After its debut in Munich in 2025, the Outdoor Impact Summit returns for its second edition in Riva del Garda on May 14 and 15, 2026. Organized by the European Outdoor Group and the MagNet group, in collaboration with Green Media Lab, the event confirms its position as a key event for the outdoor and sports industry on the topics of sustainability and its integration into business models.
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A qualified and operational discussion space for company executives, decision makers, and ESG professionals, where they can share tools, data, experiences, and concrete solutions along the entire value chain.
The heart of the Summit
With the slogan “No Excuses,” the event will be held at the Riva del Garda Congress Center (certified ISO 20121, the international standard for sustainable event management) and will officially inaugurate the European Outdoor Week.
From May 14th to 19th, Garda Trentino will become an international hub for the outdoor and running world, bringing together companies, institutions, industry professionals, and enthusiasts. A week designed to foster exchange, networking, and cross-fertilization between diverse skills.
Themes and speakers
What “impact” really means in the outdoor industry
The concept of impact is now central to corporate strategies, financial statements, and communications, yet it often remains abstract. The Outdoor Impact Summit 2026 will analyze it with a critical, concrete, and action-oriented approach.
EOG Director Christian Schneidermeier will open the Summit on May 14, inviting the audience to redefine responsibility in the industry.
Communication and sustainability
Among the key moments, the “Walk and Talk” led by Cira Riedel and Anna Rodewald (Greenroom Voice), together with Gabriel Arthur (Suston Magazine), will offer an immersive experience dedicated to responsible communication and sustainability in the Riva del Garda area.
Among the most anticipated keynotes is Bowie Miles, an expert in textile innovation and sustainability, who will delve into the meaning of impact: not just the positive things we generate, but also what we avoid or reduce.
Case studies and concrete projects
Three case studies will provide concrete examples:
- the environmental projects of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA)
- the sustainable transformation of trail running events with Protect Our Winters (POW)
- Un Para Ltd.’s inclusive approach
There was also space for the Single Use Plastics Project, with results that exceeded initial goals in reducing single-use plastic, presented by Verity Hardy (EOG), Debbie Read (Equip) and Marta Pellegrino (VF Corp).
Among the most anticipated interventions:
- Pitt Grewe (AllTrails) on public-private partnerships for trail protection
- the “Care for the Outdoors” report presented by Fredrik Ekström (Above the Clouds)
The key message is clear: sustainability requires credible, transparent, and consistent communication to build trust.
The day will conclude with a networking dinner at Spiaggia degli Olivi, an opportunity for speakers and attendees to network directly.
Leadership, ESG and inclusive governance
The role of leadership in sustainability
The second day will open with Hannah Worthington (Astraia), who will present an analysis of 100 top global brands highlighting the growing integration of ESG objectives into executive compensation systems.
Inclusive governance and female leadership
Particular attention will be paid to the role of women on boards and the link between inclusive governance, financial performance, and sustainability.
The topic will be explored in depth in a panel on female leadership with Nat Jackson (The Outward Bound Trust), Patagonia, and Global Game Shapers, focusing on concrete tools to promote women’s access to decision-making roles.
Circular economy and industrial innovation
Circular economy as a strategic lever
Ample space for circularity, with interventions on:
- End-of-life economics with REJU and Rematrix (Gianluca Pandolfo and Enrico Soffiati)
- sustainable design according to the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
- Decathlon’s repairability model
Regulations and operational tools
One session will be dedicated to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), with updates on the international regulatory framework and strategic opportunities for brands and retailers.
Other topics covered include:
- responsible withdrawal con Fair Wear Foundation
- digital traceability with Peak 63 and Swedish Textile & Fashion 2030
- Social impacts of the circular transition with SLCP, Textile Exchange, Fair Wear Foundation and BSR
Finally, the Astraia Collective workshop will offer practical tools for communicating sustainability while avoiding greenwashing and strengthening stakeholder trust.
A laboratory for the future of outdoor
The Outdoor Impact Summit 2026 is a true laboratory of ideas, experiences, and solutions to guide the sustainable transition of the outdoor industry.
Participating means connecting with key industry players, sharing best practices, and contributing to the development of a more responsible, inclusive, and circular future for the entire supply chain.
Registration is now open: for more information on the program, speakers and registration, please visit the official websites outdoorimpactsummit.com and orbdays.com
