BIPOC Outdoors Summit and Rest Retreat @ NMU Sponsorship Packet
Celebrating Belonging in Nature | July 27, 2026 - July 31, 2026 | Marquette, Michigan
Our Mission | To create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where BIPOC individuals and their allies can connect with nature, each other, and opportunities in the outdoor and environmental sectors.
About the BIPOC Outdoors Summit & Rest Retreat @ NMU
The BIPOC Outdoors Summit @ NMU is a dynamic, multi-day event that connects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and their allies to the outdoors through healing, adventure, leadership, cultural connection, and environmental justice. Taking place in the breathtaking landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this summit brings together outdoor enthusiasts, educators, industry professionals, and community leaders to celebrate and expand the presence and voices of BIPOC communities in nature-based spaces. The summit includes a two-day symposium followed by a three-day retreat.
BIPOC Outdoors Summit @ NMU Overview:
This summit aims to bring together BIPOC and allies from Michigan, the Midwest, and beyond to collectively share best practices in facilitating BIPOC-centered spaces in outdoor recreation, environmental justice, and conservation movements. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers, panelists, and each other about best practices in grassroots movements that are helping to strengthen the relationship of BIPOC communities and Nature.
Rest Retreat Overview:
This rest retreat is for communities that are underrepresented in environmental justice professionals and community leader fields and are at risk of burnout from combating racial and climate injustice. This three-day retreat will offer a selection of several optional low-to-medium intensity activities for attendees to choose from each day. Together, attendees will spend time connecting with the outdoors, themselves, and each other.
Expected Summit Attendance: 150 BIPOC participants and allies
Host Organization: Northern Michigan University
Summit Theme: “Celebrating Belonging in Nature”
Goals of the Summit
- Increase representation of BIPOC individuals and allies in outdoor and environmental fields.
- Amplify BIPOC-led organizations and storytellers working in outdoor recreation, conservation, and wellness.
- Cultivate healing and community through guided outdoor experiences rooted in ancestral traditions.
- Foster cross-sector partnerships that advance opportunity, empowerment, access, and belonging in outdoor spaces.
Why Sponsor?
By sponsoring the BIPOC Outdoor Summit, your organization will:
- Demonstrate your commitment to empowerment, outdoor access, and environmental justice
- Build authentic relationships with BIPOC changemakers and allies, creatives, and leaders
- Receive visibility through diverse media, event branding, and storytelling platforms
- Help remove cost barriers and ensure accessibility for youth, elders, and grassroots leaders
Event Features
- Keynote speakers & storytellers from national BIPOC outdoor leadership
- Guided outdoor experiences (hiking, paddling, foraging, etc.)
- Workshops on skill building, land justice, ancestral practices, and outdoor career pathways
- Wellness circles, cultural rituals, and healing arts
- Networking with BIPOC environmental professionals
- Vendor fair featuring BIPOC artisans, organizations, and companies
Sponsorship Opportunities
Summit Title Sponsor – $10,000 (one available)
- Naming rights: “BIPOC Outdoor Summit presented by [Your Company].”
- Logo on all materials and mainstage banner
- Opening remarks opportunity
- Feature in press releases and social media campaigns
- 10 complimentary summit passes
- Dedicated vendor booth and promo table
Community Ally Sponsor – $5,000 (four available)
- Naming rights to one of four summit educational tracks
- Logo on all session signage and materials
- Opportunity to co-host or speak during a summit session
- Recognition during opening and closing circles
- 5 complimentary summit passes
- Promo table and inclusion in digital program
Youth Ally Sponsor – $2,500 (two available)
- Logo on all youth session signage and materials: Next Generation Outdoor Leaders Track (9th-12th grade)
and Young Outdoor Explorers Track (5th-8th grade)
- Opportunity to co-host or speak during an outdoor session
- Recognition during opening and closing circles
- 3 complimentary summit passes
- Promotional content shared during registration
Conservation and Indigenous Stewardship Sponsor – $1,000 (unlimited)
- Naming rights to an outdoor experience
- Logo on experience gear, signage, and maps
- 2 complimentary summit passes
- Opportunity to co-host or speak during an outdoor session
- Promotional content shared during registration
Healing and Wellness – $500 (unlimited)
- Name/logo on summit website and printed program
- 2 complimentary summit passes to the symposium
- Social media shoutout and acknowledgment
Evergreen Sponsor– $250 (unlimited)
- Name/logo on summit website and printed program
- 1 complimentary summit pass to the symposium
- Social media shoutout and acknowledgment
In-Kind - We welcome in-kind contributions such as gear, wellness products, food, lodging, camping equipment, transportation, or media support. Custom sponsorships can also be created to align with your brand and values.