Innovate Alabama to Host First-Ever Outdoor Recreation Summit on Earth Day, Showcasing State’s Leadership in Outdoor Industry Growth

Birmingham, Ala. – (APRIL 9, 2025) – Innovate Alabama is set to host its inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit on April 21-22, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to showcase Alabama’s leadership in outdoor recreation. Taking place at Guntersville State Park, a central convening point in the state, the conference will underscore how outdoor recreation is a driving force in talent attraction and retention, economic development and entrepreneurial innovation in Alabama.  

Alabama’s outdoor recreation industry is a powerhouse, supporting over 65,000 jobs and generating $3 billion in wages and salaries, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. With 46.2% of Alabama residents actively participating in outdoor recreation, the state has a thriving outdoor culture that fuels both economic impact and quality of life. The Outdoor Recreation Summit will build on this momentum, bringing together experts and leaders to drive further investment in the state’s outdoor economy. 

Aligned with Earth Day, the Outdoor Recreation Summit will highlight Alabama’s commitment to investing in outdoor infrastructure, fostering business growth, and elevating the state’s outdoor lifestyle to strengthen its workforce pipeline. This event supports one of Innovate Alabama’s key pillars, Lifestyle & Recreation, reinforcing the organization’s work to help innovators put down roots in Alabama by leveraging the state’s abundant natural assets.  

“The Outdoor Recreation Summit is an opportunity to solidify Alabama’s position as a leader in this rapidly growing industry,” said T.C. McLemore, executive director of outdoor recreation programs at Innovate Alabama. “By bringing together community leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, we’re not just talking about outdoor recreation—we’re actively shaping its future in Alabama.”  

The Summit, sponsored by Alabama Power, will feature two tailored tracks designed to engage a wide range of participants, from local governments and nonprofits to budding entrepreneurs: 

• Practitioners & Communities: A conference-style track for municipalities, state agencies and nonprofits focused on expanding outdoor recreation. Sessions will cover trail development, water access and grant funding strategies to enhance recreation opportunities across the state.  

• Entrepreneurs Bootcamp: A hands-on, intensive bootcamp led by Founded Outdoors, designed for individuals interested in launching or scaling outdoor recreation businesses. 

“The Alabama Power Foundation is pleased to sponsor Innovate Alabama’s Outdoor Recreation Summit,” said Staci Brown Brooks, president of the Alabama Power Foundation and vice president of Charitable Giving for Alabama Power. “We believe the Summit supports our shared goals by providing transformative opportunities for the people of our state. We are honored to assist Innovate Alabama as they bring together amazing partners and drive economic opportunity. 

The Outdoor Recreation Summit will convene state agencies, local officials and private sector leaders to explore new pathways for investment in outdoor recreation. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will be among the organizations offering insights into workforce development and outdoor affinity-building programs.  

In addition to these programming tracks, attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with SEEK AL, Innovate Alabama’s outdoor recreation marketing campaign designed to position Alabama as a top destination for outdoor adventure and innovation. Activations will include the SEEK van, VR headsets and an outdoor recreation asset map. 

In addition to interactive programming, the Summit will feature networking opportunities, keynote addresses and a resource expo where organizations can showcase internship and job opportunities—helping keep talent in Alabama for the summer and beyond.  

Registration & Event Details: 

• Date: Monday, April 21 – Tuesday, April 22  

• Location: Guntersville, Alabama  

• Registration Deadline: April 14 

For more information and to register for the Outdoor Recreation Summit, visit here.  

About Innovate Alabama  

Innovate Alabama is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots here in Alabama. Innovate Alabama was established to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the Alabama Innovation Commission’s report, including smart policy solutions that will create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world. With founding CEO Cynthia Crutchfield leading the charge, Innovate Alabama is also made up of a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey, collaborating across sectors to advance industries, drive technology and facilitate an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. Learn more about Innovate Alabama at www.innovatealabama.org.