Every year, Portland's considerable athletic and outdoor industry professionals come together to party and network at the Athletic & Outdoor Industry Celebration, and even those of us who don't work directly in that sector are invited. In particular, they are looking for story submissions:

Whether you’ve completed a dozen Iron Man competitions, started your own company, or ran your first 5K this year, you are an inspiration. We want to hear about your accomplishments, your challenges, and what you learned. Submit your story for a chance to be selected to present at the annual event and/or have your story published on our website.

If your tale of outdoor athleticism is chosen, you'll get a gift certificate for The Clymb, but make haste: stories are due this Friday. Either which way, if you want to rub shoulders with these types, plan on Wed, December 3, 6 pm at Eastside Exchange (123 NE 3rd). Tickets are 10 bucks, and will gain you access to all the mingling, drinking, and raffling of the night.

Another reason you might consider attending is if you are an entrepreneur or otherwise working in an up-and-coming sector of the city's economy. The event is thrown by the Portland Development Commission, after all, and their successful work with A&O could serve as a starting point for understanding how a similar partnership might be forged with, say, the broader community of makers and designers. They'll be using the occasion to unveil their latest infographic, and hopefully dropping some useful cues about how the industry came to be so highly valued by the organizations that steer much of the city's fortunes:

Five years ago, a hundred or so people gathered in a room and heard from industry leaders and government officials on a new initiative designed to promote and grow the Athletic and Outdoor industry in Portland.

We unveiled a comprehensive study, action plan, and infographic to show the depth and breadth of the industry here. Five years later, a lot has changed. The industry has added more than 5,000 jobs to the economy, new businesses are forming every day, and people around the world recognize Portland as a leader in talent and innovation for the A&O industry.

I can think of at least one other local industry contemplating such a study. Wink, wink.