Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

7:00am MDT

Pre-Tour: Time Travel - Exploring Geological Formations and Rock Art at the Interpretive Center

Start at the Interpretive Center to take a walk through time to see the parks unique geological formations and historic rock art.

Operator: Visit El Paso
Primary Contact: Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Minimum Participants: 6
Maximum Participants: 10
Who can attend: Active & Supporting Media Members
Cost: $0
Difficulty (1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-difficult): 1
Transportation:

Tuesday September 17, 2024 7:00am - 11:00am MDT

Tours

8:00am MDT

Pre-Tour: Overnight Horseback Riding Adventure

Our Lajitas Stables trails are geared towards those have a sense of adventure, seek the mountaintop-on-horseback feeling, and who have some experience in the saddle. We climb anywhere from 500-900 feet on these rocky and rugged trails and ride alongside cliffs before we drop down into some enchanting canyons.

Lajitas Stables

Questions? Contact Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com

Tuesday September 17, 2024 8:00am - Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm MDT

8:30am MDT

Pre-Tour: Canoeing, Hiking & Birding Adventure

Big Bend River Tours offers a wide variety of river trips down the Rio Grande. Covering over 250 miles, the river travels through many canyons of indescribable beauty and tranquility. The Rio Grande has something for everyone.

Big Bend River Tours

Questions? Contact Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com

Tuesday September 17, 2024 8:30am - Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm MDT

2:30pm MDT

Pre-Tour: The Exciting Sand Dunes: Explore El Paso's Natural Wonders and Fossils

Explore an ancient sea bed, watch animals in their natural habitat, investigate fossil remains, and explore El Paso own naturally formed roller coaster- THE EXCITING SAND DUNES!

Operator:
Primary Contact: Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Minimum Participants: 5
Maximum Participants: 5
Who can attend: Active & Supporting Media Members
Cost: $150
Difficulty (1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-difficult):
Transportation:

Tuesday September 17, 2024 2:30pm - Thursday September 19, 2024 7:30pm MDT

Tours

12:00pm MDT

Pre-Tour: Mesilla Valley Wine Tours: An Unforgettable Tasting Experience

Explore the wineries of the oldest wine growing region in the country. Pick grapes, walk the vines, take in stunning mountain views, and sip wines at three wineries across the Mesilla Valley. $75 per person.

First stop: 12:30 - 2pm La Vina Winery, New Mexico's oldest winery for a tour of the vineyard and production rooms. Wine tasting includes three wines of your choice.
Second stop: 2:30 - 3:30pm Rio Grande Winery, just outside Historic Mesilla, this winery boasts tasty red blends, stunning views of the Organ Mountains, and pickleball. Wine tasting includes four wines.
Third stop: 4pm - 5pm Zin Valle Vineyards, El Paso's only winery offers a comprehensive wine menu with wines made locally and from their sister vineyard in Montepulciano, Italy. Wine tasting includes three samples and one full glass of your choice.
5:30pm return to the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown.

Wine tastings, snacks, and water are included in the tour. Additional wine and food is available for purchase.

Questions? Contact Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.comor Stephanie Hawkins
Location: Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours https://mvwineandbrewtours.com/
Minimum Participates: 6
Maximum Participates: 14
Cost: $75
Transportation: The tour will begin (12pm) and end (5:30pm) at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown.

Wednesday September 18, 2024 12:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Tours

7:30am MDT

Pre-Tour: Exploring Tin Miles Trail: Franklin Mountains Hiking Adventure

Hike the Franklin Mountains through the Tin Miles trail. A moderate to difficult 6-mile hike located at the Northeast side of the park accessed from Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park. The trail follows a well-marked old jeep road with a gentle but steady climb until you arrive at the mines (3 miles).

