As the outdoor industry continues to grapple with the intersecting challenges of climate change, circularity and responsible growth, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) is taking bold action. On May 19–20, 2025, the organization will host the inaugural Outdoor Impact Summit in Munich – a new platform designed to unite thought leaders, brands and changemakers committed to shaping a more sustainable and collaborative future for the sector. We sat down with Sophie Offord, Events Manager at EOG, and Dr. Katy Stevens, Head of CSR and Sustainability, to learn more about the goals behind the Summit, what attendees can expect from the program, and why now is the time for the industry to move from conversation to action.

The OIC: What was the initial vision behind launching the Outdoor Impact Summit, and how did the concept come together?

Sophie Offord

Sophie Offord

Sophie Offord (SO): We had a real interest from our membership base in hosting an in-person event this year, to give them and the wider industry a chance to meet face to face, network, and learn and discuss important topics together. With the absence of OutDoor in 2025, a lot of the feedback we got was that our members – and others - really value the content we host at the trade shows, so we thought we would create an opportunity to showcase some of the speakers who we would normally host at the trade shows.

Dr Katy Stevens, EOG head of CSR and sustainability h&s

Dr Katy Stevens

Dr. Katy Stevens (KS): We know that when the industry gets together, this is when the magic happens, and now, more than ever, as the demands on the time and energy of people increase, we need to keep up the collaborative spirit, but also focus on some good things. For many in the sector, life currently feels quite demanding and busy, and we need a moment to stop and focus on a bit of hope and inspiration. The Outdoor Impact Summit will deliver that.

How would you describe the primary purpose and goals of the inaugural event in Munich?

SO: Togetherness – gathering the industry under one roof to learn, discuss and shape our sector’s future.

“The shaping of the summit schedule was really member-led” – Sophie Offord

Sustainability is a core theme. How is the Summit addressing the pressing challenges the outdoor industry faces in this area?

SO: We sent a survey out to our membership base to understand what areas of sustainability or impacts our members would like to hear about and learn from. This is how we landed on an agenda that covers our three main topics – biodiversity, circularity and policy and compliance. The shaping of the summit schedule was really member-led.

The program includes a diverse range of sessions. Which topics or panels are you personally most excited about, and why?

SO: I am really excited about the biodiversity section. The introductory panel from Patagonia will explain how and why we can use business as an activism multiplier. Then this will be followed by a workshop hosted by the brilliant Bowie Miles, providing actionable strategies that we can implement in our organizations across the outdoor industry

KS: From my side, I am looking forward to the policy section. As we are all aware, this is a rapidly evolving area and so it will be great to hear from the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) about the changing priorities of the new European Commission, which will undoubtedly shape what’s coming in the next few years. I am also happy that we are digging into the French regulations, something I repeatedly receive questions about, and even more so that we will be hearing details on industry approaches.

Read more about the first Outdoor Impact Summit here

How were the speakers and contributors selected, and what kind of expertise can attendees expect to engage with?

KS: The speakers were selected based on the feedback from the members’ questionnaire. We are fortunate to have access to a very knowledgeable network, and for each topic, we have a strong mix of thought leaders and practical examples from industry. Among our members, we increasingly see that they want to bounce things off each other, to hear how others have interpreted legislation, or start to implement a specific task. So we really have a great mix of new knowledge, ideas and best practice examples.

“We don’t want this to be just another ‘come and listen’ event, but for the participants to really go away with roadmaps and action plans” – Dr. Katy Stevens

What specific outcomes or actions do you hope the Summit will spark across the industry?

SO: Discussion, learning from each other, and implementable strategies, plans and tactics that organizations can take away.

KS: Yes, we don’t want this to be just another ‘come and listen’ event, but for the participants to really go away with roadmaps and action plans, as well as the inspiration to start implementing the ideas.

One key value of industry events is fostering collaboration. What networking opportunities are built into the Summit experience?

SO: We will kick start the summit with a ‘Hike and Talk’ hosted by Green Room Voice and Suston, an opportunity to take in some green spaces along the river and discuss topics as we move. We then have welcome drinks, and a drinks & dinner on Monday evening, with music courtesy of Deuter! Then Salomon has kindly sponsored numerous coffee breaks throughout the summit, when attendees can gather in our activation area to learn and explore our organization’s mini stands, as well as relax in the Helinox seating area.

“If our attendees see its value, we will certainly explore hosting the event again next year” – Sophie Offord

How do you envision the Outdoor Impact Summit evolving in the future  –  will it become an annual event?

SO: We hope so. If our attendees see its value, we will certainly explore hosting the event again next year, focusing on key topics of the moment.

Sophie, as events manager, how are you engaging the EOG membership around this event – and what’s been the response so far?

SO: Prior to the event, we sent out a survey to our membership base to understand what topics they wanted to hear about and learn about, as well as what might be the key takeaways they would want from such an event. Through this and other engagements, our members have been an integral part of curating our agenda, and they will also be central to the success of this event.

“Now it’s really time to roll up our sleeves and get stuck into the implementation” – Dr. Katy Stevens

Katy, you’ve led sustainability initiatives at the EOG for years. How does the Summit reflect the evolution of that work?

KS: Yes correct, I’ve had the privilege of leading sustainability initiatives at the EOG for several years, during which we’ve transitioned from awareness-raising to supporting tangible action. The Outdoor Impact Summit is a reflection of this evolution. It’s a platform where we will bring together industry leaders, provide practical support and facilitate collaboration. It demonstrates our commitment to continuous progress. It also gives our members a chance to share their successes and challenges, ensuring that sustainability is a shared journey across the sector.

There will always be a need to learn and provide knowledge updates as sustainability is such an evolving field, but now it’s really time to roll up our sleeves and get stuck into the implementation.

“Ambition isn’t the problem—we’re doing well at finding creative, innovative solutions” – Dr. Katy Stevens

From your respective vantage points, what do you believe the outdoor industry is doing well – and where does it need to be more ambitious?

KS: I am going to turn this question around a little, because I genuinely think the outdoor industry is doing really well at being ambitious. We are an industry of people who are active outdoors and are passionate about protecting the spaces in which we play. This attitude is universal, whether we work in sustainability or not. We can’t deny that it is currently a tough time for the industry, but I would say ambition isn’t the problem, and we are doing really well at finding creative, innovative solutions to the challenges we face. The industry has realised that we can achieve so much more when we collaborate and share ideas and resources.

Our next challenge is maintaining this ambitious mindset while making it easier for businesses of all sizes to take effective action. This means stronger partnerships, better guidance, and practical support to turn ideas and good intentions into lasting change.

What motivates you personally to work at the intersection of outdoor recreation, business and sustainability?

SO: Working in the outdoor industry for me brings together everything I believe in – cooperation, passion for the outdoors and the spaces we do our sports in, as well as the immediate camaraderie I have with colleagues in the outdoor space, who share the same passions and values as me. It’s also motivating to be in a team with Katy and the rest of the EOG crew, where impact and making a difference are at the forefront of our priorities.

Thank you very much and see you at the Summit!

Tickets for the first Outdoor Impact Summit on May 19–20 in Munich cost €179, which includes the one-and-a-half-day conference, refreshments, networking drinks, dinner and lunch. Find the full agenda and book your place at outdoorimpactsummit.com.