Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has successfully concluded its 2026 Capitol Summit on April 28–29, convening more than 60 leaders from across the $1.3 trillion (about $4,000 per person in the U.S.) outdoor recreation economy for two days of advocacy, collaboration, and direct engagement with federal policymakers. 

OIA said this year’s event was held at a critical moment for the industry, with the timing of the Summit advancing unified momentum around reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund, accelerating EXPLORE Act implementation, and driving greater certainty in trade and tariff policy for outdoor businesses. 

“Capitol Summit 2026 demonstrated the power of this industry when we show up together with clarity and purpose,” said Kent Ebersole, president, Outdoor Industry Association. “We brought a cohesive voice to Washington at a time when it matters most, reinforcing that the outdoor industry is both a major economic force and a bipartisan policy partner. The work doesn’t stop here, this momentum will carry forward as we continue building relationships, advancing solutions, and ensuring the outdoor economy remains strong and public lands remain accessible for the long term.”  

 

Key Outcomes & Highlights 

During the two-day event, the outdoor leadership participants: 

  • Held 50 meetings with members of Congress and their staff, bringing a strong, unified voice to the issues shaping outdoor businesses, communities, and the future of outdoor recreation.
  • Met with senior staff at the Office of the United States Trade Representative to share brand stories of the negative impact the current trade environment is having on our bottom-line.
  • Advanced discussions on key policy priorities, including: Protecting public lands and outdoor infrastructure, addressing trade and tariff challenges and strengthening the outdoor recreation economy.
  • Participated in sessions covering topics such as the state of the outdoor industry in Washington, D.C.; public lands and infrastructure investment; reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund;EXPLORE Act implementation; trade and tariff policy; and effective advocacy strategies.
  • Collectively, attendees represented businesses serving more than 183 million Americans whoparticipate in outdoor recreation, contributing to an industry that accounts for 2.4 percent of U.S. GDP.

OIA said industry leaders reinforced a clear message across those conversations: The future of the outdoor economy depends on policies that expand access to the outdoors, strengthen recreation infrastructure, support public lands, and create a more stable and predictable environment for businesses to plan, invest, and grow. 

“Advocacy is most effective when it connects policy to real businesses, real communities, and the places people love,” said Taldi Harrison, head of Government Affairs, Outdoor Industry Association. “Capitol Summit gives outdoor industry leaders the tools, confidence, and relationships to engage directly with policymakers, and helps ensure those conversations continue well beyond Washington, D.C.”  

Participant Voices
Participants reportedly echoed a clear call for ongoing engagement to shape the policies that impact the industry’s future.  

“There has never been a more important time for the outdoor industry to engage in policy conversations that shape access, infrastructure, and the future of public lands,” said Whitney Potter Schwartz, SVP, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. 

“If tomorrow is the only time we engage, we’ve missed the opportunity – this work requires ongoing relationships and consistent advocacy,” added Charles Cooper, founder and managing partner, Brumidi Group. 

“Tariffs and trade uncertainty are not abstract challenges—they directly impact how we plan, price, and grow our businesses,” emphasized Cassie Abel, founder and CEO,Wild Rye. “Correcting this starts with showing up and making the real-world impact impossible to ignore. And we’re starting to see that pay off.” 

Day-by-Day Recap 

Day 1: Preparation & Alignment 

  • Attendees participated in programming focused on policy education and advocacy preparation, including sessions on:
  • The stateof the outdoor industry in Washington 
  • The political outlook ahead of the 2026 midterm elections
  • Public lands infrastructure and funding needs
  • Trade and supply chain challenges

The day concluded with a collaborative strategy session to align messaging and prepare for Capitol Hill meetings. 

Day 2: Capitol Hill Advocacy in Action 

Participants met directly with bipartisan members of Congress and their staff, sharing real-world business perspectives and advocating policies that support economic growth, stability, and access to outdoor recreation. 

These meetings underscored the industry’s role in supporting more than 183 million Americans who recreate outdoors each year. 

OIA said the Capitol Summit reinforced the outdoor industry’s collective commitment to showing up, speaking with a united voice, and shaping policies that impact businesses, communities, and public lands nationwide. The Summit served as a powerful reminder that the outdoor industry has both the economic strength and shared purpose to matter in Washington – and that collective advocacy drives real progress.  

“We brought our best voice to Washington at a time when it matters most,” said Kent Ebersole. “But Capitol Summit is just the starting point. We will continue building on this momentum through sustained engagement with policymakers and by ensuring the outdoor industry remains a strong, consistent voice in Washington.” 

Images Outdoor Industry Association