Operator: Visit El Paso
Primary Contact: Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Minimum Participants: 5
Maximum Participants: 10
Who can attend: Active & Supporting Media Members ($9 for other attendees)
Cost: $0-$9
Difficulty (1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-difficult): 2-3
Transportation:

Thursday September 19, 2024 7:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Tours

7:30am MDT

Pre-Tour: Summit Adventure: Conquering the Highest Peak in El Paso

A strenuous 8-mile hike taking you to the highest peak in El Paso located in the Tom Mays unit of the park. The trail begins with a gradual incline through a rock slide, transitioning to a steady climb; it then meanders across the ridgeline, taking you to an elevation of 7,192 feet.

Operator: Visit El Paso
Primary Contact: Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Minimum Participants: 5
Maximum Participants: 10
Who can attend: Active & Supporting Media Members
Cost: $0
Difficulty (1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-difficult):3
Transportation:

Thursday September 19, 2024 7:30am - 4:00pm MDT

Tours

9:00am MDT

Board Meeting

Any current OWAA member may join this board meeting, but only as an observer (unless they've requested time to present to the board and had that request approved).

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:00am - 3:00pm MDT
TBA

10:00am MDT

Pre-Tour: Discovering Wildlife in Hueco Tanks Valley: A Serene Scenic Horseback Ride

Join us for a quiet, scenic and serene ride throughout the Hueco Tanks Valley! Marvel at natural wildlife such as Oryx, Aoudad, Mule Deer, Coyote, not to mention native plants.

Operator: The Rusty Pony Ranch Companion Animal Sanctuary & Youth Outreach Center https://www.facebook.com/TheRustyPonyRanch
Primary Contact: Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Minimum Participants: 1
Maximum Participants: 5
Who can attend: Active & Supporting Media Members
Cost: $0
Difficulty (1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-difficult):
Transportation:

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 1:30pm MDT

Tours

4:30pm MDT

Registration Open

Thursday September 19, 2024 4:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
TBA

Registration

5:00pm MDT

Newcomer Orientation with Chez

Welcome all newcomers! Join OWAA Executive Director Chez Chesak as he leads the group in brief introductions, talks you through the event, and helps provide guidance to ensure your conference success!

Also, this is a chance for spouses/partners to convene, get to know one another and hear some good advice from past attendees.

Thursday September 19, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT
TBA

Social

6:00pm MDT

Dinner on your own

Dinner is on your own tonight. Catch up with some old friends - or make some new ones!

Thursday September 19, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT

Social

6:30pm MDT

'Off the Record' Gathering

A casual, no-host, gathering for OWAA folks who are already onsite.

Thursday September 19, 2024 6:30pm - 8:00pm MDT
TBA

Social

8:00pm MDT

Presidents' Hospitality Event

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00pm - 11:00pm MDT
TBA

Social

7:00am MDT

Registration Open

Friday September 20, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Mount Franklin Lobby

Registration

7:00am MDT

Photo Scavenger Hunt Opens

Contact: Emma Mares
Email: emares@owaa.org

The Photo Scavenger Hunt is an OWAA contest where photographers of all levels can submit their photos. There are 5 categories and each applicant can submit 1 photo per category. Submit your best photo that pertains to the category for an opportunity to receive feedback from professional photographers and a chance to win prizes! The first-place winner will receive a $150 gift card, the second-place winner will receive a $100 gift card, and the third-place winner will receive a $50 gift card.

Again, photographers of ANY level can participate. You can take photos on your phone or your professional camera ... all entries are welcome. Categories will be revealed on the first day of the conference. You can find the categories and guidelines here.

The Photo Scavenger Hunt is a chance to have some creative fun and hear some insightful feedback. All photo portfolios will be critiqued on the final day of the conference and winners will be announced.

Submissions will be collected via Submittable and open at 7:00 am 9/21/24 and close at 4:30 pm 9/22/24.

