The Economy and the Consumer to Headline 2009 Rendezvous® Program

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced the keynote speakers for the 14th annual Rendezvous. Global economist and policy advisor Todd Buchholz, consumer analyst Marshal Cohen, author Kevin Carroll and adventurer and author Erik Weihenmayer will headline the premier leadership and learning conference for the industry.

Held at the Marriott Coronado Island Resort and Spa in San Diego, California, September 29 – October 1, 2009, the Rendezvous conference will feature world renowned speakers and in-depth breakout sessions to delve into the industry’s most urgent issues such as overcoming adversity, the new economy, the new consumer, the evolving media and new ideas in business design and management.

“The Rendezvous, now more than ever, is a can’t miss event in this unstable business climate and we are very privileged to host these globally prominent speakers,” remarked Frank Hugelmeyer, president of OIA, “Nowhere else will attendees have the opportunity to efficiently and cost-effectively learn from world class experts about trends affecting our industry; discover new business practices and discuss these weighty issues amongst a network of peers in a non-tradeshow environment.”

Todd Buchholz, a multi-faceted global economist – former director of economic policy at the White House, managing director of a $15 billion hedge fund and award-winning economics teacher at Harvard – will present Creating Prosperity in a Chaotic Economy. Buchholz will discuss how the economy will perform in 2010 and the years beyond; how the world economy will impact the outdoor recreation industry; and how to anticipate new trends that open up fresh opportunities.

Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc. says while the economic forecast looks a bit gloomy right now, we certainly are not doomed. In his presentation, Turning Adversity to Opportunity, Marshal will offer his analysis of our current economic situation as well as his tips on how to turn economic challenges into business opportunities. Marshal’s presentation will draw on his monthly research into how consumers are responding to current economic conditions as well as his 30+ years of experience to help audience members see beyond the gloom and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Kevin Carroll, founder of Kevin Carroll Katalyst/LLC and the author of three highly successful books published by ESPN, Disney Press and McGraw-Hill, will help the audience understand how to enliven and enrich their work lives, enhance innovation, and improve team dynamics and interpersonal communication in Breaking Down Barriers/Rediscovering Play: Bringing Fun and Passion to Your Work…And Life. As an author, speaker and agent for social change (a.k.a. the Katalyst), it is Kevin’s “job” to inspire businesses, organizations and individuals—from CEOs and employees of Fortune 500 companies to schoolchildren—to embrace their spirit of play and creativity to maximize their human potential and sustain more meaningful business and personal growth.

On May 25, 2001, Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Erik Weihenmayer became the only blind man in history to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak – Mount Everest. On August 20, 2008, when he stood on top of Carstenz Pyramid, the tallest peak in Austral-Asia, Weihenmayer completed his quest to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, a feat accomplished by fewer than 100 mountaineers. Erik Weihenmayer believes that challenges can make us more focused, more driven, more creative, and can even transcend our own limitations and give our lives power. In Alchemy — Using Adversity as an Advantage, Weihenmayer will demonstrate how adversity can become an ally, no longer an impediment, but the pathway to success.

Breakout Session Speakers will offer ideas, best practices and applications to take businesses outside of conventional boxes, including social media trends and opportunities; new design thinking from the experts at IDEO; new retail and office environments trends and talent management best practices.

“Today’s consumer consists of a broader, more diverse, more vocal, more connected, more demanding, more ageless audience,” commented Hugelmeyer, “Conference attendees will learn how to decipher when, where and how to identify them; learn what they are saying about brands and how to use new technology tools to embrace and engage with them so that they become loyal customers and promoters. We are looking forward to a very thought-provoking conference.

Rendezvous registration is now open. Early registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. To register, please visit outdoorindustry.org/events.

Sponsors for the 14th annual Rendezvous conference include: Timberland (Title Sponsor), Merrell, Mountain Hardwear (Platinum Sponsors), CGPR, Holland & Hart, Nalgene, Woolrich, YRC (Gold Sponsors), Eagle Creek, Open Air Magazine (Silver Sponsors), Gensler, Larson Binkley, Prana, The Whiting Group(Friend), All Terrain and Redwood Creek (Official Suppliers).


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. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous, Outdoor University, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.


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