From Press Release
Join the Conversation That’s Shaping the Future of Outdoor Recreation in St. Louis
Gateway Outdoor Summit brings together the region’s leaders, advocates, and innovators on August 20
The future of outdoor recreation starts with collaboration.
On Thursday, August 20, River City Outdoors invites industry professionals, nonprofit leaders, community advocates, public officials, and passionate outdoor enthusiasts to the 2026 Gateway Outdoor Summit — a free, daylong gathering dedicated to advancing outdoor recreation across St. Louis and the Midwest.
Held at .ZACK and The Key STL, the Summit is where conversations spark action and changemakers come together to build a more connected, accessible, and vibrant outdoor future. Whether you’re working to expand trail access, improve parks, engage youth, promote tourism, advocate for conservation, or strengthen communities through recreation, the Summit offers an opportunity to connect with the people making it happen.
Throughout the day, attendees will explore timely topics, hear from regional experts, and gain practical strategies they can take back to their own organizations and communities.
Highlights include:
- Six breakout sessions featuring regional leaders discussing outdoor access, inclusion, community-led recreation projects, economic development, and building stronger outdoor communities.
- Featured presentation: “Parks, People, and Prosperity: Insights from Missouri’s 2026 State Parks Reports,” an exclusive look at newly released research examining the economic, social, and recreational impact of Missouri’s award-winning state park system.
- Dedicated networking opportunities with professionals representing parks, nonprofits, conservation organizations, government agencies, tourism, and the outdoor industry.
- Outdoor experiences, refreshments, and plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships.
The Summit concludes with an inspiring keynote from Anthony Reed — Hall of Fame athlete, former Fortune 500 executive, entrepreneur, and founder of the National Black Marathoners Association.
In “From Five to 500,000: Building a Movement Through Leadership, Strategy, and Community,” Reed shares how a small group of runners grew into a national movement connecting half a million athletes. His story offers powerful lessons on vision, resilience, community engagement, and creating lasting impact — lessons that extend far beyond the running world.
Following the keynote, attendees are invited to stay for a special screening of Reed’s award-winning documentary, “We ARE Distance Runners: Untold Stories of African American Athletes,” which celebrates the overlooked history and remarkable achievements of Black distance runners. The film has received 19 awards at festivals across the United States and around the world.
“The opportunities ahead of us are bigger than any one organization,” said Brad Kovach, deputy director of River City Outdoors. “The Gateway Outdoor Summit is about bringing together the people who care deeply about the outdoors, creating meaningful connections, sharing ideas that work, and leaving inspired to make an even greater impact in their communities.”
Registration is free, but advance registration is required at 2026GatewayOutdoorSummit.eventbrite.com.
A full list of sessions and speakers is available at gatewayoutdoorexpo.com. For the latest updates, please follow along on social media.
About River City Outdoors
River City Outdoors (RCO) is a private nonprofit foundation dedicated to making outdoor recreation in St. Louis accessible, inclusive, and transformative for all. Through programming, education, partnerships, funding, and community engagement, RCO works to eliminate barriers to outdoor access. It is funded by the River City Foundation and is a proud partner of the Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative, supported by the Outdoor Industry Association.
Previous article about 2026 Outdoor Summit:
The Gateway Outdoor Summit returns on August 20, 2026, bringing together leaders, advocates, and changemakers shaping the future of outdoor recreation across St. Louis and beyond. The event will be held at .ZACK and The Key STL (3224 Locust Street), a centrally located, creative venue designed to foster collaboration and conversation.
Now entering its next chapter, the Summit is evolving in a big way. For the first time, it will stand fully independent from the annual Gateway Outdoor Expo, creating space for deeper conversations, expanded programming, and a more focused, impactful experience.
The one-day Summit will feature presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions exploring access and inclusion, youth engagement, economic impact, and outdoor recreation development. Attendees include nonprofit leaders, public agencies, outdoor brands, community organizers, and enthusiasts committed to building a more diverse and vibrant outdoor culture.
The Gateway Outdoor Summit is hosted by River City Outdoors and Terrain Magazine, combining on-the-ground community leadership with regional storytelling and media reach to elevate outdoor recreation as a driver of connection, health, and economic vitality.
Organizers are currently seeking sponsors and partners and accepting speaker and session proposals. Interested organizations and individuals can visit gatewayoutdoorexpo.com/summit-partners or contact brad@rivercityoutdoors.org for more information.
Summit attendance is free, but registration is required at 2026GatewayOutdoorSummit.eventbrite.com. Additional details, including the full agenda and speaker lineup, will be announced in the coming months.
Whether you work in the outdoor industry, advocate for access, or simply enjoy the region’s parks, trails, and waterways, the Gateway Outdoor Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape what comes next.
For updates, visit gatewayoutdoorexpo.com and follow along on social media
