponsored by Perkins Coie and Backcountry, and through a partnership with Brandlive, Pitchfest 2017 will be live streamed for wider exposure.
“The REI Foundation’s generous support of Camber Outdoors and Pitchfest, specifically, has enabled us to elevate 19 women-owned companies over the past two years and accelerate their development and growth,” said Deanne Buck, executive director of Camber Outdoors. “With this year’s additional co-sponsors and partners, Perkins Coie, Backcountry, and Brandlive, we’ll be able to support seven more women entrepreneurs and make an even bigger impact.”
“Pitchfest continues to bring the outdoor industry’s most innovative ideas by women entrepreneurs to the forefront,” said Laura Swapp, REI’s director of public affairs and next generation marketing. “REI is a proud, longtime supporter of Camber Outdoors, and we’re excited to see this year’s breakthrough ideas from another group of passionate women leaders.”
“Advancing diversity in the startup community is a firmwide effort, which is why we created the LeadBetter program and are doing our part to help level the playing field by supporting Camber Outdoors’ mission and Pitchfest event,” said Buddy Arnheim, co-chair of the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Practice at Perkins Coie. “We also are passionate about outdoor recreation, personally and professionally, so we’re enjoying the synergies we share with Camber Outdoors.”
“We have worked closely with Camber Outdoors for several years to establish our Backcountry Women’s Leadership Coalition, and Camber has been an amazing thought partner and support network for us, said Diana Seung, EVP of merchandising at Backcountry. “It was a natural decision to extend our impact to the outdoor community by co-sponsoring Pitchfest. It is an inspiring event that provides talented women an opportunity to break into the outdoor industry and brings together industry leaders to support their products and initiatives. We are honored to participate.”
“Live video is the most authentic and scalable way for brands to connect with their audiences, and share the stories that matter,” said Brandlive CEO Fritz Brumder. “We’re proud to partner with Camber Outdoors for Pitchfest 2017 and look forward to seeing how live video can increase exposure for these women entrepreneurs and their brands.”
Learn more or register for the event or live stream here.
Photo courtesy Camber Outdoors
