2026 Gateway Outdoor Summit
About this Event
** NOTE ABOUT THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS **
You don't have to attend the full Gateway Outdoor Summit to experience its biggest moment. The public is invited to hear keynote speaker Anthony Reed at 4 p.m. on August 20 as he shares the remarkable story of building a nationwide movement that transformed Black distance running. Whether you're a runner, outdoor enthusiast, or community leader, this is a presentation you won't want to miss. Attend the keynote address at The Key STL (3225 Olive St), no regesitration or ticket necessary.
The Gateway Outdoor Summit is a one-day event that brings together changemakers from across St. Louis and the Midwest — industry professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates.
This is where ideas become partnerships, and partnerships become progress.
The event is designed for meaningful connection and actionable outcomes and includes:
- Inspiring featured presentation and keynote
- Curated breakout sessions (multiple tracks)
- Networking lunch
- Happy hour and social gathering
- Optional outdoor activations
The Summit creates a focused, high-impact space to:
- Share ideas and best practices
- Build cross-sector partnerships
- Advance access, inclusion, and stewardship
- Drive real economic and community impact
The Gateway Outdoor Summit is free, but space is limited. Secure your spot and be part of the conversation shaping the future of outdoor recreation.
Preliminary Schedule:
9:00 am – 10:00 am - Check In & Coffee Service
10:00 am – 10:30 am - Opening & Welcome Address
10:45 am – 11:30 am - Breakout Session 1A - Evidence-Based Advocacy: Integrating Health, Education, and Economy in Outdoor Recreation
10:45 am – 11:30 am - Breakout Session 1B - Reimagining Downtown St. Louis: Outdoor Recreation as Investment Strategy
11:45 am – 12:30 pm - Breakout Session 2A - From Idea to Action: Bringing Grassroots Outdoor Projects to Life
11:45 am – 12:30 pm - Breakout Session 2B - What’s Possible Here: Lessons from Outdoor-Driven Cities
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm - Lunch
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm - Featured Presentation - Parks, People, and Prosperity: Insights from the 2026 Missouri State Parks Economic Impact Report
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm - Breakout Session 3A - Powering the Rivers: Aligning Around Our Most Valuable Natural Assets
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm - Breakout Session 3B - Owning Your Story: Positioning Your Community as an Outdoor Destination
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm - Outdoor Reset
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm - Refreshments & Networking
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm - Keynote Address - From Five to 500,000: Building a Movement Through Leadership, Strategy, and Community
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm - Closing Remarks
For full speaker/session descriptions, visit https://gatewayoutdoorexpo.com/summit-schedule/.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
