January 13, 2025
SIU’s inaugural Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit welcomes participants, presenters
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois is a haven for outdoor activities, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center will host the inaugural Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit, a March 28 event to foster growth in the region’s outdoor industry.
The free event, which kicks off with registration and coffee at 8 a.m., will bring together community partners, land agencies, businesses, government agencies, educators, nonprofit organizations, outdoor enthusiasts and interested members of the public for a day, featuring keynote speakers, workshops, outdoor demonstrations and networking opportunities, organizers say.
The event will wrap up at 3 p.m., followed by a couple of hours during which participants can participate in open play or socializing. The goal is to build collaboration among stakeholders, promote sustainability and innovation education, boost the region’s economy, inspire entrepreneurship and help build a vibrant, sustainable outdoor economy to benefit Southern Illinois for many years to come.
Sign up now
Registration is now open. Sign up online.
Registration includes access to the summit, coffee service and lunch sponsored by SI Now. It also provides access to facilities and activities at Touch of Nature, about 8 miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road, at the conclusion.
Workshops presentations sought
Summit organizers are also accepting applications for 45-minute workshops. They are seeking creative, engaging presentations on a variety of relevant topics, such as grant writing, outdoor education, economic development, marketing and tourism, event management, outdoor initiatives, land management and any related area.
Applications are due Feb. 17, and chosen presenters will be notified March 1.
Learn more
For additional information, visit the summit website. Anyone with questions about whether a workshop idea aligns with the summit’s goals can email ton@siu.edu or call 618-453-1122.