Friday September 20, 2024 7:00am - Sunday September 22, 2024 4:30pm MDT
TBA

Social

8:00am MDT

Welcome Breakfast & Announcements

Friday September 20, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am MDT
Hall A

Meal/Break

8:45am MDT

Keynote #1

Speakers

Amir Eylon

President & CEO, Partner, Longwoods International

A 33-year veteran of the Travel & Tourism industry, Amir joined Longwoods in 2015 from his previous role as Vice President, Partner Engagement with Brand USA, the public-private partnership serving as the destination marketing organization dedicated to increasing international visitation... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Hall A

General Session

8:45am MDT

Spouse/Partner Tour: Cooking Made Fun: Explore International Cuisine at Texas Culinary Institute

Our goal at Texas Culinary is to empower and excite people making cooking approachable and fun. The Texas Culinary Institute offers a selection of cooking courses that focus on international, regional and seasonal cuisine. Offering hands on classes for adults and children that allows them to enjoy the creativity of cooking. Our classes are one day 3 hours long while learning to do a three course menu. No experience necessary.

Questions? Contact Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Location: https://www.txculinary.com/
Minimum Participates: 6
Maximum Participates: 10
Cost: $45
Transportation:

Friday September 20, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Spouse/Partner Tour

9:30am MDT

Break

Friday September 20, 2024 9:30am - 10:00am MDT

Meal/Break

10:00am MDT

Breakout 1A: How to Build a Brand, Reinvent Yourself and Create Helpful, Impactful Content

Come along with Chef Corso of Outdoor Eats as he shares his journey from the kitchens of the Culinary Institute of America and culinary trainer at Starbucks to trail-tested outdoor chef. He will break down the barriers and share actionable steps for creating fun, helpful content for print, websites, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and TV. If you have ever wondered how to crack into a new creative medium, this is the course for you.

Speakers

Chef Steve Corso

Head Chef & Founder, Outdoor Eats

Fast, easy and tasty trail-tested recipes for any outdoor activity. All recipes are 10 ingredients or less, ready in 30 min or less, no pre-prep, no dehydrating. Elevate your meals with real, fresh ingredients.

Friday September 20, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am MDT
El Paso 1

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Breakout 1B: Seeking Sustainability for Outdoor Journalists at Local Newspapers

Local newspapers are fighting to survive. Their numbers and staff sizes have shrunk. But, among them, some writers still manage to cover the outdoors. How can local outdoor journalists focus their work so that it’s a unique and essential part of the community’s news coverage? Also, what are some of the novel strategies that newspapers are taking to become sustainable – from nonprofit and unique business models to community forums that rally public awareness? Hear from two newspaper journalists in very different cities/markets who cover the outdoors, plus a former newspaper man who now reflects on the industry as a tourism PR guy.

Speakers

Joe Dits

Gregory Scruggs

The Seattle Times, outdoors reporter, www.theseattletimes.com

Gregory Scruggs is the outdoors reporter at The Seattle Times, where he covers the intersection of recreation, land management, and the outdoor industry in Washington. From watchdogging local ski resorts to profiling rising adventure athletes to reporting on changing mountain towns... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am MDT
El Paso 2

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Breakout 1C: Write for SEO

Good marketing is putting yourself or company in a position to be discovered. Whether writing for your blog or for a client, getting discovered through SEO is one of the best ways to get qualified eyes on your content. This workshop will walk writers through all the steps of producing excellent SEO content, from researching keywords and topics, to understanding the competition and their own domain authority, to the mechanics of crafting an article, and finally tracking the results.

Speakers

Ryan Newhouse

Content Marketing Manager, OnX Maps

Ryan Newhouse was raised hunting squirrels and whitetails in the deep South but has spent the last two decades chasing Western big game in Montana. He has written professionally about his travels and the craft beers he’s consumed along the way. Today, he is a content writer for... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am MDT
El Paso 3

Breakout Session

11:30am MDT

Break

Friday September 20, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Meal/Break

12:00pm MDT

Lunch & Announcements

We'll also announce who won the and Committee Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Board Member of the year!

