INDUSTRY CONFERENCE | DAY ONE | MAY 28, 2026

AURARIA CAMPUS | DOWNTOWN DENVER

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Catalyze big ideas with startup founders at this PREMIER pitch competition
Auraria Campus | Denver, CO | May 28, 2026
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turning innovation into impact

Outside Ignite brings together founders, investors, and business leaders for a dynamic startup pitch competition that showcases bold new ideas for outdoor companies and the entrepreneurs behind them.

In 2026, Ignite is expanding to feature eight groundbreaking startups shaping the future of how we play, explore, and connect outdoors. Ignite is much more than a pitch competition—it’s a growing community built on a foundation of big ideas.
Applications Now Open!
We’re seeking startups building innovative solutions that help more people get outside and move the outdoor, wellness, and active lifestyle industries forward.
Eight Finalists to Pitch Live
A selection committee made up of seasoned investors and successful entrepreneurs will review submissions and select eight finalists to present to judges and a live audience in Denver.
One First Place Winner
Following pitches, judges will award one First Place winner a prize valued at $100,000, consisting of combined cash and advertising across the Outside Network. One Runner-Up will also receive a prize valued at $50,000.
One People’s Choice Winner
Outside Ignite audience members will vote to select a People’s Choice Award winner at the conclusion of the pitch competition. The winner will receive a prize valued at $10,000.
A Rising Network of Outdoor Innovators
Judges, finalists and attendees will make lasting connections grounded in their shared passions for the outdoors and forward-thinking business leadership.
Think your idea is worth $100K? Submit today!
READ THE RULES & REGULATIONS
Apply Now
Submissions close February 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM (MT)

our 2026 judges

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch in front of our esteemed judges and receive real-time feedback from leaders shaping our industry.

Jeff Martin

Chief Creative Officer, Karsh Hagan

Lisa Nelson

Board Director & Strategic Advisor

Ariana Ferwerda

Co-Founder & CEO, Halfdays

Laura Medina

Partner, Cooley LLP

Mel Strong

Managing Partner, NEXT VENTURES

John Spinale

Managing Partner, JAZZ Venture Partners

“

It was really inspiring to see such a breadth of ideas in the outdoor space and so many great entrepreneurs chasing after them.”

John Spinale
Managing partner, JAZZ Venture Partners, 2025 & 2026 IGNITE Judge

2026 SELECTION COMMITTEE

2025 First Prize Winner, Kyle Siegel, CEO and Founder, Raide

2025 Judges, Mel Strong, Managing Partner, NEXT Ventures and Ariana Ferwerda, CEO & Co-Founder, Halfdays

2025 Speaker Dr. Kimberly McGlonn and MC Dhani Jones

2025 People’s Choice and Runner Up Awards Winner Sam Degenhard, CEO, Campfire Ranch, with Keenan Corrigan, REI Path Ahead Ventures

2025 First Prize Winner, Kyle Siegel, CEO, Raide Research and Outside Interactive Inc. CEO, Robin Thurston

2025 Finalists from Campfire Ranch, Salubata, Headquarters, Dockshare, and Raide

SPONSORED BY

Industry conference passes

Limited inventory. All prices subject to change with availability.
2-Day Industry Pass + Friday Festival GA
Includes all Industry Conference programming on Thursday & Friday, plus Friday festival access
4-Day Bundle: Industry Pass + Full Festival GA
Includes all Industry Conference programming on Thursday & Friday, plus Friday, Saturday, Sunday festival GA Access
4-Day Bundle: Industry Pass + Full Festival GA+
Includes all Industry Conference programming on Thursday & Friday, plus Friday, Saturday, Sunday festival GA+ Access
4-Day Bundle: Industry Pass + Full Festival VIP
Includes all Industry Conference programming on Thursday & Friday, plus Friday, Saturday, Sunday festival VIP Access
Included with all Industry Passes

✓ Access to all Industry Conference programming, May 28- 29

✓ Access to Outside Days festival on Friday, May 29

✓ Access to exclusive networking opportunities & industry gatherings at Outside Days

From $289
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Reserve rooms close to the venue at the best prices though our preferred partners
Book Your Stay
Define destination strategy with travel innovators
Auraria Campus | Denver, CO | May 28, 2026
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The ultimate forum for stakeholders across the outdoor travel ecosystem

Every year millions of people travel to some of the world's most incredible outdoor destinations in search of adventure.
‍
At Attract, industry professionals will share data and learnings to inform approaches for delivering incredible experiences that lure new visitors and bring them back again and again.
WHO’S COMING

RESORT EXECUTIVES
ACTIVITY PROVIDERS
TOUR OPERATORS
VISITOR BUREAUS
EVENT DIRECTORS

KEY TOPICS:
ANALYTICS
Learn how to pool your data to better forecast visitation to make rate, marketing, and staffing decisions.
MARKETING
Understand new ways to find and target new travelers and spur past visitors to return.
PARTNERSHIPS
Explore how every member of a destination's economy can work together to create unforgettable experiences.
EVENTS
Discover the best ways to leverage events to keep visitation high throughout the year.
ECOMMERCE
Identify ways to better help visitors book experiences across the destination.
TRENDS
Get up to speed on the economic, travel, and tech trends impacting destinations.

Experiences are Driving GROWth...

56M

Americans traveled for activity in 2023

→

$52B

Generating $52B in
direct spend

70%

of millennials & Gen Z willing to pay a premium for experiences aligned with personal passions

...but it takes strategy to maximize impact

CONVENED BY
Create what’s next with endurance event organizers AND partners
Auraria Campus | Denver, CO | May 28, 2026
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Powering the people behind every starting line.

We’re convening teams from iconic races, national governing bodies, and market-leading brands to align around supporting endurance athletes and the events that bring them together.

This day-long forum is designed exclusively for event professionals with a blend of education, connection, and inspiration. Formats include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and breakout workshops.

who

EVENT DIRECTORS
‍
Event Service Providers
‍
ENDURANCE ATHLETES
‍
Endurance Brands
‍
Community Tourism Partners

WHY

To connect brands and industry partners with decision makers driving participation, innovation, and growth.

To lead conversations that drive progress, education, and collaboration.

To rally around ideas that lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more impactful events.

WHAT

Turning races into destination events

Using AI to improve event planning, communication, and marketing

Maximizing sponsorship opportunities and value

Building strong relationships with municipalities and destinations

Harnessing the value of race photography to drive revenue

Creating experiences that drive demand & repeat registrations
FEATURED SPEAKERS AND PROGRAMMING DETAILS COMING IN EARLY 2026
CONVENED BY
GENERAl
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