Shaping the future of our industry's impact, together.

Join us this May 2026 in the stunning lakeside Riva del Garda for the Outdoor Impact Summit, now part of the inaugural European Outdoor Week, a new gathering for the outdoor industry to celebrate progress, innovation, and purpose.  

Building on the success of last year’s event, the 2026 Summit will once again bring together thought leaders from across the outdoor sector to explore how our collective actions can drive real, measurable change for people and the planet.
‍But this year, our theme is clear: No Excuses!

The time for pledges without progress has passed. Together, we’ll focus on turning ambition into accountability, tackling the barriers that slow impact, sharing the solutions that scale, and committing to bold, transparent action across sustainability, circularity, biodiversity, and social responsibility.  

Join us for two days of collaboration and challenge, where we stop talking about what could be done and start actioning... no excuses!  

This event is organised jointly with MagNet:

‍The heart of the summit
‍With the new claim “No Excuses,” the event will take place at the Riva del Garda Congress Centre (ISO 20121 certified, the international standard for sustainable event management) and will officially open the European Outdoor Week, which from May 14 to 19 will transform the Garda Trentino area into an international hub for the outdoor and running world. A week that will engage industry operators, companies, institutions and enthusiasts, creating a unique ecosystem of exchange and cross-pollination. 

Themes and speakers
‍What does “impact” truly mean for the outdoor industry? It is a word that is omnipresent in strategies, reports and marketing claims, yet too often remains abstract. At the Outdoor Impact Summit 2026, the term will be placed under the microscope with a direct, critical and, above all, practical approach. The Summit will open on 14 May with remarks by EOG Director Christian Schneidermeier, welcoming an audience called not only to listen, but to redefine the very boundaries of responsibility within the sector. One of the central topics will be communication: during the “Walk and Talk” session led by Cira Riedel and Anna Rodewald of Greenroom Voice, together with Gabriel Arthur of Suston Magazine, discussions will explore sustainability and responsiblecommunication through an immersive experience in the Riva del Garda area. Amongthe keynote sessions to mark in the agenda is the one held by textileinnovation and sustainability expert Bowie Miles, who will start from aquestion as simple as it is disruptive: who decides what impact really is? Itis not only what positive outcomes are generated, but also what negativeimpacts are avoided or reduced. 

‍Case studies and concrete projects
‍Three case studies will then give tangible substance to the topic: the environmental projects of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), the sustainable transformation of trail running events with Protect Our Winters (POW), and the inclusive approach of Un Para Ltd. There will also be a celebration of the Single Use Plastics Project, with the presentation of results that exceeded initial targets in reducing single-use plastics across the value chain, presented by Verity Hardy (EOG), Debbie Read (Equip) and Marta Pellegrino (VF Corp). 
Among the most anticipated sessions is Pitt Grewe (AllTrails) on the value of public-private partnerships for trail protection, as well as the presentation of the report “Care for the Outdoors” by Fredrik Ekström of Above the Clouds. The central message: trust is fragile, and sustainability must be communicated with credibility, clarity and consistency. Thursday evening will conclude with a networking dinner at Spiaggia degli Olivi, dedicated to speakers and participants - a unique opportunity to exchange viewson the themes discussed and to contribute concretely to the responsible future of the sector. 

Leadership, ESG and inclusive governance
‍The second day of the Summit will open with a presentation by Hannah Worthington (Astraia), sharing the findings of an analysis conducted on 100 leading global brands, highlighting the growing integration of ESG targets into executive remuneration systems. Particular attention will be given to the role of women on boards and the correlation between inclusive governance, financial performance and sustainability outcomes. The topic will be further explored in a panel dedicated to female leadership, featuring Nat Jackson (The Outward Bound Trust), Patagonia and Global Game Shapers, where practical tools to support women’s advancement into governance roles will be shared. 

Circular economy and industrial innovation
‍Significant space will be devoted to circularity as an industrial lever: from end-of-life economics with REJU and Rematrix (featuring Gianluca Pandolfo and Enrico Soffiati), to the design-driven approach promoted by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, and Decathlon’s experience integrating repairability into its retail model. The day will continue with a session dedicated to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), providing an update on the international regulatory framework and highlighting operational implications and strategic opportunities for brands and retailers. The Summit will also address other crucial topics such as responsible withdrawal, led by Fair Wear Foundation; digital traceability with Peak 63 and Swedish Textile & Fashion 2030; and the social consequences of circular transitions, analysed in a panel with SLCP, Textile Exchange, Fair Wear Foundation and BSR. The closing workshop by Astraia Collective will demonstrate how to communicate sustainability credibly, avoiding greenwashing and building trust with stakeholders and consumers.

The Outdoor Impact Summit 2026 will not only be an opportunity to stay up to date on industry trends and challenges, but a true laboratory of ideas, experiences and concrete solutions to drive the sustainable transition of the outdoor industry. Participating means connecting with key industry leaders, exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices and actively contributing to building a more responsible, inclusive and circular future for the entire value chain. 

 Interested in sponsoring the Outdoor Impact Summit, exhibiting or hosting a panel or workshop?
Please get in touch with sophie.offord@europeanoutdoorgroup.com  
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