What is the U.P. Outdoor Summit?
The U.P. Outdoor Summit is a one day conference gathering outdoor enthusiasts and changemakers, showcasing and celebrating the work accomplished thus far, surveying current projects and trends, and casting a vision for the future. Hosted by The Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN), this all-new event will feature keynote presentations, outdoor innovation demos, an open space technology panel, networking opportunities, a post-event social hour, and two in-depth study presentations conducted by TIP Strategies and UPland. The conference takes place in Innovation Hall at the Jacobetti Complex on Northern Michigan University's Campus.

The Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN)
The Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN) was formed by The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission and Innovate Marquette (IMQT) in May of 2024, bringing a diverse group of public and private stakeholders together to collaborate, share information, and oversee the development of a growth strategy for outdoor recreation innovation in the central UP. ORIAN will focus on helping the region adapt and diversify from its former reliance on coal industry jobs and develop a strategic framework for the growth of the outdoor recreation industry. This undertaking, which will transform the outdoor recreation industry in the central Upper Peninsula and beyond, is possible due to a $320,000 grant from the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) Learn more about ORIAN here.