LEARN ALL ABOUT AND SOCIAL
Hands-on learning
Enjoy being social in the outdoors
Our events are designed to be the best possible experience for everyone involved. Everything is taken care of, from accommodation to food and drink, so that you can focus on having a great learning experience while you’re with us and remember everything you’ve taken in when you leave. Best of all you get to learn where you will enjoy it the most in the outdoors gaining essential hands-on experience.
Expert Tuition
Education through real life experience
We work closely with brands and partners to provide the best theory and practical sessions across a wide range of outdoor topics. From basic map reading skills, using outdoor equipment properly in the right settings to how different footwear responds to different conditions. This will give you increased knowledge, in a fun outdoor environment, to take back with you and help inform customers to make the right choice for their equipment needs.
Friendly and Social
Build Relationships Friendly and Social
It’s not all about learning – that’s where and Social comes in. We believe that it is essential for people to get together and share their experiences and thoughts on all kinds of topics. A host of informative speakers will entertain you and spark debate. Also, brands and retail staff can meet in a social setting, put names to faces, and make future dealings even more friendly and easier to improve both businesses. We will help you network and develop.
SEE WHAT YOU MISSED
HIKE RUN LEARN
Hike
Learn – Experience – Hike
Test equipment in the environment it is designed for under the guidance of professional mountain leaders. Walk, Talk and learn.
Learn
Learn – Experience – Equip
Understand systems and how products work, from brands, experts and professionals. Learn new skills to better inform the outdoor consumer.
WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY DO
The Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) CIC is a non-profit membership organisation that provides advocacy, representation, promotion, leadership and the opportunity for the outdoor recreational industries, to unite with a single common voice. It represents over 200 member organisations that provide products and services for the Outdoor Recreation industry, retailers that sell those products and services, NGO’s, NGBs and other organisations which operate in the UK Outdoor Recreation sector. Its mission is to ‘Engage, Represent and Promote the Outdoor Recreation Industries’ with a long term vision to ‘Get More People Active Outdoors’.
The Institute for Outdoor Learning is the professional body for organisations and individuals who use the outdoors to make a positive difference for others.
We are driven by a vision of Outdoor Learning as a highly valued form of development, education and employment in UK society.
We provide a competitive platform of quality services to enable others who share similar aspirations and purpose to achieve their individual and organisational aims
Academy launch lands amid the UAE’s push toward its National Sports Strategy 2031, giving Dubai’s next generation direct access to a first-team environment built by Premier League winners, full internationals and a Sporting Director who lived the pathway himself.
Arabian Falcons FC has today launched Arabian Falcons Academy, opening the first genuine Premier League-standard pathway to professional football ever introduced in the UAE – and one built to feed directly into the country’s own ambitions for the sport.
Where most academies operate at arm’s length from senior football, Arabian Falcons has built its academy directly into the same structure, culture and coaching philosophy as its first team – led by a group who have lived the professional game at the highest level: manager Jonjo Shelvey, player-coach Danny Simpson, captain Ravel Morrison, co-owner and Head of Football Operations Jason Puncheon, and Sporting Director Harry Agombar, who oversees the Academy’s #News
3 days ago
With just two months to go, excitement is building for the return of the Hampton Court Palace Running Festival on Sunday 11th October 2026, as runners prepare to take on one of the UK's most iconic historic race settings while supporting Felix, the UK’s largest food rescue charity
Organised by RunThrough, the UK's largest and Europe's fastest-growing running events company, delivering more than 300 events annually with over 480,000 runners entering an event each year, the Hampton Court Palace Running Festival has become a favourite among runners looking to combine history, scenery and a memorable race-day experience.
Participants can choose between the 10K and Half Marathon, following a scenic multi-terrain route through the spectacular grounds of Hampton Court Palace and alongside the River Thames. The course offers a unique opportunity to race through one of Britain's most famous royal landmarks, attracting both first-time participants and returning runners each #News
4 days ago
NFL odds offer more than preseason talking points. They reflect how bookmakers continuously reassess teams based on roster development, coaching stability, schedule strength, and broader league expectations.
While those numbers will more than likely change once games begin, they already provide useful insight into how each club is viewed entering 2026.
Comparing opening prices with current markets highlights which teams have gained momentum, which remain uncertain, and where expectations have shifted during the offseason.
Seahawks' Odds Reflect Rising NFC Expectations
Seattle has attracted growing attention throughout the offseason, and the odds reflect that change. Their NFC Championship price has tightened from +1, 200 to +500, suggesting bookmakers now view the team as a more realistic conference contender than they did when the market first opened.
For supporters looking to find the best NFL odds, Seattle presents an interesting #TrendsFeatures
5 days ago
New long-term partnership will bring supporters closer to the action than ever before through AI and advanced mobile technology.
