New Events to Feature Colorado Small Businesses

DENVER – Today, Gov. Polis and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), joined Outside Interactive Inc., Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Visit Denver to preview the second annual Outside Festival and Summit taking place in Denver May 29 - June 1, 2025. This growing flagship event promotes access to Colorado's incredible outdoors while highlighting the contributions of the outdoor recreation industry to the state's thriving economy, including new opportunities to showcase Colorado's small businesses.

"Colorado's great outdoors industry is one of our state's critical economic drivers, as well as a path for so many Coloradans and visitors to enjoy our wild, open spaces. This festival celebrates all things outdoors in Colorado and we are excited for another great year. I hope to see my fellow Coloradans coming out to enjoy the festival," said Governor Jared Polis.

"In 2023, the outdoor recreation industry contributed $17.2 billion to our state's economy, compared to $13.9 billion just the year before. This growth underscores the vital role the sector plays in generating job growth and stimulating local economies. The Outside Festival is a powerful way to expand this momentum, while ensuring more people have equitable access to the outdoors," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.

Last year, the inaugural Outside Festival drew 18,000 attendees, 40% of whom came from outside of Denver and 20% from outside the state. Thirty-one percent of ticket buyers identified as BIPOC, and the Festival generated an estimated $16 million in economic impact. The Outside Summit, which convened outdoor leaders, government officials, prominent influencers and tech innovators to discuss the future of the outdoor recreation industry, drew 500 participants, 47% of whom came from out of state.

"The inaugural Outside Festival exceeded our expectations, drawing people from across the state and beyond to celebrate Colorado's incredible outdoors," said OREC Director Conor Hall. "Like the outdoor recreation industry as a whole, this growing event is an important economic driver. We are thrilled to support its development while promoting Colorado's small businesses and increasing equitable and safe access to the outdoors."

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This year, the Festival will include two new opportunities to showcase the small businesses so essential to Colorado's outdoor recreation industry:

• Camp Colorado - A new exhibit space within the Outside Festival will feature outdoor recreation industry businesses, nonprofits and destinations from across the state, giving attendees the opportunity to explore Colorado products and services designed to get more people outdoors.
• Outside Ignite - As part of the Outside Summit, outdoor industry and active lifestyle startups will have the opportunity to hone their business pitches, gain valuable exposure and compete for a prize worth $100,000.

A Community Engagement Council established last year and chaired by OREC will continue to support outreach to youth and communities that have historically encountered barriers to participation in outdoor recreation, including partnerships with organizations like Adaptive Adventures, Great Outdoors Colorado, Next 100 and many more.

"Last year's Outside Festival and Summit created an inspiring space for outdoor enthusiasts, seasoned adventurers, and visionary leaders to connect and celebrate Colorado's incredible outdoors and the strength of our national industry," said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive. "We're thrilled to host an even bigger event this year, continuing to build this vital community, expand outdoor access, and drive economic growth within our category."

This Outside Festival is driven by a partnership between OREC, Outside Interactive Inc., and VISIT DENVER, sponsored by Capital One and REI Co-Op. To support the festival's continued development, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $350,000 to help implement the 2025 event. Outside and the State of Colorado invite the entire outdoor community to join this celebration of the spirit of adventure, music, and togetherness at the Outside Festival this summer in Denver. For more information, including tickets, please visit www.theoutsidefestival.com.

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About Outside Interactive Inc.

Outside Interactive Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and reward. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its network of 25 media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside's mission is to get everyone outside. Outside's subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more to help people experience healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Learn more at outsideinc.com.

About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau

Celebrating 115 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 36.3 million visitors in 2022, generating $9.4 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city's largest industries. Learn more about Denver on the VISIT DENVER website or at Tourism Pays Denver.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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