The European Outdoor Group(EOG) and Suston have finalised the programme for a major digital event that will take place later this month. ‘Sustain the Momentum’ will ask whether the industry can support the rising interest for the outdoors and convert it into care for nature. The two-day online conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, networking and even yoga, and will run from 18-19November. Costs for the event are already covered and following discussions with sponsors, outdoor industry professionals who are working at home during lockdown will be able to participate at no cost, by using the code ‘EOG_friend’ when booking online.  

The organisers of Sustain the Momentum have brought together sustainability pioneers and activists from the outdoor community who will share their insights into the work that they do. Together with the audience, they will explore two main themes that are particularly relevant to the outdoor community at this moment.

The agenda on day one will focus on ‘From Active to Activist’ and will ask how the sector can support the many new novices that have emerged during the summer of 2020, and help even more people get active. Starting with a keynote from Margo de Lange, policy officer at the It’d Great Out There Coalition, presentations and workshops will discuss how the industry can encourage everyone who is part of the outdoor community towards a conscious movement for better environmental stewardship. Other speakers will include Dr. Jane Turnbull from the EOG’s CSR and sustainability team, Des Thompson from NatureScot and Herve Dupied of Patagonia. There will also be a panel discussion, featuring representatives from Green Kayak, Riders for Refugees and Black Girls Hike.

The theme of day two will be ‘When Less is More’, reflecting that the best way to reduce production impacts is to simply make less. Sessions will ask whether a growing outdoor community necessarily needs an increasing quantity of clothes and equipment or if there are smart, profitable and sustainable ways to instead reduce materials, energy and waste. EOG programme manager Scott Nelson will speak first, followed by Gwen Cunningham of Circle Economy and the day will also include case studies and discussions featuring Swapfiets, Hygglo, Decathlon, Repair Café and Vaude.

Dr. Katy Stevens, EOG head of CSR and sustainability, comments: “Working with Suston, our aim is to host what we think will be the online event highlight of the year! Many people are back in a form of lockdown and we want to invite everyone to join us for this online gathering from their homes. With the support of our sponsors, we’re giving as many of our industry colleagues as possible something to look forward to and we hope to see friends from across Europe later this month.  

“We are planning to deliver a very interactive digital conference that will, as much as is possible, reflect the lively and open discussions and networking that define our sector’s unique drive for cooperation and progress. The agenda and format will encourage and facilitate plenty of interaction from everyone who attends. As well as delivering some valuable insights and generating new ideas, we hope to create a real community feeling for all delegates and contributors, ending 2020 on a positive note.”

To view the full programme and book tickets, visit www.eventbrite.de/e/sustain-the-momentum-tickets-122964188197.