Arsenal have today announced an exciting new chapter in their partnership with Google, welcoming Google Gemini as the club’s new Official AI Assistant Partner and extending Google Pixel’s role as Official Mobile Phone Partner.
The multi-year agreement will see supporters gain access to new experiences, ranging from AI-powered creative tools to exclusive behind-the-scenes content from matchdays and the training ground.
Gemini, Google’s AI app, helps supporters get the most out of every fixture. From analysing new signings and settling match debates, to syncing match days straight to the calendar, the app unlocks new ways to connect with the club from anywhere in the world.
Arsenal’s extension with Pixel will help supporters get closer to the action than ever before with exclusive behind-the-scenes content from matchdays and at the training #News
5 days ago
The spectacular giant Teacake, iconic unicorn heads that lit up the Opening Ceremony and signed Netballs from the Gold medal match, alongside a host of unforgettable sporting treasures from this summer’s Commonwealth Games, are set to go under the hammer this week, as the official Glasgow 2026 Memorabilia Auction opens to the public.
Hosted by Glasgow's own Anita Manning – star of BBC's Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip – the auction offers fans, collectors and sporting enthusiasts a rare opportunity to take home an authentic piece of Commonwealth Games history.
Delivered by The Retailer Group, official Glasgow 2026 memorabilia licensee, in partnership with Great Western Auctions, the official Glasgow 2026 Memorabilia Auction gives fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the Games.
Fans can now explore the full catalogue and place bids online via The Official Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Auction… (20 Aug 26), before the live auction takes #News
5 days ago
Across the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, PUMA athletes win a total of 33 medals
16 gold medals were taken home by PUMA athletes, with Norway’s Karsten Warholm and Henrietta Jaeger each becoming a double European champion
Four new Championship Records were set by Amanal Petros (Men’s Marathon), Audrey Werro (Women’s 800m), Karsten Warholm (Men’s 400m Hurdles) and Mondo Duplantis (Men’s Pole Vault)
The 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham last week brought excitement, drama, and an abundance of success for PUMA’s athletes.
Across the competition, 28 different athletes won a total of 33 medals wearing PUMA footwear, with 14 of those athletes taking home at least one gold medal. Four athletes also set new Championship Records across a glorious week in the UK’s second city.
The PUMA gold rush began with the very first final of the Championships, as Norway stormed to victory in the Mixed 4x400m Relay. The baton was led out ferociously
5 days ago
COMPRESSPORT® is proud to support the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc as the official compression supplier for the 13th consecutive year.
In a few weeks, the international elite of trail running will joyfully gather once again for this 23rd World Summit of Trail Running.
As it has been for the past 13 years, COMPRESSPORT® will be present throughout the event.
A collaboration and an increasingly active participation year after year
COMPRESSPORT® will support all those who have the pleasure and privilege of wearing a bib for this new
2026 edition.
• Monday, August 24 to Friday, August 28, 2026
Stand COMPRESSPORT®
The entire COMPRESSPORT® team will be pleased to welcome runners to their stand to equip, advise, and
encourage them.
Coffee Shop Couloir x COMPRESSPORT
Designed as a space for connection and shared experiences, it welcomes spectators, runners, and
accompanying family members to celebrate both the event and the #News
1 week ago
The International Running Expo (IRX) is returning to RAI Amsterdam on 4-5 November with an exciting line-up of new brands and exclusive features. Furthermore, there are even more opportunities for the global running industry to connect, learn and do business.
Building on the success of its inaugural event, #IRX 2026 is introducing a host of fresh experiences designed to bring together retailers, brands and distributors. In addition, industry professionals from across Europe and beyond are invited to join.
New and emerging brands joining the line-up
Visitors will be able to discover the latest innovations from a growing list of exhibitors making their IRX debut. New brands confirmed for 2026 include Shokz, BAHE, 4T2, MAAREE, Pole Position, Stridematch, Superfeet, Swijn, Triumph, Veloci and wink. These brands are showcasing everything from performance footwear and sports bras to recovery products, technology and retail solutions. Together, they represent the diversity and
1 week ago
With the 2026/27 Premier League season kicking off, football shirt sales are entering one of their busiest periods of the year and so too, is the counterfeit trade. To coincide with the new season, global brand protection specialist Corsearch is highlighting research which found that 40% of football shirt mystery boxes purchased online contained counterfeit products.
Beyond the consumer warning lies a much bigger story for IP professionals. The investigation demonstrates how professional test purchasing is evolving from a traditional evidence-gathering exercise into a critical intelligence capability, enabling brands to uncover sophisticated counterfeiting networks, map illicit supply chains and strengthen enforcement strategies in an increasingly complex digital marketplace.
