Why Join AO?
Advocacy, Resources, and Community for Outfitters
Why Join America Outdoors?
America Outdoors serves outfitting businesses and the organizations that support them across the outdoor recreation industry. AO helps members navigate real business challenges—from permitting and regulation to staffing, risk management, and day-to-day operations—while providing access to resources, industry insights, and a nationwide network of peers. America Outdoors is led by working outfitters and focused on practical solutions, ensuring the industry has a strong voice where decisions are made.
Why Join Our Association?
Join the national trade association working every day to advocate for outfitters, protect the conditions that allow businesses to operate, and unite the industry around shared challenges and solutions.
Advocacy That Delivers Results
We represent outfitters at all levels—town square to Congress—winning policy outcomes, reversing harmful regulations, and ensuring your voice is heard where decisions affecting your business are made.
A Nationwide Community of Peers
Connect with experienced outfitters across the country who understand your challenges, share practical insight, and support each other through a trusted professional network.
Real Savings Through Collective Power
Membership unlocks exclusive partnerships and programs designed to reduce costs, manage risk, and improve your bottom line—benefits made possible by the strength of the collective.
Resources Built for Your Organization
Access business resources, guidance, and best practices built specifically for outfitters—helping you operate more efficiently, stay compliant, and plan with confidence.
Is Membership Right For You?
America Outdoors membership is designed for businesses and professionals who are actively involved in the outfitting and outdoor recreation industry. If the following sounds like you, membership could be a strong fit:
- Operates guided experiences or outdoor recreation activities
- Relies on access to public lands and waterways to operate
- Wants to stay informed about and help influence policy and regulatory changes that affect businesses
- Values practical resources and training for managing operations, risk, staffing, and compliance
- Seeks opportunities to connect with a nationwide network of industry professionals
- Provides products or services that support outfitting businesses and wants to connect with this industry community
What Do AO Members Gain?
As a member of America Outdoors, you gain access to the tools, support, and industry connections needed to grow and protect your business. These benefits are designed to help you navigate challenges, stay informed, and operate with confidence.
- Up to 10% off premiums on core lines of coverage through our exclusive partnership with CBIZ Adventure Sports.
- National advocacy protecting access and fair regulation
- Representation in Washington, D.C. and with federal land management agencies
- Insight into policy and regulatory changes affecting the industry
- Risk management resources & operational guidance
- Access to training, webinars, and workshops
- Exclusive discounts through trusted industry partners
- A nationwide network of experienced peers
- Industry updates and insights to help businesses plan ahead
- Exposure to partner tools and services
Running a business focused on the outdoors can sometimes make you feel like you are out there on your own. AO welcomed our team into a knowledgeable and passionate community that truly understood our challenges, providing invaluable industry expertise and fostering a sense of shared purpose that left our team inspired, connected, and energized. – Jeff Rose, Buffalo Outdoor Center
Membership Benefits & Details
Insurance Solutions for Outfitters & Guides
CBIZ
As AO’s officially endorsed insurance partner, CBIZ offers AO members up to 10% off premiums on core lines of coverage—through your existing broker or directly through CBIZ. Coverage is built specifically for outfitting and adventure operations, backed by in-house claims specialists who know the business. For many qualifying operations, the savings alone can offset your annual AO membership dues.
Outfitter Operations
PATH
PATH has been the endorsed provider for AO since 2010. More than 150 members have chosen PATH as a trusted operational partner, saving over $7.5 million in fees while streamlining their businesses and gaining dedicated support to address day-to-day operational needs.
Payroll, HR, & Compliance
ADP
Through our partnership with ADP, AO members have access to customized payroll, HR, and compliance solutions designed for our industry–along with dedicated support and exclusive pricing. Existing ADP customers can also take advantage of enhanced benefits through this partnership.
Shipping Discounts
FedEx
AO members receive exclusive shipping discounts through the FedEx Advantage® program, including up to 45% off FedEx Express, 32.5% off FedEx Ground, and 25% off delivery area and residential surcharges. If you already ship with FedEx, you can continue using your account as usual—your discounts will simply be added and automatically applied to shipments after enrollment. New to FedEx? You can open an account when you enroll.
Freight Shipping Savings
AO members also receive discounted freight rates through PartnerShip®, with access to trusted carriers including TForce Freight, XPO, Saia, and others. Whether you’re shipping a single pallet or a full truckload, the program helps outfitters reduce shipping costs and streamline logistics.
Healthcare Options for the Outdoor Recreation Industry
Sala Healthcare
Many small businesses struggle to offer affordable healthcare coverage. America Outdoors is working to help address that challenge by connecting members with alternative healthcare options designed with small outdoor recreation businesses in mind.
The America Outdoors Healthcare Program offers a flexible approach, allowing members to explore multiple components that can be combined to create a more comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare solution for their teams.
Access to this program is available to America Outdoors members in good standing.
Background Checks
IntelliCorp
With background checks from IntelliCorp, you get comprehensive and validated screening services to help minimize risk and determine the quality of your new hires.
Industry Pro Deals
ExpertVoice
ExpertVoice is a community where experts like you get to connect with brands that sell the products they love.
When AO shows up and says this isn’t working, people listen–the legislature listens, your congressmen listen. It’s a big deal…If America Outdoors costs you $1,000 a year, I guarantee you’re getting $10,000 worth of benefits by being a part of it. Why would you not do it? We’re all investing in our own futures. -Jason Taylor, Moab Adventure Center
Ready to Join the America Outdoors Family?
How Membership Supports Your Business
Advocacy & Policy Representation
AO represents outfitters and recreation providers at the national level, helping shape policies that affect businesses. We work to protect access to public lands and waterways, advocate for fair and reasonable regulation, and keep members informed about policy and regulatory developments that impact their operations.
Business & Operational Resources
AO provides practical business and operational resources designed specifically for outfitting businesses. From HR and risk management templates to industry guidance, webinars, and operational tools, these resources help members manage teams, reduce risk, and run more efficient operations.
Professional Development & Training
AO provides professional development and training through webinars, leadership programs, and industry events that help outfitting leaders and teams strengthen their skills, learn from experts, and stay ahead of evolving challenges in the outdoor recreation industry.
Community & Peer Network
AO connects members to a nationwide community of outfitters and industry partners, creating networks where professionals share knowledge, exchange ideas, support one another through challenges, and often build lasting friendships across the industry.
Become a Member
Stronger Together. Stronger Industry.
Support the future of outdoor recreation and strengthen the businesses that make adventure possible.
- Representation in Washington on the issues that matter
- Education and training to level up your operation
- Business support resources made for the outdoor industry
- A network of peers to learn, share, and collaborate