The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) is excited to announce the launch of The Workshop’s Pitchfest; an exciting initiative to provide a dedicated channel for creativity and entrepreneurism among women with a passion and love for the outdoors. Applications are now being accepted at oiwc.org/TheWorkshop.
The Workshop’s Pitchfest showcases OIWC’s commitment to building an industry where great ideas, born from a diversity of experiences, thrive. Women are invited to submit their new innovation or product ideas for a chance to live pitch in front of influential industry CEO’s and gain insight, visibility, and valuable feedback.
The applications, a combination of video and written presentations, are reviewed by a panel of industry experts who rate them based on innovation, impact, viability, and opportunity for industry change. Finalists are invited to present to industry CEO’s prior to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. The finalists will not only receive next-level advice from the experts, but also will benefit from media exposure, a public speaking coach, and admission to Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
“The opportunity to facilitate this program and showcase the fresh thinking and incomparable talent of women passionate about the outdoors, to top industry executives is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation,” explains Deanne Buck, OIWC Executive Director. “We look forward to taking a collaborative approach with several forward-thinking companies to ensure the success of this program, and its participants, for many years to come.”
The REI Foundation awarded OIWC The Mary Anderson Legacy Grant in 2015 to partially fund this initiative. As a thought leader, Mary co-founded with her husband Lloyd what today is the country’s largest consumer co-op and a community of more than 5.5 million active members. “The grant is a catalyst to unleash the talent of women and spur ideas,” says Marc Berejka, president of The REI Foundation. “We couldn’t think of a more honorable legacy for Mary than to join forces and discover emerging talent and products that will lead the outdoor industry into the next era.”
Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2015. Interested parties can learn more at oiwc.org/TheWorkshop.
