Beyond the Booth - What's New at PTC Colab 2026
Recorded July 16, 2026
PTC Colab has always been the paddlesports industry's premier gathering for networking, product demonstrations, and collaboration. But in 2026, the experience expands well beyond the exhibit floor.
In this special webinar takeover, Andrea White, Founder of Cross Currents Leadership, provides an exclusive preview of the new professional development opportunities, educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and collaborative discussions planned for PTC Colab 2026 at Montgomery Whitewater. Learn why this year's event offers more value than ever before for manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, sales representatives, instructors, community organizations, and industry leaders.
What You'll Learn
- How PTC Colab 2026 has expanded beyond traditional product displays to become a comprehensive professional development event
- A preview of Outdoor Industry Association research on changing participation trends, customer segmentation, and emerging consumer opportunities
- Details about the new standardized World Drowning Prevention Day workshop that organizations can take home and deliver in their own communities
- New ACA instructor update opportunities, specialty instructor endorsements to teach Paddlesports Fishing, and on-water skills demonstrations
- How state Offices of Outdoor Recreation and the Confluence of States are creating new partnership, funding, workforce development, and marketing opportunities
- An introduction to the new Level 50 PFD category and the opportunity to experience the equipment before it reaches the broader market
- Plans for retailer, outfitter, and brand roundtable discussions focused on strengthening the paddlesports industry through collaboration
- Information about NASBLA Paddlesports Committee Honors and PTC COlab will be recognizing businesses promoting safe paddling
Rather than simply attending presentations, participants will discover new ways to build their business, expand professional skills, strengthen industry partnerships, improve paddler safety, and prepare for the future of paddlesports.
PTC Colab 2026 isn't just where the paddlesports industry gathers. It's where the industry learns, collaborates, and prepares for what's next.
Who Should Watch
- Manufacturers and Brands
- Retailers
- Outfitters
- Sales Representatives
- Instructors and Instructor Trainers
- Paddle Clubs and Community Organizations
- State Outdoor Recreation Offices
- Parks and Recreation Professionals
- Water Trail Organizations
- Anyone xonsidering attending PTC Colab
Featured Guests
- Andrea White – Founder, Cross Currents Leadership (Host)
- Stig Larsson – Chair, Paddlesports Trade Coalition
- Pamela Dillon – PTC Staff
- Dr. Chris Davis – Safety & Rescue Instructor Alliance
- Kelly Davis – Director of Research, Outdoor Industry Association
Jeff Atkins – Wavepaddler, ACA Instructor Trainer