Western Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Industry Summit

Greenfield Community College's Adventure Education Department, in partnership with Workforce Development, hosts an Outdoor Recreation Industry Summit for owners, operators and leaders of the many diverse outdoor companies and agencies in western Massachusetts.

This event will bring together employers and employees, industry leaders, policy makers, and trainers involved in the region’s growing ecotourism industry. Attendees will make meaningful connections and build their network of thought-partners and peers in this growing industry, as well as learn about opportunities for training and upskilling your staff, marketing your services, collaborating with industry colleagues, and joining a coalition of outdoor industry leaders.

With the state’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation on the horizon, this is the ideal moment to convene and determine how we can best work together to actively promote outdoor recreation and tourism in our region! Now is the time to create a coalition to ensure that western Massachusetts is known as a destination location for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, and attendees will also have opportunities to enjoy GCC's climbing wall or renew their CPR certification before leaving campus (first-come, first-served basis).

• 9-9:15am – Coffee & Networking
• 9:15-10am – Keynote Address and Q&A featuring Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
• 10:15-11:30am – Breakout Sessions—3 options
  • Workforce Training Fund
    Learn how to train your staff for free with GCC + an easy state grant program, led by Alex Carley, Associate Dean of Workforce Development
  • Coming Together as a Coalition and Sharing Resources
    Discuss opportunities for collaboration on group liability insurance and a shared seasonal workforce, led by Bob Tremblay, Adventure Education & Outdoor Leadership Department Chair
  • Risk Management
    Share and discuss best practices and challenges with risk management in the outdoor recreation industry, led by John E. (Jed) Williamson, Education and Risk Management
    Consultant
• 11:45am-12pm – Closing Remarks
• 12-1pm – Lunch in the Dining Commons, Climbing Wall Demo &  Free Climb
• 1-3pm – Optional – Free CPR Renewal for up to eight (8) attendees (first-come, first-served; sign up at checkout!)