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm MDT
Hall A

Meal/Break

12:00pm MDT

Spouse/Partner Tour: Mesilla Valley Wine Tours: An Unforgettable Tasting Experience

First stop: 12:30 - 2pm La Vina Winery, New Mexico's oldest winery for a tour of the vineyard and production rooms. Wine tasting includes three wines of your choice.
Second stop: 2:30 - 3:30pm Rio Grande Winery, just outside Historic Mesilla, this winery boasts tasty red blends, stunning views of the Organ Mountains, and pickleball. Wine tasting includes four wines.
Third stop: 4pm - 5pm Zin Valle Vineyards, El Paso's only winery offers a comprehensive wine menu with wines made locally and from their sister vineyard in Montepulciano, Italy. Wine tasting includes three samples and one full glass of your choice.
5:30pm return to the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown.

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Spouse/Partner Tour

12:45pm MDT

Keynote #3: Conversations with Birds

From a mango-colored western tanager in Sequoia National Park to ancient sandhill cranes in the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge to the white-breasted nuthatch that visits her in Sante Fe, for Kumar, birds are “a portal to a more vivid, enchanted world.” At a time when climate change, habitat loss, and the reckless use of pesticides are causing widespread extinction of species, Kumar’s reflections on these messengers from our distant past and harbingers of our future offer luminous evidence of her suggestion that “seeds of transformation lie dormant in all of our hearts. Sometimes it just takes the right bird to awaken us.”

Speakers

Priyanka Kumar

Essayist & Writer of Fiction, Award-Winning Filmmaker

Priyanka Kumar is the critically-acclaimed author of Conversations with Birds and Take Wing and Fly Here. Her essays and criticism appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Review of Books, The Huffington Post, and High Country News. A lifelong naturalist... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm MDT
Hall A

General Session

1:30pm MDT

Break

Friday September 20, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT

Meal/Break

2:00pm MDT

SPEED DATING NETWORKING

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Breakout Day

5:00pm MDT

Break

Friday September 20, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT

Meal/Break

6:00pm MDT

Welcome Dinner in Juarez, Mexico

More information coming...

We'll also announce who won the Joan Wulff Enduring Excellence Award!

Friday September 20, 2024 6:00pm - 11:00pm MDT
TBA

Meal/Break

8:00pm MDT

Member Film Showcase

Friday September 20, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm MDT
TBA

Meeting

6:30am MDT

Roll 'n Run/Walk

Meet in the lobby bright and early for a trail run/walk.

Saturday September 21, 2024 6:30am - 7:15am MDT
TBA

Social

8:00am MDT

Breakfast & Announcements

Saturday September 21, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am MDT
Hall A

Meal/Break

8:45am MDT

Keynote #2: Great Content Isn’t Going To Cut It: 10 Tips for Navigating Fractional and Freelancing Markets During a Time of Disruption

It is possible to succeed as an independent content creator in today's market, but your playbook from five years ago won’t cut it in the current landscape. Budgets are tight, ROI requirements are higher than ever, and brands are challenged by the fragmented demands of multiple channels. In this presentation, I’ll share 10 tactical tips for navigating today’s freelance content creation market, gleaned from my 360-degree, real world experience as an independent content creator, in-house corporate executive, and co-founder of a digital content marketing agency.

Speakers

Stephanie Puglisi

Strategic Content Marketing & Partnerships | Best Selling Author | Inspiring and educating through authentic, impactful content

Stephanie Puglisi is passionate about telling stories and building community through meaningful content experiences both on digital platforms and in print. She is the best-selling author of five books, most notably “Where Should We Camp Next? A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am MDT
Hall A

General Session

9:00am MDT

Spouse/Partner Tour

Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 2:00pm MDT

Spouse/Partner Tour

9:30am MDT

Break

Saturday September 21, 2024 9:30am - 9:45am MDT

Meal/Break

9:45am MDT

WORKSHOP 1: Elevate Your Outdoor Meals

Throw away your packaged meals and come along with Chef Corso of Outdoor Eats for this hands on cooking workshop. He will share fast, easy and tasty recipe ideas that are perfect for any outdoor activity. All recipes are 10 ingredients or less, ready in 30 min or less, easy to shop for and pack up. We will cover camp stove equipment, packing tips and tricks, dietary restriction considerations as well as cook up and taste multiple recipes for all times of day. Elevate your meals with Outdoor Eats!