In the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Corsearch purchased a range of football shirt mystery boxes from independent websites, online marketplaces and social media sellers at various price points. #News
1 week ago
TESTIMONIALS
JD Outdoors
The Outdoor and Social event was a brilliant success! It gave our retail colleagues a fresh and engaging way to deepen their product knowledge while enjoying a change of scenery. The hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions made learning both fun and memorable. It was inspiring to see everyone so enthusiastic—asking questions, sharing insights, and genuinely connecting with the products. Everyone left feeling more confident in their product expertise and better equipped to support our customers. A fantastic experience all around!
Rob Lewis
Project Manager: Product Knowledge, Learning & Development
Nikwax
The Outdoor and Social event is a fantastic event for getting brands and retail staff together. It provides a great opportunity for the retail staff to spend time trying outdoor gear and clothing in real world environments rather than just being taught about them on a shopfloor or conference centre.
Ian White
Account Manager, North
Rab – Lowe alpine
Hands-on learning and real-world product testing are what And Social is all about. It’s a brilliant three-day event where we connect with retail staff and key industry partners, training them on our latest apparel and equipment tech. This year, having our Pack Designer host a workshop and share the journey behind an award-winning pack really brought our innovation story to life. It fuels the passion we have as a brand—something we hope shines through on the shop floor. Rab is fully committed to the future of this event and excited to see how it evolves.
Jessica Burton
UK Marketing Manager
Petzl UK
Sometimes the simplest concepts are the best – inviting all the UKs outdoor retailers to spend time outdoors getting hands on with our product provided us with the perfect classroom. Simple concepts can be incredibly complex to pull together – big thanks to and Social for pulling it off and delivering the perfect and well organised event. Looking forward to next year already!
Jonathan Morgan
Sport Market Manager
Norrona
As budgets are tighter and time seems more precious I found And Social an efficient and enjoyable way to see wholesale staff in a high quality, relevant environment. The early spring chill made for some challenging conditions which galvanised friendships between colleagues. The investment in time and effort from brands was significant. The format works, now we need a call to action to retailers to send staff (even for 24h) tasked to learn. It will be beneficial for business and highly motivating for the individual.
Jim Tomley
Brand Manager
Sea to Summit
James Maltby
Brand & Sales Director
Bradshaw Taylor
Bradshaw Taylor attended Outdoor & Social for the first time this year with Keen footwear, Sherpa Adventure Gear and Artilect. The event is the perfect opportunity for brands to come together with retail staff to educate and use product together in the wild, and how wonderful to see the industry back outside! The events success depends on our support, so I would encourage both retailers and brands to attend next year. Its future success relies on our participation. Many thanks to the team at Outdoor & Social for bringing this much needed event to market.
Sonia Prior
Sales Director
Outdoor Industries Association
The OIA are delighted to be working with the team at ‘And Social’. Face to face sales advice, customer service training, knowledge of technical outdoor products – these are vital skills if we want to continue selling our brands’ products through UK specialty retailers. I was also pleased to see how much the delegates valued the time spent networking and learning about their industry in general, the social value of getting more customers active outside, and how one can really build a career there days in the Outdoor Industries. I look forward to meeting even more people at the 2026 event!
Andrew Denton
CEO
Osprey
Osprey and Hydro Flask see brand and product training to be a key pillar of the outdoor industry.
Outdoor and Social gives brands the chance to present and impart knowledge, and retail staff get the opportunity to get hands on with the latest kit and test out on the hill.
Matt Haigh
Key Account Manager
Pro Agencies
Staff training is a really important part of what we do as a business and something we invest a lot of time and money in. And Social is the perfect experiential event for staff to come along and learn about a wide range of brands in a relaxed and social environment. Retailers who don’t get involved in the event are really missing out.
Matt Moore
Director
1000 Mile Sportswear, Burton McCall Ltd
The And Social event was an extremely well organised event from start to finish. From a warm welcome when you arrive, set up was made easy with amble space to move around the site. The show itself was eagerly attended by outdoor retailers staff. A great event and a lot of training was achieved for all that attended with great food provided.
Warren Smith
Sales Manager – North and Scotland
Twist Distribution, Distributors of Kelty & Sierra Designs
Outdoor and Social is one of the must attend events for Kelty and Sierra Designs. Just like the Ski and Snowboard Tests this is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on products, use them and experience their USPs so you can pass that onto your colleagues and customers. For instore staff it’s got to be one of the best opportunities to meet the brands, and some of the wider industry folk who’re shaping the future of the Outdoor Market. For Buyers, Owners and Senior Management it’s an early season chance to make sure your strategies are ready, touch base with the brands to make sure everything is on track, and for the Marketing Team its got to be the best time to put together fresh content with everything you need on hand. And for Retailers its free to attend, you’re fed, trained and you can gain a qualification to add value to yourself. Outdoor and Social ticks all the boxes!
Damon Street
Twist Distribution, Distributors of Kelty & Sierra Designs
