Presented in partnership with New Hampshire’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development (ORID).

Laying the Groundwork

Immersive workshops, focus groups and networking opportunities.

Stonework Sessions is a series of immersive, invite-only workshops uniting leaders from across sectors to confront one of today’s most pressing challenges—workforce development. Outdoor recreation, a key contributor to New Hampshire’s exceptional quality of life, serves as the foundation for these strategic conversations.

Through guided discussions, hands-on activities, and solution-focused collaboration, participants will discover new ways to leverage the state’s outdoor assets to enhance recruitment, retention, and overall workforce growth—both within the outdoor industry and beyond.

Session One: Industry- Driven Recruitment & Retention Strategies

WHEN & WHERE

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | 12:30 - 4:30 PM

The Venues at the Factory | 252 Willow St, Manchester, NH

GOALS

  • Integrate outdoor recreation and non-outdoor recreation recruitment tactics based on shared needs.

  • Strategize around real-world examples in the themes of recreation businesses, non-recreation businesses, and communities.   

  • Outline desired components of a toolkit and industry workforce hub.

You’re invited to help us build the foundation for the future of New Hampshire’s workforce. Care to join us?

SESSION 1

WHAT TO EXPECT

12:30-4:30

  • Industry Welcome and Introduction  

  • Expert Insights: Workforce Challenges & Successes

  • Professional Development Keynote

  • Focus Group: Identifying Workforce Challenges  

  • Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise    

  • Resources and Toolkit Development

  • Networking and Après (4:30-5:30)

Featured Speaker

Featured Speaker

Krystal Hicks is the founder of JOBTALK, a career counseling practice based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dedicated to assisting job seekers and employers in navigating the evolving workforce landscape. With a background in higher education and corporate recruiting, she offers a comprehensive perspective on talent acquisition and career development. Hicks is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of New Hampshire, where she teaches courses on career development and human resources. Her work emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in today's dynamic job market.

Sponsors

  • White Mountain Strategies

    NETWORKING SPONSOR

    Founded in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Mike Machanic launched White Mountain Strategies.
    Mike has spent his career working with companies in the Outdoor, Action Sports, Active, Natural Products and Lifestyle industries. Companies that make products or sell ideas around passion and purpose.

  • LaBelle Winery

    BEVERAGE SPONSOR

    LaBelle Winery is an award-winning winery and vineyard in New Hampshire. Wine tastings, tours, dining, events, weddings, golf, and more!

  • Buena Gave

    BEVERAGE SPONSOR

    BE REAL - That's the motto at Buena Gave. Cocktails made from only real ingredients - Tequila Blanco, real fruit juice, sea salt and carbonated water.

  • Great North Aleworks

    Great North Aleworks is a 20 barrel production brewery located in Manchester, NH.  Founded by Rob and Lisa North, the brewery’s goal is simple – to craft flavorful, food friendly beers, while maintaining a fanatical devotion to quality.