Speakers

Chef Steve Corso

Head Chef & Founder, Outdoor Eats

Saturday September 21, 2024 9:45am - 12:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

9:45am MDT

WORKSHOP 2: Storytelling for Expeditions

This highly interactive course is about elevating an expositional travel video to a compelling festival worthy film. We will go into what makes a film successful, pitfalls, managing assets and structuring story. This is not a technical course, it is about putting the story first.

Speakers

Michael Brown

Owner, Serac Adventure Films

Michael Brown excels as an adventure athlete and a filmmaker. He has been to the summit of Mount Everest five times, each time with cameras rolling. Michael's lens has captured science at the South Pole for National Geographic, ice caves in Greenland for NOVA, tornadoes for The Discovery... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2024 9:45am - 12:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

9:45am MDT

WORKSHOP 3: Is Launching Is a Blog the Smart Move for Your Financial Future?

Attendees will delve into the critical evaluation of adding a blog to their portfolio, exploring its financial viability and strategic benefits. We'll dissect the pros and cons of blogging, such as the potential for content repurposing and autonomy, against the challenges of broadening skill sets and income delays. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of monetization through five most common sources, complete with a balanced view of each method's advantages and pitfalls. The session will equip you with practical strategies to avoid common blogging mistakes, and recommended considerations before you move forward, to help ensure your success.

Speakers

Lesli Peterson

Owner, 365 Atlanta Traveler and Blogging with Lesli Peterson

Lesli Peterson is a travel writer who has roamed the globe her entire life, living in multiple states and several countries. After 18 years in software development, Lesli bailed on the corporate scene to share her love of adventure with the world, full-time. When she’s not on the... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2024 9:45am - 12:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

9:45am MDT

WORKSHOPS

Saturday September 21, 2024 9:45am - 12:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

12:45pm MDT

Break

Saturday September 21, 2024 12:45pm - 1:00pm MDT

Meal/Break

1:00pm MDT

Lunch & Announcements

And we'll also announce who won the Jade of Chiefs awards.

Saturday September 21, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Hall A

Meal/Break

1:45pm MDT

Keynote #4: Storytelling

Speakers

Michael Brown

Owner, Serac Adventure Films

Saturday September 21, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm MDT
Hall A

General Session

2:30pm MDT

Break

Saturday September 21, 2024 2:30pm - 2:45pm MDT

Meal/Break

2:45pm MDT

Breakout 2A: Building a 'Destination Stewardship Organization'

Speakers

Claudia Vecchio

President/CEO, Sonoma County Tourism

Claudia Vecchio brings more than 25 years in the destination and consumer marketing arena to her post as President/CEO of Sonoma County Tourism. During the six years she’s led the organization, she managed significant crisis situations, launched the “Life Opens Up” brand, developed... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm MDT
El Paso 1

Breakout Session

2:45pm MDT

Breakout 2B: Careers in the Wild: Communications and Writing in Environmental Conservation

Talk about communications, writing, outreach, and public affairs positions available at USFWS and how to go about applying and interviewing for those roles. A handful of stories to highlight what day-to-day work looks like for a public affairs specialist.

