will speak at conference opening.
(File photo: © Jonathan Maus)
Nearly 300 outdoor industry bigwigs will descend on downtown Vancouver, Washington this week for the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) 2007 Rendezvous event.
According to the OIA, the conference, “provides the outdoor industry with the single most powerful, creative and productive gathering of influential executives and strategic staff members.”
The list of companies and organizations that will attend reads like a who’s who of the outdoor biz.
Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard is set to make an opening address on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Vancouver Hilton, which serves as conference headquarters.
Among the bike-centric companies, people and organizations slated to attend are: Jim Sayer, Executive Director of the Adventure Cycling Association; Megan Tompkins, Editor of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News Magazine; and Jennifer Nolfi, Small Business Advocate/bicycle industry liaison for the Portland Development Commission (PDC).
Attendees will learn the latest industry trends and hear keynotes by a variety of speakers including the CEO of bike-friendly New Belgium Brewing (the folks behind the Tour de Fat).
Also as part of the Rendezvous, the OIA will volunteer to help improve Dubois Park and Blandford Canyon Trail. On Friday, conference volunteers will assist in creating trailhead and paths to existing trails, install new signage, clear trail brush, and rehab the park’s playground.
Check out OutdoorIndustry.org for more info on the conference.