Outdoor media and other professionals attended OWAA’s annual conference in El Paso, Texas, to connect, mingle and learn from more than 150 outdoor storytellers – and the brands that support their work. They networked with other professionals, honed communications skills, found mentors/mentees and discovered more and better ways to sell their work or promote their brand.

• 77 individual media members
• 61 people representing brands, agencies and organizations 
• 9 spouses/partners
• 6 staff & volunteers

Conference attendees met with some of the best outdoor communicators in the country and absorbed presentations on writing and editing, photography, broadcast and digital media, the latest tech and newest tactics, and more. Delegates also joined pre- and post-tours (in New Mexico, west Texas and the state of Chihuahua) to get the latest story on (and shots of) outdoor adventures in the region, be it hiking, climbing, hunting or other outdoor pursuits.

As voted on by the attendees, session ratings averaged 9.5 on a scale of ten! The most popular sessions (with a minimum of five reviews) were:

• Keynote: Clearing the Crystal Ball: A look at Current Travel Sentiment and Trends! (Amir Eylon)
• Breakout: Write for SEO (Ryan Newhouse)
• Breakout: Spilling the Tea: Journalists and the Tourism Office (Andi Jaspersen)
• Keynote: Meet the Editor’s Panel (Jenny Rogers, Lindsey Botts, Rose Cahalan, Russell Roe, Amy Kapp)
• Breakout: Bringing Bighorns to El Paso (Russell Roe, Froylán Hernández, Cesar Mendez, Ph. D.)
• Keynote: Media, Emerging Demographics, Mental Health and Revenue: The Outdoor Industry and Lifestyle are the Common Denominators (Earl B. Hunter, Jr.)
• Keynote: Great Content Isn’t Going To Cut It: 10 Tips for Navigating Fractional and Freelancing Markets During a Time of Disruption (Stephanie Puglisi)
• Keynote: Practical Storytelling (Michael Brown)
• Keynote: Take a Road Trip with Me: Dream Big With Strategy (Casey Hanisko)

Our hotel was the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown. Sessions and events took place in the El Paso Convention Center.

Testimonials:

“Thank you all again for a great event This conference was so well-organized, fun, and useful. Definitely hope to attend again in the future.”
–  Rose Cahalan, Editor, Texas Monthly

“Thank you for an absolutely wonderful event! I had a great first OWAA and what a kind and special community you have. Logistics were pulled off flawlessly, food was delicious, and you were all so helpful and great!”
–  Beth Santos, Founder and CEO, Wanderful

“We found the wide-variety of seminars, workshops and keynote speakers to be enlightening and beneficial for future activities. Of particular value was the new “Speed Connections” session. We actually had more than 20 journalists stop by our table to speak with us – a welcome surprise!“
–  Connie Spindler, Maryland Office of Tourism

“Thank you. We had an amazing time and can not wait for next year! It was literally life changing for us to guide and build our business.”
–  Jennifer Anderson, Wild & Scenic Idaho

“A conference like this is an investment of time and money, neither of which a freelancer can afford to use carelessly. This was worth the investment! It offered great connections, writing ideas, and experiences.”
–  Andrew Sharp, freelance writer

“After not being at an OWAA conference since 2018 and after many life changes since then, this one was ‘a long, a long time comin’,’ and I know it’ll bear fruit one way or another. By taking extra days of vacation and by connecting with the El Paso locals beyond the conference, this became more like a retreat of mind, body and soul.”
–  Joseph Dits, South Bend Tribune

“This is our go-to conference for connecting with outdoor media because their membership covers the vast array of outdoors activities – fishing, camping, paddling, hiking, RVing, hunting, birding, conservation, etc. I did intense due diligence in researching and deciding which outdoor journalism organization would be the best fit for our organization to be involved with and OWAA is by far the BEST. Plus, the members of this organization are unbelievably welcoming and friendly.”
–  Kay Maghan, Public Relations Manager, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, aka Alabama’s Beaches

“The speakers were wonderful, great session topics that focused on improving craft rather than solely on local outdoor topics, great networking opportunities, incredible people, and fun outings!”
–  Gentry Hale, Student member

“Thank you for putting on such an amazing and well organized event.  It was an incredible source of new found inspiration and excitement for us both.”
–  Shane Davila, Wild & Scenic Idaho

“I loved meeting so many amazing people. Best group of writers I’ve ever met.”
–  Lesli Peterson, Owner/Founder, 365 Atlanta Traveler

“The El Paso conference was not only professionally enriching; it also was professionally valuable. It was great to see old friends and build new relationships.”
–  Katie McKalip, Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society