MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The first ever U.P. Outdoor Summit was held at NMU’s Jacobetti Complex on Friday. The all day event was fit with keynote presenters, gear demos, networking, and many other opportunities.
A large point of discussion was innovation and how outdoor recreation can be adapted to the many changes seen across the past decade. Specifically in the Upper Peninsula, with its uniqueness leading to an increased amount of traveling and tourist popularity.
“The archetype of outdoor recreation used to be a specific demographic, and that has changed a lot over the last decade,” said Joe Thiel, CEO of Innovate Marquette SmartZone. “We have to look at it in a whole new light and see who is outdoor recreating, and why they are doing it. We want to create access to everyone.”
The event was hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN) along with a number of sponsors from Marquette county and beyond, including Travel Marquette, First Bank, The Superior Watershed Partnership, Aaron Peterson Studios, and more.
Tickets for the U.P. Outdoor Summit quickly sold out, marking a successful first year. To view the 2025 program, visit upoutdoor.org.
