We’re all under the same tent!
September 19-20, 2025 – Maryville, TN
The two-day event will bring together both consumptive (e.g., hunting, fishing) and non-consumptive (e.g., hiking, birding) outdoor enthusiasts, promoting shared learning and appreciation for the natural world. Our goal is to build a community that values diverse outdoor activities, fosters understanding, and encourages conservation.
The mission of the Outdoor Enthusiast Expo is to deepen our commitment to natural resource stewardship and inspire participants to explore new outdoor activities while appreciating the shared benefits of conservation.
The event will feature hands-on educational sessions where participants can experience various outdoor pursuits, including:
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Fly Fishing
- Mountain Climbing
- Deer Hunting
- Hiking
- Waterfowl Hunting
- Birding
- BioBlitz Surveys
- And more
Evening assemblies will include keynote speakers addressing topics like the North American Wildlife Conservation Model and the vital contributions of hunting and fishing to conservation funding. Through these sessions, we aim to highlight the impact of hunters and anglers on supporting outdoor recreation, conservation, and land preservation. Key contributions include:
- Conservation Funding: Taxes on firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment (through the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts) provide crucial funding for wildlife management, benefitting all outdoor enthusiasts by maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Land and Habitat Preservation: Licensing fees help support state agencies in acquiring and managing land, ensuring accessible, ecologically healthy spaces for public use.
- Population and Wildlife Management: Responsible hunting and fishing practices aid in maintaining ecological balance, protecting the habitats enjoyed by all outdoor users.
- Research and Education: Revenue supports wildlife research and public education, promoting responsible wildlife interactions and environmental stewardship.
- Trail and Infrastructure Maintenance: Conservation funding aids in maintaining trails, campsites, and recreational access points for safe and sustainable use.
Our committee is finalizing sponsorship packages, entry fees, and vendor information with plans to make this an annual event. We are seeking partners interested in supporting or presenting breakout sessions, and we would be thrilled to explore how you might be involved.
