EAST LANSING, MICH. -- What began as a gathering for a few kindred spirits who appreciated kayaking and canoeing has since grown into an annual event that welcomes thousands of like-minded people who love the great outdoors.

The 2020 Quiet Adventures Symposium will be held Saturday, February 29, in East Lansing, marking the event’s 25th anniversary.

The day-long event will feature 150 exhibitors, 30 guest speakers, special kids’ activities, and much more, all dedicated to “quiet adventures” -- meaning outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, backpacking, and paddling.

The symposium was originally solely dedicated to promoting paddling activities, but recently expanded to include more types of non-motorized outdoor recreation.

“We’re a very down-to-earth, welcoming show,” said Linda DeKock, one of the event’s volunteer organizers. “You’ll run into so many different kinds of people, and most of them are in love with being outside and with what they do. I call it ‘an outdoor family.’"

Speakers this year will cover everything from backcountry cooking and camping tips to exploring Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park to addressing race in paddle sports.

Commercial vendors, outdoors clubs and conservation groups will also be on hand, plus door prizes, an auction and a raffle where the grand prize is a Northstar touring canoe.

In recent years, the event has averaged about 2,000 attendees, from all over the Great Lakes and Midwest regions, as well as Canada, DeKock said.

“This show is not only for people who have been doing outdoors things for a long time, it’s also for people who maybe just want to get started and don’t know how," DeKock said. “They can talk to outfitters and instructors who can help them. They can go to sessions and learn about some of the beautiful places here in Michigan.”

Tickets for the Quiet Adventures Symposium are $15 for adults, $5 for students with IDs, and free for kids under 12. The event will be held at the Michigan State University Pavilion, at 4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A full schedule and more information can be found here.