The Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) has announced that it is boosting its partnership with Outdoor and Social (OAS). The OIA and OAS have signed a memorandum of understanding to organise and promote the annual outdoor learning event as a joint venture, showcasing and enhancing its importance as part of the industry’s training, education and professional development landscape.
First held in 2024, Outdoor and Social is a trade event that is built for retail staff and provides workshops and practical sessions, that are designed to increase knowledge and confidence in outdoor products and skills through practical experience. Hosted at Newfold Farm in Edale in the Peak District under the guidance of brands, experts and professionals, it is completely free of charge to all retail staff and aims to help them deliver better information to consumers. OAS has grown consistently since it was founded and next year’s event from 9-11 March is expected to be the biggest to date.
For the OIA, the value of OAS goes beyond the quality of the training itself. It allows people from across the outdoor sector to learn together, share ideas and build the skills that will help the industry become stronger, more professional and better connected. The OIA also recognises that OAS presents an increasingly important opportunity for the next generation of outdoor industry talent. For those who are starting their careers in retail, brands or the wider sector, the event provides something that can otherwise be difficult to access: the chance to meet their peers, make connections and feel part of the wider outdoor community. Many people working on the front line of retail rarely get the chance to visit national or international trade shows, and OAS offers a combination of high-quality learning with the networking, energy and sense of belonging that are so important in the sector.
Andrew Denton, Chief Executive of the Outdoor Industries Association, said: “We are absolutely delighted to now be working in a joint venture with the team at Outdoor and Social. The quality and breadth of the training is excellent, but just as importantly, the event gives people the chance to meet, network and learn from one another.
“If we want a strong outdoor industry in 10 or 20 years’ time, we need to invest in the people coming through it now. In particular, we need to give young people the skills, confidence, networks and opportunities to build great careers in this sector.
“Outdoor and Social does that brilliantly. It brings together training and education with the sort of informal conversations, friendships and industry connections that many of us have benefited from throughout our careers. OIA is very pleased to support it and help it grow.”
Keith Marshall of Outdoor and Social said: “We created Outdoor and Social to give retail staff practical training across outdoor products and categories, the opportunity to learn directly from the people behind them, and a certificate recognising the training they have completed.
“Working more closely with the OIA will help us build on that practical approach and reach more people across the industry. We want everyone who attends to leave with the confidence and knowledge to provide better service to consumers. That helps build customer trust, encourages repeat business and supports staff retention.”
Through the enhanced partnership, the OIA will continue to support and promote the event across its membership and wider industry network, while working with O&S to develop new opportunities around training, education and workforce development.
Both organisations share a simple ambition: to help build a better trained, better connected and more confident outdoor industry, and to invest in the people who will shape its future.
To find out more about Outdoor and Social 2027 visit https://outdoorandsocial.com/about.
