Wednesday afternoon, March 23rd, the Historic Taos County Courthouse was on the Taos Plaza. State and local officials announced that Taos will host the fifth New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference. It will be held from Oct. 5 to 5.
Jeff Steinborn, executive Director of Outdoor New Mexico, said, “I’m very excited to have this year’s Conference in Taos.” (Steinborn also represents Doa Ana County’s state Senate District 36. “Taos has a reputation for its beauty and outdoor recreation, as well the innovative sustainability initiatives ranging from clean energy to building techniques. All of these and more will be on display at the conference in 2022.
Last year’s Farmington conference featured lively discussions inside the conference venue and at the after-parties on outdoor recreation’s effect on communities and the environment. The 2021 conference featured “Pitchfest,” the first conference. Six outdoor recreation companies were selected by the state’s Outdoor Recreation Division to present their best business pitches and compete for $5,000 in marketing support.
The Taos event will include a reprise of Pitchfest and three days of expert panel discussion, booths, and exhibits hosted and sponsored by outdoor recreation industry companies and outdoor destination communities, as well as recreational field trip in and around Taos.
Lisa O’Brien (director of Taos Community Foundation), stated that she was proud to be a part of the dialogue and looks forward to learning and networking.
She stated that “We have so much to give in our northern community regarding outdoor activities, and hosting this event is a win-win for our community.” It will undoubtedly assist us in our continued efforts in the community.
Brent Jaramillo, Taos County Manager, stated that the conference would allow local leaders to showcase Taos County’s natural beauty and connect, educate and incite leaders to grow the outdoor industry responsibly.
Jaramillo agreed with Karina Arijo, Town Taos Marketing and Tourism director.
“We are honored to be chosen as the next conference host city. This gives us the opportunity to educate conference attendees on how the Taos community values sustainability and conservation, our historic assets, outdoor equity, the rich culture that is Taos,” she said.