Organisers of the 2024 European OutdoorSummit (EOS 2024) have released new details of speakers who will appear at the event. EOS will celebrate its tenth anniversary this year and will deliver a programme that will explore key issues for the sector, with contributions from both within the trade and the wider business world. Ten speakers have now been confirmed for the summit, with more due to be announced in the near future. Organised by the European Outdoor Group (EOG) in partnership with host national association the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA), this year’s summit will be held from 18-19 September in Cambridge in the UK.

Founded in 2014, theEuropean Outdoor Summit is a business-focused annual gathering of senior outdoor industry professionals. Held in a different country each year, the summit welcomes hundreds of leaders for two days of insights, in depth discussions, and networking. Each programme tackles the big issues that face the outdoor sector and all businesses, cultivating conversation and cooperation to confront challenges, and open up opportunities.

Gore-Tex has been a major sponsor of EOS since its inception, and is once again supporting the summit this year.

EOS 2024 will be held at the Cambridge Union Society, the oldest continuously running debating society in the world. As it builds the summit programme, the EOG is working with the faculty from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, an institution that is highly regarded on the international business stage. Three leading figures from the business school will give keynote speeches. Jennifer Howard-Grenville, Diageo Professor of Organisation Studies, will explore the subject of looking inside an organisation and guiding authenticity through uncertainty. Thomas Roulet, professor of organisational sociology and leadership, will deliver a keynote (plus a workshop) on how to build and manage effective teams, applying lessons from sport. Earlier in the year, it was announced that Michael Willis, a management practice associate professor in the accounting subject group at the business school, will speak about disclosure regulations for climate and sustainability related information.

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Other speakers who have now been confirmed for EOS 2024 are:

Michelle Cliffe, senior corporate campaigner at international non-profit organisation Canopy, which works with500 brand partners to protect ancient trees, transforming unsustainable supply chains, catalysing innovative solutions, and keeping the world’s vital forests standing. Michelle will deliver a keynote speech on Canopy’s collaborative approach to its work, and a workshop on including forests in a company’s sustainability and sourcing policy.‍

Gillian Rosh, grant manager/writer at ProtectOur Winters Europe, will speak about welcoming vulnerable young people into the outdoors.‍

Andrew Rough is chief executive officer at ACS (Advanced Clothing Solutions), Europe’s largest circular fashion hub that offers brands and retailers expert fulfilment, order management, cleaning, repairs, and more. Andrew will provide an insight into the launch of North Face Renewed in the UK.‍

Julian Lings, senior sustainability manager at VF Outdoor/The North Face, will also speak about North Face Renewed, from a brand perspective, and how that fits into its focus on putting nature at the heart of a business strategy.

‍Simeon Rose is creative director and co-creator of Faith in Nature and Nature on the Board. Simeon joined Faith In Nature in2017 and has spent his time since reimagining what it means to be a green company in today's world. The entire process has been open sourced and Simeon’s presentation will continue his commitment to sharing insights and practical advice.‍

Nick Barber, global product senior director at Icebreaker, will continue to explore the topic of putting nature at the heart of a business strategy.‍

Gustavo Meyer Suarez, founder of MS Partners, is a seasoned expert in product and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, with over 14 years of extensive experience in the field. Gustavo has pioneered the development of a platform that amplifies the significance of ESG compliance across industries, and he will share his knowledge on driving sustainable and compliant business practices around the world.

Other highlights on the EOS 2024programme will include a panel discussion with members of the EOG Board, who will answer questions from delegates, which can be submitted when booking places at the summit. As always, there will be numerous networking opportunities and social events during the two-day gathering.

More speakers and content will be announced during the weeks ahead and the most up to date details about the programme can be found on www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com.

Toni Clifford, event manager at the European Outdoor Group, comments:

“We’re delighted with the breadth, depth and varied background of speakers for this year’s European Outdoor Summit. We’ve secured a great balance of expertise from within the outdoor industry and from the wider business community, with an agenda that covers engaging and important topics. There’s more to come, but already, I think that this programme will make the tenth anniversary summit the most interesting and useful event to date.”

Places at the 2024 European OutdoorSummit cost £685+VAT for EOG or OIA members and £769+VAT for other delegates. There is a group discount of 10% when booking three or more tickets for a single organisation.The EOS website offers a range of accommodation options during the booking process, with a limited number of rooms in each, and organisers will be releasing any that are unsold on Friday 16 August. 

It is possible for delegates to go back into their registration and add accommodation on, after their initial registration. Delegates are being encouraged to use rail travel to get to Cambridge if possible. There are direct services to the city from London King’s Cross for anyone travelling on Eurostar, and for delegates who do need to fly, there are also direct services from Stansted Airport.

Full details of the 2024 European Outdoor Summit in Cambridge can be found HERE.

Tickets can be booked HERE.

The event can also be found on social media, on LinkedIn and X.

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