The conference will look at challenges ahead for the outdoor industry

The trade body representing companies and organisations in the outdoors world will hold its first conference next month.

The Outdoors Industries Association has members from manufacturing, retailing, outdoor activities and youth development, as well as organisations and Government agencies.

It will hold its gathering at Solihull in the West Midlands and is encouraging non-members to attend, to hear how the industry will tackle the challenges facing it in the future.

The conference, which the Camping and Caravanning Club is sponsoring, will also include a series of workshops on corporate social responsibility, social media, customer service and ‘green’ labels.

Andy Robinson, chief executive of the Institute for Outdoor Learning, will address the conference on the subject of promoting greater accessibility to the outdoors to the UK’s ethnic minorities.

The association has many of the big hitters in outdoor manufacturing and retail, as well as smaller outfits and organisations such as the British Mountaineering Council.

A representative from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills will speak on the future of manufacturing in the UK and the association will launch a new web platform for the public.

OIA chief executive Louise Ramsay said: “This event will set the scene for the OIA’s year and that’s why we have chosen it as the ideal occasion to launch our very exciting new consumer facing internet project, which has huge potential for not only the association’s members but for the wider outdoor industry.

“We have been able to line up some excellent speakers and other contributors for the day, and I think that the workshop programme will be of particular practical use, relevant to both small and larger businesses from all parts of our sector.

“Everyone on the board is looking forward to a busy and stimulating day. It is important for everyone to understand that we have organised this conference on behalf of the whole industry and it is only by working together that we can promote these growth opportunities for the trade.

“That is why I encourage companies that are not OIA members to also attend and be part of what is shaping up to be a key event in 2011.”

The conference, on 3 March, will be preceded by the association’s annual general meeting.