OIA Welcomes Jeremy Rifkin to Leadership Conference

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced the attendance of world-renown economist, Jeremy Rifkin, at the OIA leadership and learning conference at the Vancouver-Hilton, in Vancouver, Washington this week. He will provide the key note speech at the event which draws over 300 hundred top-level outdoor industry professionals to Vancouver for a three day conference called Rendezvous. Jeremy Rifkin is scheduled to speak at 7:45 pm, on Friday, October 5 at the Vancouver-Hilton.

“It’s a pleasure to have Jeremy Rifkin address Rendezvous. He has been influential in shaping public policy in the United States and around the world,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President of OIA.

Jeremy Rifkin is the president of the Foundation on Economic Trends (www.foet.org). The Foundation examines the economic, environmental, social, and cultural impacts of new technologies introduced into the global economy. He is also the author of 17 books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, workforce, society, and the environment. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and are used in universities, corporations and government agencies around the world.

Mr. Rifkin has been a frequent guest on many television programs including CNN’s “Crossfire,” “Face the Nation,” “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer,” “20/20,” “Larry King Live,” “Today,” and “Good Morning America.” The National Journal named Jeremy Rifkin as “one of 150 people in the U. S. that have the most influence in shaping federal government policy.”

Outdoor Industry Association’s annual leadership and learning conference, Rendezvous, draws hundreds of high-level outdoor industry professionals to one location for seminars, speakers, and active outdoor recreation excursions that promote the growth and success of the outdoor industry. This year, OIA selected Vancouver for the conference because of its connectedness and commitment to outdoor recreation and the community’s focus on an environmental and sustainability ethic.

Conference attendees include Timberland, WL Gore, Columbia, The North Face, Black Diamond, and many more. Specialty outdoor retailers will also be in attendance, including REI, EMS, Mountain Gear, and Alpine Experience, as well as industry professional service companies. Now in its 12th year, the OIA Rendezvous is an annual conference held throughout the U.S.

The OIA Rendezvous will be held October 3-5, 2007, in Vancouver, WA. The conference will be held at the Vancouver Washington Hilton. For a complete listing of speakers and events go to http://www.outdoorindustry.org

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About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. A wide spectrum of leading manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers of outdoor recreation equipment and services, as well as other related business entities make up OIA member base. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, cutting edge market research, member cost saving benefits and outreach initiatives to grow participation in outdoor activities and promote healthier lifestyles. Outdoor Industry Association is the exclusive endorser of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow. For more information go to http://www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.