St. Charles, MO – Missouri’s premier gathering for outdoor recreation is back. The Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit will return to the St. Charles Convention Center on November 14-16, promising its biggest and most immersive experience yet for adventurers, nature lovers, and industry professionals alike.
“We’re thrilled to bring the outdoor community together for our eighth expo this fall,” said Brad Kovach, event director and publisher of Terrain Magazine. “Whether you’re just getting outside for the first time or you’re a lifelong enthusiast, this year’s gathering offers something for everyone — gear, guidance, and the kind of shared energy that will keep you active all year long.”
From the newest equipment to the latest outdoor trends and recreation programming, the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit is designed to inspire, educate, and unite everyone to feel at home in the great outdoors. The first day will feature programming for industry stakeholders, including informational sessions and a keynote speaker, followed by a VIP/vendor party. The following two days will showcase retailers, brands, and organizations in the exhibit hall, along with a lineup of educational presentations at the Terrain Magazine Basecamp area. (A full schedule of presentations will be announced in the coming months.)
Highlights of the 2025 Expo + Summit include:
- Gear Galore – Browse and test the latest equipment from local and national outdoor brands, including high-performance apparel, tents, tools, and tech.
- Basecamp Presentations – Hear from community experts in seminars on topics ranging from backcountry trekking to land stewardship to accessibility and equity in the outdoors.
- Hands-On Activities – Take part in thrilling attractions such as mountain biking, rock climbing, fly-fishing demos, and more.
- Community Connections – Meet fellow adventurers, join clubs and initiatives, sign up for events and races, and swap stories with others who live for trailheads and treetops.
The Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit is designed for everyone — from families seeking new ways to enjoy the outdoors to professionals building networks in the outdoor industry to environmental advocates eager to support sustainable practices. Plus, with local food and beverages, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to connect, the weekend is guaranteed to be as fun as it is informative.
In 2024, over 6,000 people attended the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit, which included 150+ booths. Both the expo and summit are free to attend; those interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities can contact Jarrid Snyder at jarrid@terrain-mag.com.
Mark your calendars for November 14-16 and stay tuned for updates at www.gatewayoutdoorexpo.com and in upcoming issues of Terrain Magazine.
2025 EXPO + SUMMIT PRELIMINARY ATTRACTIONS ANNOUNCED
From new gear and hands-on attractions to expert-led presentations, the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit is made to inspire, educate, and unite everyone to feel welcome in the great outdoors. Here’s a first look at what you can expect… and we’re just getting started:
FREE PUBLIC ENTRY
The Gateway Outdoor Expo is free and open to the public, and includes free parking in 2025, making the event more inviting than ever before.
BASECAMP PRESENTATIONS
For the first time, we will be hosting speakers during public show hours. Hear from experts on topics ranging from backcountry trekking to land stewardship to equity in the outdoors.
ROCK CLIMBING WALL
Test your climbing ability on several different routes. The wall is 23 feet tall, with holds and features that mimic a real rock surface. Hosted by Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym.
GREAT GEAR GIVEAWAY
Win outdoor gear for wherever your next journey takes you. Prize packages are worth more than $1,000, with donated funds supporting the nonprofit efforts of River City Outdoors.
ADVENTURE SCAVENGER HUNT
Turn your visit to the Expo into a game with our family-friendly indoor scavenger hunt. Everyone who finishes the hunt successfully will get a prize. Hosted by River City Outdoors.
CANOE WITH CLAUS
Get your photo taken with Santa Claus from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Canoe with Claus booth. Hosted by Big Muddy Adventures.
PHOTO CONTEST GALLERY
For the second year, the winners of the annual Terrain Magazine Photo Contest will have their images displayed at the Expo. Hosted by Terrain Magazine.
GATEWAY OUTDOOR SUMMIT
(exhibit hall closed)
Friday, November 14
Schedule announced soon!
GATEWAY OUTDOOR EXPO
(exhibit hall open)
Saturday, November 15
10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, November 16
10 am – 4 pm
St. Charles Convention Center
1 Convention Center Blvd
St. Charles, MO 63303
About the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit
The Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit is the region’s largest outdoor recreation show, drawing thousands of attendees annually for a weekend of adventure, education, and community. The event showcases the best in gear, resources, and organizations working to strengthen the Midwest’s vibrant outdoor ecosystem.
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