Annette Monheim has joined the coalition and will deliver dedicated marketing communications support to both It’s Great Out There and Opening Up the Outdoors.
It’s Great Out There (IGOT) is an International Non-Profit initiative set up and launched by the European Outdoor Group (EOG). Through the #itsgreatoutthere campaign, IGOT promotes outdoor participation to the general public, focusing on engaging with new and diverse groups. IGOT also represents the sector in discussions with policy makers, seeking to secure European funding for key community-led projects that encourage and actively assist more people to engage in outdoor activities.
Opening Up the Outdoors (OUTO) a collective of outdoor brands and experts, allies and OUTO Changemakers with a shared passion and love of the outdoors who are committed to creating momentum for the progression of continued inclusion within outdoor spaces. OUTO aims to create an outdoor community and industry that is truly diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible. OUTO joined the Coalition in 2022 and IGOT and OUTO now share a secretariat, and coordinate work and campaigning across Europe.
As communications manager, Annette Monheim’s responsibilities include: Ensuring that IGOT and OUTO messages are communicated consistently and in a way that engages with target audiences; collaborating with brands and #itsgreatoutthere grant recipients to tell great stories about the delivery of the coalition’s Outdoor Activity Days through grass roots projects; and shaping the organisations’ presence at key events including OutDoor by ISPO, ISPO, the European Outdoor Summit and Kendal Mountain Festival, all with a view to new member acquisition.
Annette Monheim has a background in content creation, publishing and international communications, coupled with a deep passion for nature, and brings relevant expertise and a new perspective to the coalition. Annette will work closely with IGOT Secretary General Margo de Lange and the team at OUTO, along with the membership of each organisation, and other industry and community leaders.
Annette Monheim comments: “I am honoured and excited to work with the teams at It’s Great Out There and Opening Up the Outdoors. These organisations are doing incredibly important work, and I am committed to using the power of communications to amplify their missions. Together, we will inspire individuals from all walks of life to embrace the outdoors, ensuring that access to nature is inclusive and equitable for all.”
Margo de Lange adds: “As the It's Great Out There Coalition and Opening Up the Outdoors navigate our way through the challenges of getting more European citizens active in the outdoors, we are very well aware of the scale of the task that we face. To deliver our objectives effectively requires significant resource and sustained effort, which is why it’s great news that we have been able to confirm the appointment of a talented and dedicated communications professional. I am really looking forward to working with Annette Monheim to spread the word about our work, and encourage even more individuals and organisations to get involved.”