Speakers

Ashley Peters

Midwest public affairs specialist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Ashley Peters is a public affairs specialist for the Midwest region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, based out of St. Paul, Minnesota. Prior to her current role, Ashley worked in various communications, marketing, and public engagement roles including the MN Department of Natural... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm MDT
El Paso 2

Breakout Session

2:45pm MDT

Breakout 2C: Spilling the Tea: Journalists and the Tourism Office

Have you ever wondered what a journalist visit is like from the host’s perspective? How itinerary decisions are made, what questions they have about the writer world - and what they wish they could tell you? Join Andi Jaspersen, former Destination Management Organization (DMO) manager and current PR freelancer, for an inside look at the tourism office, identifying what common priorities and PR desires are, and your opportunity to ask the frank questions you can’t otherwise verbalize in this conversation-driven session.

Speakers

Andi Jaspersen

CEO & Owner, And I Write | PR & Content

Andi Jaspersen, owner of And I Write | PR & Content spent over four years on the Visit Cheyenne staff and was the primary journalist host and PR contact on staff. After spending a year at an agency as PR Director, the freelance world sang its siren song. Andi authored 100 Things to... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm MDT
El Paso 3

Breakout Session

4:15pm MDT

Break -

Saturday September 21, 2024 4:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Meal/Break

4:30pm MDT

Keynote - Meet the Editor's Panel

Join editors from various publications as they discuss what they look for when hiring freelancers, changes they're seeing in the industry (and yes, how much they pay).

Speakers

Amy Kapp

Editorial Director/Editor-in-Chief, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

At Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, we are building a nation connected by trails. We reimagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.

Saturday September 21, 2024 4:30pm - 6:00pm MDT
Hall A

General Session

6:00pm MDT

Departure to Dinner

Load the busses for a drive for a memorable dinner.

Saturday September 21, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Meet in the Hotel Lobby

Meal/Break

7:00pm MDT

Dinner in Las Cruces, New Mexico

We'll also announce who won the prestigious Ham Brown Award!

Saturday September 21, 2024 7:00pm - 10:00pm MDT

Meal/Break

10:00pm MDT

Return from Dinner

Saturday September 21, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm MDT

Meal/Break

8:00am MDT

Breakfast & Announcements

Sunday September 22, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am MDT
Hall A

Meal/Break

8:45am MDT

Keynote #5:

Sunday September 22, 2024 8:45am - 10:00am MDT
Hall A

General Session

10:00am MDT

Break

Sunday September 22, 2024 10:00am - 10:15am MDT

Meal/Break

10:15am MDT

Breakout: 3A

Sunday September 22, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am MDT
El Paso 1

Breakout Session

10:15am MDT

Breakout: 3B

Sunday September 22, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am MDT
El Paso 2

Breakout Session

10:15am MDT

Breakout: 3C

Sunday September 22, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am MDT
El Paso 3

Breakout Session

11:45am MDT

Break

Sunday September 22, 2024 11:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Meal/Break

12:00pm MDT

Lunch & Announcements

Sunday September 22, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm MDT
Hall A

Meal/Break

12:45pm MDT

Keynote #6: Black Folks Camp Too

Speakers

Earl Hunter

Founder & Visionary, Black Folks Camp Too

The Earl B. Hunter, Jr story is powerful. After a high-flying career as an executive in global sales, Earl went camping for the first time in Western North Carolina and was suddenly “all in.” While working for Sylvansport RV & Camping Trailer Company as the Vice President of Sales... Read More →

Sunday September 22, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm MDT
Hall A

General Session

1:30pm MDT

Break

Sunday September 22, 2024 1:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Meal/Break

1:45pm MDT

WORKSHOP 1: Elevate Your Outdoor Meals

Speakers

Chef Steve Corso

Head Chef & Founder, Outdoor Eats

Sunday September 22, 2024 1:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

1:45pm MDT

WORKSHOP 2: Storytelling for Expeditions

Speakers

Michael Brown

Owner, Serac Adventure Films

Sunday September 22, 2024 1:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

1:45pm MDT

WORKSHOP 3: Is Launching Is a Blog the Smart Move for Your Financial Future?

