Outdoor Industry Leaders to Convene in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Summit 2026

April 14, 2026

Event empowers industry voices to engage directly with policymakers on trade, public lands, and recreation policy

WASHINGTON, DC (April 14, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will host its annual Capitol Summit on April 28-29, 2026, bringing together influential leaders from across the $1.3T outdoor recreation economy for two days of advocacy, policy engagement, and direct dialogue with lawmakers.

At a pivotal moment marked by trade instability and expiring investments in public lands infrastructure, Capitol Summit 2026 offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to connect face-to-face with members of Congress, administration officials, and key policymakers to help shape decisions impacting the future of outdoor recreation.

“There is power in numbers,” said Kent Ebersole, president of OIA. “Now more than ever, it is critical that the outdoor industry shows up united in Washington to advocate for policies that support our businesses, protect public lands, and sustain the outdoor economy, which makes up 2.3% of US GDP.”

Following recent developments in federal trade policy and a major Supreme Court ruling affecting tariffs, this year’s Summit comes at a time of heightened urgency when industry participation is essential in communicating real-world business impacts and advancing practical policy solutions.

Capitol Summit attendees will advocate around three core policy priorities in 2026: protecting public lands and outdoor recreation infrastructure – ensuring these places remain in public hands and accessible to all – advancing sensible trade policies while mitigating the impacts of tariffs on the industry, to increase predictability for business and ensure affordability for American consumers.

The Summit will begin with a full day of programming focused on policy insights and advocacy training, including sessions on:

• The state of the outdoor industry in Washington
• The political outlook ahead of the 2026 midterm elections
• Public lands infrastructure investment, including the urgent need to reauthorize the recently expired Legacy Restoration Fund
• Trade, tariffs, and supply chain challenges

Participants will also take part in a collaborative strategy session to align messaging and prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill.

On Day 2, attendees will put that preparation into action, heading to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with bipartisan members of Congress and their staff. These conversations will highlight the outdoor industry’s significant economic impact, contributing $1.3 trillion in output and 2.3% of U.S. GDP and serving more than 178 million Americans who recreate outdoors each year, while advocating for policies that support continued growth, stability, and access to outdoor spaces.

Designed to move participants from the sidelines to the center of the conversation, the OIA Capitol Summit allows attendees to gain the tools, training, and access needed to effectively advocate for their businesses and the broader outdoor community.

This week, industry leaders won’t just be participating, they’ll be advocating for the future of outdoor recreation, from the businesses that power it to the public lands that make it possible.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Media Contact

Chris Denny / Denny, ink. / chris@dennyink.com