The Gateway Outdoor Summit kicks off the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit 2025, a weekend celebration designed to inspire, educate, and unite people of all backgrounds in outdoor recreation. While the Summit focuses on industry stakeholders and leaders, the Expo (Nov. 15-16) will open to the public with 165+ exhibitors, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and presentations in the Basecamp area on the show floor.
About the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit The Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit is the region’s largest outdoor recreation show, drawing thousands of attendees annually for a weekend of adventure, education, and community. The event showcases the best in gear, resources, and organizations working to strengthen the Midwest’s vibrant outdoor ecosystem. www.gatewayoutdoorexpo.com
- Event is FREE (entry & parking) & family friendly
- 8th year for the Expo
- Highlights for 2025 include:
- GEAR GALORE – Browse and test the latest equipment from local and national outdoor brands, including high-performance apparel, tents, tools, and tech.
- BASECAMP PRESENTATIONS – Hear from community experts in seminars on topics ranging from backcountry trekking to land stewardship to accessibility and equity in the outdoors.
- HANDS ON ACTIVITIES – Take part in thrilling attractions such as Adventure Scavenger Hunt, mountain biking, rock climbing, fly-fishing demos, and more.
- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS – Meet fellow adventurers, join clubs and initiatives, sign up for events and races, and swap stories with others who live for trailheads and treetops.
- GREAT GEAR GIVEAWAY – Win outdoor gear for wherever your next journey takes you. Prize packages are worth more than $1,000, with donated funds supporting the nonprofit efforts of River City Outdoors.
- CANOE WITH CLAUS – Get your photo taken with Santa Claus from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Canoe with Claus booth. Hosted by Big Muddy Adventures.
- PHOTO CONTEST GALLERY – For the second year, the winners of the annual Terrain Magazine Photo Contest will have their images displayed at the Expo. Hosted by Terrain Magazine.
- SUMMIT: The Summit’s keynote speaker will be Eddy Harris, acclaimed author, lecturer, filmmaker, traveler, and St. Louis native. Harris’ books, including the seminal Mississippi Solo: A River Quest, blend memoir and reportage, weaving adventure with themes of race, identity, and belonging. In addition to the keynote, attendees will hear from a range of experts during breakout sessions, including:
- Recreation with Intention: Building Purpose Through Outdoor Experiences — How physically and mentally demanding activities like backpacking, climbing, and paddling help youth discover leadership and meaning.
- Natural Value: Tourism Audits for Outdoor Recreation Economies — Tools to assess local assets, balance growth with preservation, and translate audits into actionable strategies.
- Equity on the Trail: Expanding Access to Leadership and Prosperity — Addressing barriers and solutions for including marginalized youth in outdoor leadership.
- Beyond the Finish Line: How Race Events Fuel Outdoor Economies — A panel on the lasting economic and cultural impact of outdoor race events.
- MICRO-GRANTS FOR ALL AWARDS – River City Outdoors will be awarding its Outdoors for All Micro-Grants
- 150+ exhibitor booths including Off-Road, Road & Track, Health & Wellness, Water, Adventure & Advocacy
- Over 6,000 attendees expected
Those interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the event can contact Jarrid Snyder at jarrid@terrain-mag.com.
