Andrew Denton, chief executive of the Outdoor Industries Association. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A planned event aimed at nurturing future leaders in the outdoors industry has been scrapped due to lack of interest.

The Outdoor Industries Association said the Outdoors Future Camp will not now take place.

It was due to be staged in Eccleshall, Sheffield, on 5 and 6 September.

The industry trade body had lined up a range of speakers for the event, which it organised in conjunction with ISPO Academy, run by the organisation that stages outdoor trade shows in Europe and the Far East.

Topics due to be covered at the aborted event included topics include understanding the ‘new outdoor’ consumer, merchandising, social media and online strategies, customer services, new media and inspiration in business. The camp would also have included workshops, team-building and an adventure team challenge during the daytime, with a hog roast and live music in the evening.

OIA chief executive Andrew Denton said: “Despite an excellent line-up of quality guest speakers and workshops, together with initial interest and support from the trade, only a minimum number of bookings have been secured, even with everyone’s best efforts to promote the event.

“We have therefore made the decision to cancel OFC for this year.”

The OIA said, despite the setback, it firmly believes it is still vital for the trade to invest in training outdoor recreation industry leaders of the future.

The organisation said more research and an extensive survey will be conducted to find out how the association can best react to the wishes of its membership.

Delegates who registered to attend the event will be contacted and will receive a full refund.

• grough is a member of the OIA.