Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy is now on the map! In late April 2026, the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania (OBA PA) debuted with its first-ever Industry Expo and Summit. The summit marks the culmination of a year-long, statewide effort called Elevate Outdoors PA that brought together hundreds of industry voices, from outfitters to economic developers to provide input and guidance on the creation of an organization representing outdoor recreation businesses. It also reflected decades of growing momentum that was amplified in 2023 with the launch of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. For the first time, state government has capacity to grow the outdoor recreation economy.
OBA PA’s mission is this: champion the needs of the state’s outdoor recreation sector and fuel business growth, innovation, and connection. Led by executive director Silas Chamberlin and a 13-member board, the inaugural gathering landed in State College. An outdoor business industry expo kicked it off on a brisk, overcast Sunday at the base of Tussey Mountain, where brands, makers, guides, and adventure organizations came together to celebrate and support the state’s outdoor scene.
The crowd was modest but the vibe enthusiastic: engaging interactions at display tables and exhibits (KTA clocked 85 visitors), positive energy, and plenty of meaningful connections. And this wasn’t only for businesses — nonprofits and partners working alongside and in conjunction with the industry were in the mix too, making this first expo a true cross-section of Pennsylvania’s outdoor community.
The summit conference kicked off on Monday morning with rousing keynotes as 200 folks gathered at the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center. As a relative newcomer to the outdoor rec biz, it was exciting to hear the enthusiasm expressed by Silas Chamberlin in his opening remarks, “Finally we’re here! And what took us so long?” This gathering was apparently way overdue because basically outdoor rec really matters. As of March 2026, outdoor recreation drives 2% of Pennsylvania’s GDP — about $20.4 billion — and supports more than 177,000 jobs. The sector grew by $1.5 billion in 2024, outpacing national trends. Outdoor rec is more than just a good time.
In addition to Silas, the morning kicked off with comments by Nathan Reigner (Director, PA Office of Outdoor Recreation), and keynote by brilliant PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Adam Dunn who thanked us for championing PA’s outdoor recreation economy (and PA has so much to offer, we’re the northeast’s best kept secret). In typical, delightful Secretary Dunn fashion, she also reminded us to pause and listen to the yellow warbler singing outside. Plenary panels followed with lots of outdoor rec heavy hitters literally at the table and addressing outdoor economy trends and emerging issues.
The sessions were well-facilitated, interactive, and informative, and addressed useful topics, such as access to capital, private businesses on public land, health & wellness, working with content creators, capturing and interpreting tourism data, advocacy, and the power of collaboration. PA’s outdoor recreation economy is truly a web. PA has fantastic natural resources (including ~2.3 million acres of public land), which need tending and protecting from threats ranging from development to climate change. We know time outside tends to boost mental and physical health, so how can outdoor recreation be more welcoming and respectful of people with different interests, abilities, and backgrounds who want to explore our parks, forests, and waterways?
Lunchtime keynote Jenna Celmer encouraged us to reach beyond our state boundaries with digital partnerships and utilize platforms like Basecamp Outdoor when looking to post, or apply for, outdoor job opportunities.
Tuesday morning keynote featured Ta Enos, Author and founding CEO of Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., the nonprofit backbone of the PA Wilds, a 13-county conservation landscape in north central Pennsylvania that encompasses over 2 million acres of public land and some of the Commonwealth’s most rural communities.
Ta highlighted Placemaker Colab Solution. In plain terms, the Placemaker CoLab is about helping local artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and businesses team up to create place-based products and services, involve regional manufacturers to develop high-quality products, then sell them through a shared platform. This connects customers directly to rural producers & businesses. It’s all about revenue flowing into these communities. Keep an eye on this. Better yet, support them, or collaborate.
Tuesday wrapped with a choose-your-own-adventure: go behind the scenes at two thriving outdoor manufacturers (Organic Climbing Company and DiamondBack Covers) or visit Rothrock State Forest and learn about the development of 47 miles of new natural surface trails aimed to create more skill-equitable trails in the forest.
In closing, expect more energy and action from OBA PA. If your work intersects with outdoor recreation, join the fun. Explore their website and upcoming events, peruse articles, and sign up for ENews. Put the next Summit on your calendar – it was well worth my time.
To learn more:
PA’s State Outdoor Recreation Plan