Get Involved
Opportunities
Exhibit
Exhibitor Info
Introduce your outdoor adventure products, services and message to thousands of outdoor enthusiasts!
Thousands of visitors travel to Dayton, Ohio, “The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest,” each fall to celebrate the outdoor lifestyle in the region. This is your chance to get in front of them (over 14,000 in 2025). All outdoor adventure retailers, manufacturers, clubs and organizations are invited to exhibit at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience to showcase gear, recruit club members or inspire visitors with their outdoor advocacy message.
Five Rivers MetroParks created the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience to help connect people to the outdoors by providing access to outdoor activities, gear and resources in an environment that will not intimidate visitors. Exhibitors focus on human-powered outdoor recreation and adventure pursuits, outdoor education, and the associated outdoor adventure lifestyle.
Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is a gateway for interaction among outdoor enthusiasts, clubs, organizations, manufacturers, and retailers encouraging people to Get Out & Live. To be considered or if you have questions, please email Chris Buck, Outdoor Recreation Event Coordinator at events@metroparks.org or call 937-275-7275.
The following types of exhibitors will be considered
- Outdoor retailers
- Outdoor industry manufacturers
- Outdoor industry sales representatives
- Adventure travel companies
- Local outdoor adventure resources and destinations
- Trail associations
- Endurance sport clubs
- River adventure companies and clubs
- Climbing adventure companies and clubs
- Cycling adventure companies and clubs
- Backpacking adventure companies and clubs
- Caving adventure companies and clubs
- Outdoor Adventure Tricks of the trade
- SCUBA adventures
- Long distance running/hiking
- Outdoor photography
- Adaptive adventure organizations.
- Outdoors Advocacy organizations
*Exhibitors without a strong connection to the outdoor recreation and adventure industry and/or lifestyle are not typically accepted.
Exhibitor pricing
Exhibitor booth 10 x 10 with electricity and 8 ft table (chairs not provided)
- Club – FREE
- Non-commercial and authors – $50
- Specialty Retailer/Outfitter – $150
- Manufacturer or retail chain – $200
Renting 10x 10 pop up tent = $50
- Additional 10×10 space – $100.00
- Additional 10×20 space – $150.00
Food Vendors
Our outdoor enthusiasts work up an appetite!
All Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience Food Vendors must comply with our requirements listed in the guidelines during the application process.
Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is a gateway for interaction among outdoor enthusiasts, clubs, organizations, manufacturers, and retailers encouraging people to Get Out & Live. To be considered or if you have questions, please email Chris Buck, Outdoor Recreation Event Coordinator at events@metroparks.org or call 937-275-7275.
Get Involved
Volunteer
Whether you’re already an official Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer or you just have a few hours available, you can help create the magic of the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience.
Novices and veterans alike are welcome. Read what people have said about being a volunteer at this awesome event:
- “I love MetroParks. They always do such a great job and this is my favorite event, so I love helping out any way I can.” — official Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer
- “Last year was my first time volunteering. I loved it! I’ve already marked my calendar for next year’s event.” —newcomer to Dayton
- “It was the perfect way to get my friends involved in something we’d all enjoy—being outside, having fun, helping people get active. And when you’re done volunteering, the beer garden awaits.”—University of Dayton students
Many volunteer opportunities are available during Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Volunteer opportunities include event setup the week of the event, support of activities during the event weekend and event tear down. Volunteers will wear a MetroPark Volunteer vest to identify them during the event, have delicious snacks available to them, and help make a regional event a success!
The volunteer needs include these areas:
- Action Sports Assistants
Provide a checkpoint for safety requirements such as wearing helmets at activity areas. - Event Setup & Tear Down
Help build the event by setting up various areas; help with post-event tear down. - Event Support Team
Exhibitor escort & setup/photographer/climbing wall/Used Gear/volunteer check-in. - Information Team
Provide excellent customer services to visitors attending the event; answer questions; give site directions. - Compost Assistants
Help us reduce waste by manning a waste station at the event. - Paddling Assistants
Help support our paddling area by fitting life jackets and helping visitors getting in and out of boats.
Available Volunteer Positions on Get Connected
Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does someone have to be in order to volunteer at this amazing event?
You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer at a MetroParks event. At this event, the sustainability team has opportunities for those who are 14 and older. Most other opportunities at this event are for those 18 and older. This is a family friendly event, so we encourage your whole family to get involved.
When should I arrive for my scheduled volunteer shift?
Please arrive at the Volunteer Registration tent using the Springfield Street entrance to Eastwood MetroPark 15 minutes before your scheduled shift starts. This will allow time to check in, find your assigned area, and meet the friendly faces who’ll be volunteering with you.
Whom do I contact if I have to cancel at the last minute?
If for some reason you get sick or have an emergency that prevents you from volunteering for your shift, please contact Volunteer Services at 937-275-7275 (PARK) or volunteerservices@metroparks.org as soon as possible so we can fill the vacancy.
Are snacks and drinks provided?
We appreciate the effort of our volunteers and will again be providing a hospitality area with food and drinks. We appreciate all of the businesses who donated or discounted products and services to support the hospitality area. Coffee is provided by Kayak Coffee.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a Sponsor
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Andrea Newport, Sponsorship Manager
anewport@metroparks.org or (937) 274-4520.
Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience visitors are your customers.
Since the inaugural event in 2005 when it debuted as GearFest, this FREE two-day event features outdoor activities, an exhibitor village, competitions, music, food and beverage, camping and professional demos.
Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is one of the largest outdoor adventure festivals in the Midwest. Highlights include:
- Activities for everyone from the budding weekend warrior to the hardcore outdoor enthusiast
- Expected attendance of over 15,000 people and countless dogs
- Located at Eastwood MetroPark with sponsors and exhibitors from all over the country
- Draws people from all over the region, including Cincinnati, Columbus and Indianapolis, and offers more than 20 activities to experience
- Waste Free event with a three year average of 75% of all event waste diverted from the landfill, and the majority of waste turned into compost for our parks