INDUSTRY CONFERENCE | DAY ONE | MAY 28, 2026

AURARIA CAMPUS | DOWNTOWN DENVER

Buy Industry Pass
Catalyze big ideas with startup founders at this PREMIER pitch competition
Auraria Campus | Denver, CO | May 28, 2026
Buy Industry Pass

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.
Submissions now closed
READ THE RULES & REGULATIONS
Submissions closed February 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM (MT)
Apply Now

FEATURED WORKSHOP:
The Leader’s Work: Reimagining the Foundations of Leadership with Dr. McGlonn

Deepen your Industry Conference experience with an exclusive workshop led by Dr. Kimberly McGlonn—award-winning entrepreneur, author, and leading voice in modern leadership. Dr. McGlonn brings her Build It Boldly framework to Outside Ignite for this immersive session.

In The Leader’s Work, Dr. McGlonn guides leaders through a practical framework rooted in clarity, courage, care, and moral design. Through structured reflection and real-time application, participants will clarify their values, strengthen decision-making in moments of uncertainty, and walk away with an actionable approach to leading with integrity.
‍
‍Learn more about Build It Boldly and the workshop.
See Conference Schedule

IGNITE SCHEDULE

MAY 28, 2026
King Center. Auraria Campus
Denver, CO
9:30 AM
Welcome Remarks & Introduction
Dhani Jones
Managing Member
Qey Capital
Kyle Siegel
Founder & CEO
Raide
2025 Ignite First Prize winner
Sam Degenhard
Founder & CEO
Campfire Ranch
2025 Ignite Runner-up, People’s Choice Award winner
10:00 AM
Pitch Block One (3 finalists)
10:45 AM
30-Minute Networking Break
11:15 AM
Pitch Block Two (3 finalists)
12:00 pm
Lunch
12:30 - 1:15pm

What Actually Wins: Building, Funding & Breaking Through in the Outdoor Economy
Fireside Chat With Outside Ignite Judges Moderated by Porter Montgomery
‍
Porter Montgomery
Program Manager, Business Funding and Incentives Division
OEDIT
1:30pm
Pitch Block Three (2 finalists)
2:15 PM Workshop
The Leader’s Work: Reimagining the Foundations of Leadership
Dr. McGlonn
Founder & CEO
Build it Boldly
3:00 pm
30-Minute Networking Break
3:30 pm
Speaker: Travis Rice
Travis Rice
Professional Snowboarder & Founder
4:00 pm
award Ceremony with Robin Thurston
Robin Thurston
Founder & CEO
Outside Inc.
4:15 pm
Happy Hour & Book Signing with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn

2026 IGNITE FINALISTS

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 $389
Lodging Deals
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 28-29, 2026
Buy Industry Pass

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.

2026 Speakers

Announcing our first round of Attract speakers
See All Industry Speakers
WHO’S COMING

RESORT EXECUTIVES
ACTIVITY PROVIDERS
TOUR OPERATORS
VISITOR BUREAUS
EVENT DIRECTORS

See Conference Schedule
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

SPONSORED BY
GENERAl
About
Press
FAQ
Sponsor
Events
Summer Festival
Industry Conference
Warren Miller
Follow US
© 2025 OUTSIDE DAYS. All rights reserved.
Terms & Conditions
Legal Notice