Last year’s inaugural Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit drew a large crowd of people interested in growing the region’s outdoor industry. (Photo provided))
January 16, 2026
Sign up now for the Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit at SIU’s Touch of Nature
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Last year’s inaugural Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center was such a transformative, popular event that it’s back in 2026 and set for March 27.
Make plans now to attend this event designed to bring together community partners, businesses, land agencies, nonprofit and other organizations and outdoor enthusiasts for a day focused on growing the region’s outdoor industry and economy. Through keynote speakers, workshops, outdoor demonstrations and networking opportunities, the symposium will promote sustainability and innovation education, foster collaboration, bolster the region’s economy and stimulate entrepreneurship.
Sign up now
Educators, outdoor industry professionals, researchers, private businesses and representatives of government, nonprofit and other agencies are welcome to attend as is the public.
Registration covers the full-day summit with workshops, guest presentations and more as well as morning coffee, lunch (sponsored by SI Now), networking and access to Touch of Nature’s varied activities as the summit wraps up. There is no cost to participate, but register online by March 25 to ensure you receive lunch.
Presenters welcome
Private businesses, nonprofit organizations and others affiliated with the outdoor industry are welcome to submit workshop proposals. Each session should be about 45 minutes long and feature expertise, innovation and ideas to inspire collaboration and growth of the Southern Illinois outdoor industry and its economy.
Learn more
For additional information about this event that has drawn extensive attention from well beyond the region, visit the website, email ton@siu.edu or call 618-453-1122.