ST. LOUIS - iSportsWire -- The Gateway Outdoor Summit returns in November with nationally recognized speakers and a new grant program designed to jumpstart community-focused outdoor recreation projects.

Last held in 2019, the one-day summit scheduled for Friday, November 22 at the St. Charles Convention Center will explore how the Greater St. Louis bi-state region can be more proactive in creating access to outdoor recreation for all while at the same time benefiting the local economy.

The summit is a part of an expanded 2024 Gateway Outdoor Expo weekend. The expo, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24 at the St. Charles Convention Center, is an annual consumer show that features more than 200 exhibit booths from outdoor retailers and service providers, fun kids' activities, product demos, show specials, food and drinks, and other attractions.

The keynote speaker for the Gateway Outdoor Summit is Lesford Duncan, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, who will explore the evolving landscape of outdoor recreation and discuss how strategic initiatives, like Thrive Outside St. Louis, are breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity and new ways of engaging the outdoors, and fostering a love for nature across diverse communities..

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The Gateway Outdoor Summit is free for those wishing to attend, though pre-registration is required at gatewayoutdoorsummit2024.eventbrite.com (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-gateway-outdoor-summit-tickets-995545111227).

A list of sessions to be held at the 2024 Gateway Outdoor Summit include:

• Driving Outdoor Diversity: Thrive Outside Network Panel
• Blazing Trails That Will Change Outdoor Community and Culture
• Big Ideas for Outdoor Recreation in the Great Middle West
• Trailblazing Together: Transforming the Landscape of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoors for All Micro-Grants

As part of the revamped Gateway Outdoor Summit, the event's organizers, River City Foundation, have announced a new program that will award one-time grants of up to $5,000 for community-focused outdoor recreation projects that benefit the Greater St. Louis bi-state region.

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The application period for the first round of micro-grants is now open, with instructions available at rivercityfdn.org/micro-grants. The River City Foundation Advisory Board will review grant applications and score for need, feasibility, sustainability, and relationship to the foundations' mission — to promote outdoor-oriented activities, accelerate equitable outdoor initiatives, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Greater St. Louis bi-state region.

The deadline for applications to be considered in this round of Outdoors for All Micro-Grants is November 1. The first round of micro-grants will be awarded at the Gateway Outdoor Summit on November 22.