Get Ready for Another Adventure Pitch Fest | Resource Tool for Start-up and Small Businesses in New MexicoResource Tool for Start-up and Small Businesses in New Mexico

Adventure Pitch Fest takes place in November, but businesses in New Mexico’s outdoor industry should start thinking now about how they want to participate. Applications to compete in the live pitch competition will be accepted until September 30, 2026, and an informational webinar and Q&A session will be held on August 26. The Pitch Fest awards $15,000 in cash. Organizations and businesses uninterested in pitching can participate by hosting booths that engage with investors, key industry stakeholders, and consumers.

Flyfishing outfitters are eligible to participate in the Adventure Pitch Fest

Adventure Pitch Fest returns to Albuquerque Rail Yards on Friday, November 6, 2026, bringing together outdoor businesses, nonprofits, investors, industry leaders and consumers for a statewide showcase. The annual event, sponsored by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is a celebration of New Mexico’s $3.6 billion outdoor recreation industry.

For-profit outdoor businesses are encouraged to apply for the pitch competition, where select finalists will receive pitch coaching from event partners at Activate New Mexico and four minutes of stage time to impress a panel of judges. The two top-scoring businesses will then go head-to-head with a fast-paced pitch battle. The winner will take home $10,000, and second place will take home $5,000.

Formerly part of the Outdoor Economics Conference, Adventure Pitch Fest is a standalone, high-energy event that spotlights outdoor businesses of all sizes. Participating businesses showcase their products and services to investors, industry leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Attendees can peruse innovative gear and services, connect with local business owners, and enjoy food trucks and family-friendly activities. The event is free and open to the public.

Last year’s Adventure Pitch Fest brought together dozens of outdoor businesses and organizations from across the state. Among them was New Mexico Pack Burros, whose winning pitch helped elevate their burro trail racing events.

Group of people on a stage posing with a large ceremonial check at an Adventure Pitch event smiling and congratulating the winners — *Photo courtesy of Outdoor Recreation Division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department*

“Winning the competition accelerated our company’s growth through both media exposure and capital investment,” said Shane Weigand, founder of New Mexico Pack Burros LLC based in Edgewood, NM. “Since then, our events have doubled in size, resulting in 30% more race registrations, twice as many vendor applications, and double the spectators, website traffic and social media engagement. Our plate is overflowing!”

Applications and a list of all previous winners can be found on the Outdoor Recreation Division Pitch Fest website.

Adventure Pitch Fest is hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department‘s Outdoor Recreation Division in partnership with ActivateNM. Businesses accepted as pitch battle finalists have received free coaching from ActivateNM to help them prepare to take the stage. ActivateNM, part of CNM Ingenuity, is an ongoing program that offers entrepreneurs personalized guidance, community, support, and events designed to expand businesses. Finalist companies demonstrate potential for growth, community benefit, and/or environmental stewardship.