Speakers

Lesli Peterson

Owner, 365 Atlanta Traveler and Blogging with Lesli Peterson

Sunday September 22, 2024 1:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

1:45pm MDT

WORKSHOPS

Sunday September 22, 2024 1:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
TBA

Workshop

4:45pm MDT

Photo Scavenger Hunt Critique

The Photo Scavenger Hunt is an OWAA contest where photographers of all levels can submit their photos. There are 5 categories and each applicant can submit 1 photo per category. Submit your best photo that pertains to the category for an opportunity to receive feedback from professional photographers and a chance to win prizes! The first-place winner will receive a $150 gift card, the second-place winner will receive a $100 gift card, and the third-place winner will receive a $50 gift card.

Again, photographers of ANY level can participate. You can take photos on your phone or your professional camera ... all entries are welcome. Categories will be revealed on the first day of the conference.

The Photo Scavenger Hunt is a chance to have some creative fun and hear some insightful feedback. All photo portfolios will be critiqued on the final day of the conference and winners will be announced.

Sign up to participate here!

Sunday September 22, 2024 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT

General Session

5:45pm MDT

Break

Sunday September 22, 2024 5:45pm - 6:30pm MDT

Meal/Break

6:30pm MDT

Excellence in Craft (EIC) Dinner & El Paso Closing Night

Stay tuned to see who took home the coveted EIC awards - then stick around for a DJ and dance party!

Sunday September 22, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm MDT
Outside Courtyard of Convention Center

General Session

8:30pm MDT

Hospitality Event: Final Proof

Our final event together! Be sure to join us for the 'Final Proof' hospitality! Our closing night hospitality has a long and storied history. Previously named the 'Leftover Luau' and apparently called 'The Nutty Irishman' before that (thanks to a member who shared a cocktail of that same name). It's one, last late night of camaraderie, connections and carousing. Be prepared to enter into our annual push-up contest (or at least cheer on those that do)!

Sunday September 22, 2024 8:30pm - 11:00pm MDT
TBA

Social

9:30pm MDT

Virtual Auction Closes at 10PM Mountain (Local) Time!

Get your final bids in!

Sunday September 22, 2024 9:30pm - 10:00pm MDT

Social

7:00am MDT

Post-Tour: Bouldering Tour at Hueco Tanks State Park

Looking to take the next step on your climbing journey and venture to the great outdoors? Let us take you on a bouldering tour in the epic Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site!

Operator:
Primary Contact: Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Minimum Participants: 7
Maximum Participants: 9
Who can attend: Active & Supporting Media Members
Cost: $30
Difficulty (1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-difficult):
Transportation:

Monday September 23, 2024 7:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Tours

7:30am MDT

Post-Tour: Give back to the Community by Helping Clean up Local Trails

Spend a few hours outdoors, connecting with nature, and giving back to the community by helping to clean up a local trail. This hands-on activity is a great way to bond with fellow attendees while making a positive impact on the environment. Let's work together to keep our trails beautiful and enjoyable for everyone!Operator: Visit El Paso
Primary Contact: Nora Ochoa nochoa@destinationelpaso.com
Minimum Participants: 7
Maximum Participants: 40
Who can attend: All Attendees
Cost: $0
Difficulty (1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-difficult): 1
Transportation:

Monday September 23, 2024 7:30am - 11:30am MDT

Tours

7:30am MDT

Post-Tour: Exploring Tin Miles Trail: Franklin Mountains Hiking Adventure

Monday September 23, 2024 7:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Tours

7:30am MDT

Post-Tour: Summit Adventure: Conquering the Highest Peak in El Paso

Monday September 23, 2024 7:30am - 4:00pm MDT

Tours

10:00am MDT

Post-Tour: Discovering Wildlife in Hueco Tanks Valley: A Serene Scenic Horseback Ride

Monday September 23, 2024 10:00am - 1:30pm MDT

Tours

2:30pm MDT

Post-Tour: The Exciting Sand Dunes: Explore El Paso's Natural Wonders and Fossils

Monday September 23, 2024 2:30pm - 7:30pm MDT

Tours