Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) plans to host its annual Capitol Summit on April 28-29, 2026, bringing together leaders from across the U.S. outdoor recreation economy for two days of advocacy, policy engagement and direct dialogue with lawmakers.

“Capitol Summit 2026 offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to connect face-to-face with members of Congress, administration officials and key policymakers to help shape decisions impacting the future of outdoor recreation,” OIA said in a media release.

Following recent developments in federal trade policy and a major Supreme Court ruling affecting tariffs, OIA said it believes this year’s Summit comes at a time of heightened urgency when industry participation is essential in communicating real-world business impacts and advancing practical policy solutions.

Kent Ebersole, president, OIA, added, “There is power in numbers. Now more than ever, it is critical that the outdoor industry shows up united in Washington to advocate for policies that support our businesses, protect public lands and sustain the outdoor economy, which makes up 2.3 percent of the U.S. GDP.”

Capitol Summit attendees will advocate around three core policy priorities in 2026: protecting public lands and outdoor recreation infrastructure, ensuring these places remain in public hands and accessible to all, advancing sensible trade policies while mitigating the impacts of tariffs on the industry, and increasing predictability for businesses and ensuring affordability for American consumers.

The Summit will begin with a full day of programming focused on policy insights and advocacy training, including sessions on:

  • The state of the outdoor industry in Washington
  • The political outlook ahead of the 2026 midterm elections
  • Public lands infrastructure investment, including the urgent need to reauthorize the recently expired Legacy Restoration Fund
  • Trade, tariffs and supply chain challenges

Participants will also take part in a collaborative strategy session to align messaging and prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill.

On Day 2, attendees will put that preparation into action, heading to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with bipartisan members of Congress and their staff. These conversations will highlight the outdoor industry’s significant economic impact, contributing $1.3 trillion in gross output and 2.3 percent of U.S. GDP, serving more than 178 million Americans who recreate each year outdoors, and advocating for policies that support continued growth, stability and access to outdoor spaces.

Designed to move participants from the sidelines to the center of the conversation, the OIA Capitol Summit provides attendees with the tools, training and access needed to effectively advocate for their businesses and the broader outdoor community.

This week, industry leaders won’t just be participating, they’ll be advocating for the future of outdoor recreation, from the businesses that power it to the public lands that make it possible.

Image courtesy Outdoor Industry Association