Bookings are now open for places at the 2024 European Outdoor Summit (EOS), Europe’s annual conference for outdoor industry leaders. Places are available earlier than in previous years and include the option to secure accommodation at the same time, along with discounts for multiple tickets. EOS organisers have also confirmed details of the event’s first speaker, in a programme that will explore key issues for the sector, with contributions from both within the trade and the wider business world. 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, the European Outdoor Summit (EOS) is a business-focused annual gathering of senior outdoor industry professionals. Held in a different country each year, EOS welcomes hundreds of leaders for two days of insights, in depth discussions, and networking. Each summit 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.

The 2024 EOS 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, getting the input of teachers from an institution that is highly regarded on the international business stage, and will provide the first speaker to be confirmed for the summit. Michael Willis is a management practice associate professor in the accounting subject group at the business school and is the director of the Executive Master of Accounting Programme, the world’s only leadership and innovation programme for experienced accounting professionals.

Historically, reporting standards have specified how firms measure, summarise, and disclose their performance in financial statements. More recently, key stakeholders’ increased demand for climate and sustainability related information about firms has led to more scrutiny of existing disclosures, significant developments in regulations, and a broad re-thinking of the ecosystem of information. In his EOS session, Michael Willis will provide a comprehensive, global overview of these new reporting requirements and identify their potential future impact and direction.

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

“As promised, for the tenth anniversary year of the European Outdoor Summit, we’re making some refinements to the agenda to balance our robust CSR and sustainability content, with core business topics. With that in mind, it’s fitting that we have confirmed Michael Willis as our first keynote speaker. Michael’s insights will be of great value to anyone working at a senior level in business, and he will be applying them to the outdoor sector in his session".

“We’re delighted to open bookings for the 2024 summit so early, and we are offering various ticket options, and some attractive discounts for group purchases. The revamped website allows individuals and organisations to tailor their packages and incorporate accommodation into their single or multi ticket bookings.”

Among the sessions at the summit will be a panel discussion featuring members of the EOG Board, for which delegates will be asked to submit questions and topics to be covered. More speakers will be announced in the near future.

Places at the 2024 European Outdoor Summit 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.

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.

For the latest information about the European Outdoor Summit and to book places, visit www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com

To discuss sponsorship and speaking opportunities, contact Toni Clifford on toni.clifford@europeanoutdoorgroup.com

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