Outdoor recreation takes center stage as Radford University summit explores its economic impact
Radford, VA (09/08/2026) — Radford University will host AdventureWorks: An Outdoor Economy Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 9, bringing together state and regional leaders to explore how Virginia's trails, rivers, parks and other outdoor assets can drive tourism, attract talent, support businesses and strengthen communities.
The inaugural summit, organized by Radford University's Office of Economic Development and Corporate Education, will examine the growing connection between outdoor recreation and economic development, including what communities can do to turn outdoor assets into lasting economic opportunity.
WHEN
- Wednesday, Sept. 9 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
WHERE
- Kyle Hall, Room 340 801 Howe Street Radford University
Among the state and regional leaders participating are:
- Cassidy Rasnick, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
- Maribel Castaneda, Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia
- Katie Conner, Director of Destination Development, Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Katie Boswell, Executive Director, Onward New River Valley
- Kim Davis, Executive Director, Friends of Southwest Virginia
- Pete Eshelman, Senior Director of Creative Strategies, Roanoke Regional Partnership
- Allison Mays, Director, Virginia Tech Southwest Center
Outdoor recreation business owners, tourism leaders and community development professionals from across Virginia
Key sessions include:
- 8:45 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks Bret Danilowicz, President, Radford University Nichole Hair, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement, Radford University
- 9 a.m. | Setting the Stage: The State of the Outdoor Economy A discussion of the forces shaping Virginia's outdoor economy, including tourism demand, outdoor recreation investment, statewide priorities and regional opportunities.
- 10 a.m. | Beyond Recreation: Leveraging Outdoor Assets for Community and Economic Growth Panelists will discuss how trails, rivers, parks and recreation facilities can support tourism, talent attraction, placemaking and economic growth.
- 11 a.m. | From Operators to Outcomes: Running Outdoor Businesses in the Real World Outdoor business owners and industry leaders will discuss the realities of building and growing outdoor recreation businesses, including workforce, infrastructure, visitor experiences and future opportunities.
- Noon | Find Your Next Adventure: How Universities and Brand Builders Shape Place, Brand and Opportunity The closing conversation will explore how universities, destination marketers and outdoor brands help shape the places where people choose to live, work, learn and play.
AdventureWorks also includes optional outdoor experiences taking place Tuesday, Sept. 8.
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