Join us for the first Ohio Outdoor Recreation Economy Conference! (OOREC)
JULY 22-24th LEARN MORE & REGISTER
In July 2025, the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia, (ORCA), will host the first-ever Ohio Outdoor Recreation Economy Conference (OOREC)—a groundbreaking statewide gathering designed to strengthen economic development, sustainability, and community vitality through outdoor recreation.
Held in the heart of Appalachian Ohio, in beautiful Athens, Ohio, this three-day event will bring together more than 150 leaders from across government, business, philanthropy, and the outdoor industry for interactive sessions, excursions, and dynamic dialogue centered on outdoorinfrastructure, tourism, workforce, health, and equity.​​
The conference will take place at Ohio University Baker University Center: 1 Park Pl, Athens, OH 45701. Exclusive room rates are offered at Ohio University Inn and Conference Center: 331 Richland Ave, Athens, OH 45701.
Tickets
Your ticket grants you access to all conference sessions, breakout groups, and networking events over the two-day experience at OOREC 2025, as well as an optional excursion on Tuesday.
Extend your experience on day three to immerse you in the beautiful landscape and opportunities driving the future of Ohio’s outdoor recreation. One day tickets are available.
Whether you're joining us as a community leader, industry professional, or outdoor enthusiast, your registration helps support the growth of Ohio's outdoor recreation economy.
At ORCA, we’re committed to making our conference accessible to all. A limited number of reduced-rate passes are available for individuals or organizations for whom cost is a barrier. Please reach out to inquire: oorec@orcaohio.com
Lodging is not included in the ticket price.
2025 Core Content
You're invited to join an engaging conversation about the power of outdoor and nature-based recreation! We'll explore how this growing sector delivers meaningful economic, social, health, and environmental benefits—making a real difference for people, communities, and the planet.
The discussion will highlight how thoughtful, interdisciplinary collaboration can help amplify these positive impacts, bringing together voices from both the public and private sectors to move this work forward—together.
LAND &
TRAIL MANAGERS
BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENURS
PLANNERS &
SERVICE PROVIDERS
The full 2025 OOREC agenda will be available soon, but this overview of the conference schedule offers a head start for your planning!
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If you have any questions about the event, don’t hesitate to contact us at oorec@orcaohio.org
AGENDA
MONDAY, JULY 21
Early Arrival Happy Hour
TUESDAY, JULY 22
Welcome Breakfast
Sessions
Lunch
Optional Excursions
Off-site Networking Happy Hour
WEDNESDAY JULY 23
Breakfast
Sessions
Lunch
Closing Happy Hour
THURSDAY, JULY 24
Optional Explore Day
2025 Speakers
Our 2025 conference features some of the most prominent leaders, changemakers, and experts from across the outdoor industry. Stay tuned as we continue to announce more speakers.
2025 Excursions
Choose from one of four unforgettable excursions to experience the best of Appalachian Ohio’s outdoor recreation and cultural heritage. Each excursion offers a unique way to connect with the region’s adventure, nature, or history.
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Ride the flowy trails of the Baileys Trail System, perfect for all skill levels. Paddle the peaceful waters of Dow Lake at Strouds Run, surrounded by scenic forest. Challenge yourself on the high ropes and zipline at the Outdoor Pursuits Course. Or, take a guided Heritage Walk with Invisible Ground and discover the hidden stories of Athens through immersive audio and augmented reality.
Can’t choose just one? Stay for the optional Explore Day on Thursday—check our agenda (coming soon!) for more details!
Paddling at Strouds
Exhibit
We have limited exhibitor space. If you’re a mission-aligned organization, business, or local producer interested in showcasing your work, we’d love to hear from you!
Please fill out the short interest form below.
Sponsor
Sponsoring OOREC places your brand at the forefront of a transformational movement. ORCA is building a model of rural revitalization rooted in outdoor access, public health, and sustainable tourism
Partners & Sponsors
Backed by Appalachian Regional Commission POWER funding, ORCA is incredibly thankful for all our partners and sponsors who help make OOREC possible.
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Special thanks as well to ORCA's Advisory Committee, who have been instrumental in the planning of OOREC. The committee is composed of representatives from 18 counties including: Adams, Athens, Brown, Clermont, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington.
