Asheville Hosted 10th Outdoor Media Summit
The annual conference brought 400 industry professionals to the Crowne Plaza Resort to support the local economy.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Health and Wellness
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Asheville hosted the 10th edition of the Outdoor Media Summit this week, attracting 400 professionals to the city. The event focused on showcasing the region while providing financial support to businesses impacted by Helene.
Why it matters
The summit serves as a vital economic engine for western North Carolina by spotlighting the area and driving capital directly into local services and guide businesses. By connecting brands with journalists, the event promotes regional recovery and tourism resilience.
The summit attracted 400 industry professionals, with 75% of attendees traveling from outside Asheville for the event. Organizers estimated the gathering would generate more than $445,000 in direct spending for the city.
The players
Outdoor Media Summit
This annual event gathers industry professionals, journalists, and outdoor brands to foster storytelling and professional development within the outdoor recreation sector.
Crowne Plaza Resort
The Asheville property served as the primary venue for the 10th annual summit, providing lodging and meeting facilities for visiting delegates.
The details
Industry brands utilized the event to pitch stories and demonstrate products to visiting journalists, while the schedule included guided excursions to local trails like Catawba Falls. The summit focused on supporting the broader western North Carolina outdoor economy and those affected by Helene.
Timeline
The summit concluded on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The article was published on September 28, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The summit follows the pattern set by the post-Helene economic recovery initiative. By centering the gathering in Asheville, organizers are attempting to sustain regional stability through direct investment in the local tourism and outdoor guide ecosystem.
Attendees and local residents experienced increased traffic near the Crowne Plaza Resort and local trailheads during the week of the summit. Businesses benefited from the influx of out-of-town visitors, which provided a temporary boost to the local economy.
The takeaway
Events like the Outdoor Media Summit highlight how professional gatherings can serve as tactical financial support for communities recovering from natural disasters. By participating in local guided excursions, professionals help maintain the visibility of trails and businesses in the aftermath of a crisis.
Further reading
Learn more about local regional support and initiatives in the Asheville Health and Wellness section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
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