Press Releases
04/28/2026
DEEP Announces Line-up for CT Outdoor Recreation Day at State Capitol April 30th
Event to Showcase Connecticut-based Outdoor Recreation Industries, Retailers, Guides, and Recreation Groups
(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences will host an inaugural Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Day featuring Connecticut-based outdoor industries, retailers, guides, and recreation groups on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the North Lobby of the State Capitol in Hartford.
The event seeks to raise awareness of the growing outdoor recreation industry in Connecticut as well as opportunities to recreate in the outdoors, anchored by our State Parks and Forests. Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Day features dozens of exhibitors showcasing their products, services, and events. While the exhibitor space reached capacity three weeks ago, there is no limit on attendees, and all members of the public are encouraged to attend.
“Connecticut is a great place to live, work, and play, with a thriving outdoor industry sector – it’s no wonder this event reached exhibitor capacity weeks ago,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Connecticut's outdoor recreation economy continues to outpace national growth, and this strong interest shows the community is poised for even more expansion, creating greater access and opportunities for people to get outside.”
The event provides policymakers, staff, and the general public with the opportunity to meet, network and collaborate with CT-based outdoor recreation businesses and recreation groups. Attendees can learn about the latest outdoor recreation products, services, events, and communities and how they can support this growing industry.
“With a completely full exhibitor space, I encourage anyone interested in finding a new outdoor recreation passion, learning about the latest equipment, making connections to advance your skills, looking for a new location for that next outdoor adventure or seeking a partner to collaborate on an event to support their community, to attend this event,” said Jeff Shaw, Director of the CT Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. “CT Outdoor Recreation Day exemplifies the Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences’ commitment to seeking partnerships to promote opportunities for increasing access to the outdoors and growing Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy.”
Below is the exhibitor line-up:
- Air Line State Park Trail Alliance
- Alpine Haus
- Appalachian Mountain Club, CT Chapter
- Ascent Climbing
- Athletic Brewing Company
- Benidorm Bikes
- BikeWalkCanton
- Charter and Party Boat Association
- Collinsville Canoe and Kayak
- Connecticut Marine Trades Association l Hartford Boat Show
- Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance
- East Coast Greenway Alliance
- EBCC Cycling Club
- Electric Boats of Connecticut
- Friends of Mono Pond State Park
- Flying Connie Charters
- Hartford Gear Company
- Hop River Trail Alliance
- Last Green Valley
- Litchfield Paddle
- Loom City Cycles
- Lucky Strike Charter
- Main Stream Canoe and Kayaks
- Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
- NAR Supply Company
- New England Mountain Biking Association
- Outside Perspectives
- Reach Your Summit
- Recreational Equipment, Inc (REI Co-op)
- River Valley Paddle Company
- ShelterLogic Group
- Sierra Club of Connecticut
- Soulful SUP and Yoga
- Southern Connecticut State University, Depts. of Recreation, Tourism and Sports Management and Public Health
- Summit Adaptive Sports
- The Adventure Park
- Trust for Public Land
- Thule
- Willimantic Whitewater Partnership
The DEEP Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Bureau of Natural Resources, and the CT DECD Office of Tourism and Statewide Marketing (CT Visit) will also be exhibiting.
Run of Show:
- 2:00 PM: Exhibition begins
- 2:45 PM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 5:00 PM: Event ends
About the Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences:
In 2024, DEEP launched its Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences by asking businesses, organizations and the general public to submit ideas to its Partnership in Parks Request for Information (RFI), which remains open to submissions on a rolling basis. Submission to the RFI resulted in piloting new outdoor recreation services last recreation season and recently, the release of a Paddlecraft Rental Service Request for Proposals (RFP) to include paddlecraft rental services at seven State Parks. Additional Draft RFPs for new or expanded outdoor recreation experiences, services, and amenities are expected to be announced in the coming months, with public comment encouraged.
For more information, contact Jeff Shaw at Jeffrey.Shaw@ct.gov.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110