Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 02:04 PM

Presenter speaking to a small group seated at round tables during a workshop or training session in a conference room with a presentation displayed on a projection screen.

March 26, 2027

About the Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit

The 2nd annual Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit is scheduled to be held on March 26th at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. The summit is a transformative event designed to unite community partners, land agencies, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts passionate about growing the region’s outdoor industry. Featuring keynote speakers, workshops, outdoor demonstrations, and networking opportunities, the symposium aims to foster collaboration, promote education on sustainability and innovation, boost the regional economy, and inspire entrepreneurship. Join us to help build a vibrant and sustainable outdoor economy that benefits Southern Illinois for years to come.

Registration

Registration includes: full-access to the summit, morning coffee service and lunch and access to Touch of Nature activities following the conclusion of the summit. Please note, registration is required prior to Wednesday, March 24 to guarantee a lunch at the summit.

Registration is open to outdoor industry professionals, government agencies, educators and researches, non-profit organizations, private business, and the general public. 

Register Today!

**Everyone who registers before Wednesday, March 24 will be guaranteed a lunch. All registration after March 24 are encouraged to bring a lunch.

Call for 2027 Workshop Proposals

We are now accepting proposals for workshops at the Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit! We welcome submissions from private businesses, non-profits, and other organizations doing impactful work in southern Illinois to foster a thriving outdoor economy. Additionally, we ask that workshops are 45 minutes in length. If you have any questions please reach out to us at ton@siu.edu. Share your expertise and help inspire collaboration and innovation in our region!

2026 Summit Program

Friday, March 27, 2026: 

8:30 AM-9:00 AM: Registration & Coffee Service

9:00 AM-9:30 AM: Welcome

9:45 AM-10:30 AM: Workshop 1

10:45 AM-11:30 AM: Workshop 2 

11:45 AM-12:30 PM: Lunch sponsored by SI Now

12:45 PM-1:30 PM: Feature Presentation

1:45 PM-2:30 PM: Workshop 3

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Closing

3:00 PM -5:00 PM: Open Play or Free Time

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Community Connections

2026 Event Sponsors

SI Now logo

This program is brought to you in part by our Trailblazer, Little Giant Champion and Edventure Ambassador partners.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to our Trailblazers River Radio, E.T. Simonds Construction Co., SIU Credit Union, Illinois Laborers' & Contractors Joint Apprenticeship Program and Egyptian Electric.

For a full listing of our partners, please visit our sponsors page.