PTC Colab 2026 Preview:
Tap Into the Outdoor Recreation Economy Already at Work
Recorded July 16, 2026
What if some of the resources your paddlesports business needs are already being funded, organized or promoted in your state?
Across the country, states are investing in the outdoor recreation economy through dedicated state offices of outdoor recreation. For paddlesports retailers, outfitters, manufacturers and community organizations, those offices may offer opportunities ranging from grants and workforce development to marketing partnerships, events and connections to new customers.
At PTC Colab 2026, attendees will have an opportunity to learn how to tap into that work directly from one of the people helping lead it nationally.
25 States and Growing
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and the Confluence of States have helped organize a growing network of state offices of outdoor recreation. Today, 25 states have established an office at the state-government level dedicated to supporting and growing their outdoor recreation economies.
That matters because these aren't simply promotional initiatives.
These offices can have staff, funding, grant programs and other resources specifically focused on investing in outdoor businesses, empowering outdoor recreation workforce development, and connecting local businesses with tourism and local consumers. And as more states establish these offices, the opportunities for outdoor businesses and organizations to connect with this network are increasing.
Your State May Already Be Investing in Work You Need
For a small paddlesports business, connecting with a state office of outdoor recreation could open doors that are difficult to create alone. Depending on the state and its programs, those opportunities might include:
- Grants or other funding opportunities
- Workforce development and employee training
- Scholarships or support for professional development
- Advertising and promotional partnerships
- Networking and connections with other outdoor recreation organizations
- Demonstration opportunities at larger events
- Opportunities to reach audiences through programs someone else is already organizing
For a small retailer, outfitter or other paddlesports business with limited staff and resources, that last point can be particularly valuable. Instead of creating every event, audience or promotional opportunity from scratch, there may be ways to plug into work that is already happening.
Find the Intersection
The opportunity isn't simply to ask, “What grants are available?” It is to understand what your state is trying to accomplish through outdoor recreation and find the places where those priorities intersect with the needs of your business and your community.
Maybe that's workforce training.
Maybe it's introducing more people to paddlesports.
Maybe it's tourism, access, economic development or connecting residents with outdoor recreation close to home.
Knowing who is leading that work in your state and building that relationship can help a paddlesports business become part of the conversation rather than learning about opportunities after they have passed.
Ask the Person Leading the Conversation
At PTC Colab 2026, attendees won't just hear about this growing network. They'll have an opportunity to talk with someone working at the center of it.
Nathan Reigner, Director of Pennsylvania's Office of Outdoor Recreation, will join PTC Colab in Montgomery. Reigner also serves as Chair of the Confluence of States, representing the network of state offices of outdoor recreation.
That means PTC attendees will have a rare opportunity to ask practical questions about what is happening in their own states, how these offices work and how paddlesports businesses and organizations can engage with them.
Start With One Question
You don't need to become an expert in state government to begin.
Start by asking: Does my state have an office of outdoor recreation, and do they know who we are?
If the answer to the first question is yes and the second is no, there may be an opportunity waiting.
And if your state doesn't have an office yet, it may be worth paying attention. The network has reached a point where additional states are likely to follow. For the paddlesports industry, this is an opportunity to connect our businesses, organizations and communities with a larger movement already investing in the outdoor recreation economy.
See It at PTC Colab 2026
This webinar clip is only a preview.
At PTC Colab 2026, October 14–16 at Montgomery Whitewater, Nathan Reigner will help attendees better understand the growing network of state offices of outdoor recreation and how businesses can connect with the work happening in their states.
For a small paddlesports business, the takeaway is simple:
Before you spend limited time and money building something on your own, find out who in your state may already be working toward the same goal.
Featured Guest
Nathan Reigner, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation and Chair, Confluence of States
Next Steps
- Register to attend PTC Colab 2026 (FREE)
- Register to Exhibit at PTC Colab 2026 (and nominate Retailers for Retailer Engagement Fund)
- Register to attend 1-day ACA Instructor Update
- Register to attend 1-day ACA Instructor Endorsement-Paddlesports Fishing