225 attendees and a 98% approval rating! 

For their 2025 annual conference, 225 OWAA members and friends headed to the southeastern outdoor mecca of Chattanooga in The Volunteer State. They included:

• 121 individual media members (96 of whom are current members), so 54% of attendees were media
• 71 people representing brands, agencies and organizations (38 of which are current Supporting Groups)
• 15 spouses/partners
• 14 speakers (most of whom were media too)
• 4 staff & volunteers

Outdoor media and other professionals attended OWAA’s annual conference to connect, mingle and learn from 225 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. The main conference venue was The Read House, the core conference dates were August 19-21, and about two-third of the attendees were vetted outdoor media.

Conference attendees met with some of the best outdoor communicators in the country and absorbed presentations on writing and editing, photography and videography, broadcast and digital media, the latest tech and newest tactics, and more. Delegates also joined pre- and post-tours to get the latest story on (and shots of) outdoor adventures in the region, be it hiking, climbing, hunting or other outdoor pursuits. But don’t take our word for it. Here are some quotes from media members, destinations and brands and some new friends:

“I am still riding the waves of inspiration from our last wonderful conference! I really appreciated how well it was organized, the super informative craft improvement sessions, and the fun offsite evening activities. I was also very grateful for the fantastic pre-trip we took in western Tennessee. It was quite possibly the best pre-trip I’ve ever been on and I picked up lots of new story ideas!”
– Carrie Wilson

“The OWAA Conference is an absolutely stellar event, whether you’re a seasoned professional in the field or just looking to learn more about the art of outdoor journalism.”
– Paul Zachos

“At OWAA, everyone has an interesting story to share–and the conference is an opportune time to hear them–as you learn from other outdoor experts and develop your own professional writing skills.”
– Edward Morrow, Tree S.T.A.R.S., LLC

“If you don’t attend the OWAA conference, you’re missing a golden opportunity to further your career.”

“Rarely at conferences is there such a built-in affinity among hundreds of strangers based on a shared passion for understanding and communicating the complexities of the wild. I felt like I arrived with friends in waiting.”

“The real beauty of OWAA’s annual conference – and the organization as a whole – is that it brings together those who cover science and conservation, travel and adventure, hunting and angling, and so much more, plus experts in those sectors and others, around one powerful commonality: respect and love for the natural world. If your work has anything at all to do with the planet (and really, doesn’t everything?) you’ll find a place at OWAA.”

“The OWAA conference is the best thing I’ve done professionally for my career as a freelance writer. The investment was entirely worth it — I learned so much and made so many great connections.”

“Being a first-timer, I wondered why it had taken me so long to find my people. Thanks for the great week of interaction and learning.”
– Jennifer Fulford, Lead Editor, Smokies Life, former freelancer

“Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, with an energy that was truly contagious. I left the conference feeling inspired and more motivated than ever to grow my business.”
– Chris Paparo 

“The recent growth in OWAA has made it very fruitful to be a part of the organization as a Supporting Group member. This group is full of story tellers that want to tell your story for you.”

“The OWAA conference is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s such a warm and welcoming group. My first conference led to national media coverage for Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region, and my second conference led to even more relationships. Additionally, the professional development sessions will serve me and my destination marketing organization well in the year ahead.”
– Eric Knopsnyder, PR director, GO Laurel Highlands

“No amount of social media connecting can replicate what happens in person, especially when we writers are on FAMs together. From new friendships to new business, conferences are where it all happens.”

“OWAA conferences are excellent for networking as they create a concentrated environment for meeting and building relationships and collaborations, as well providing craft improvement opportunities through workshops, speakers, and breakout sessions.” 
– Edgar Castillo

“OWAA 2025 Chattanooga was one of the best conferences I have attended in a long, long time. I learned a lot from keynotes and presenters plus the networking was phenomenal.” 
– Donna Bush

“Every year I (we) say this was the best ever meeting. Always seem to impress. Don’t make excuses not to attend (easy to do); I instead find a way to make it happen. You will not regret it… as you will remember what you did, not how much you ‘spent’. See you next year!”

“I’ve been looking to join OWAA for some 30 years, and the Chattanooga conference delivered well beyond my expectations in terms of contacts, useful sessions, and free-flowing social hours. I’d recommend it to outdoor media colleagues without hesitation–and with a whole lot of enthusiasm!” 
– John Motoviloff, Freelance Writer

“The best part of the OWAA conference was that there is no one answer to how to go about your outdoor writing and career, but a spectrum of what is right for each person according to the life and work they imagine. I have been taught to think about the brass ring of esteemed publishers as the goal. The OWAA conference helped me to see that is one way, but there are other ways you can create great content, find audiences, make a living, and create change. Thank you for this great message!”

“OWAA has been the bulwark of my professional outdoor journalism career for a quarter century. Where else could I hone my professional skills, discover and explore hidden outdoor gems, and, together with my husband, make lifelong friends with folks from across the country? Every OWAA conference is a new adventure that we look forward to attending each year.” 
– Nancy Sorrells, Outdoors Advocate, Writer, and Photographer

“I always look forward to the OWAA conference. Without fail, I come home afterward with an abundance of inspiration and ideas to improve my craft, and a larger, more connected network than before. The organization and the event have become instrumental in my outdoor communications career.”
– Heather Physioc, Conservation Photojournalist

“The OWAA meeting in Chattanooga was a first for me, and I was impressed. The caliber of professional development sessions was excellent, and the variety of communicators and vendors was solid. I made great contacts and got substantial article ideas from attending.”
– Tom Adkinson

“My first OWAA conference was an extremely positive experience, providing me with the craft tools and connections needed to further my efforts in outdoor communication.”
– Steve Carpenter, Freelance Writer

“I really appreciated the opportunity to make connections and hone my freelancing skills, both writing and pitching. It’s a privilege to spend time with so many others who are excited about outdoor writing.”

“In our digitally connected world the few days at the OWAA conference provided valuable face-to-face connections specific to the outdoor industry that I don’t get anywhere else. The investment of my time and money to attend was worth every bit.”

“Everyone at TEREN was thrilled to attend our first conference and excited to see where all the connections go from here! We can’t wait for next year.”

“The OWAA conference provides access to some of the premiere outdoor contributors in America. It’s an excellent opportunity to build relationships and improve your craft. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting your career, put this on your calendar for 2026.”
– Land Tawney, Co-Chair, American Hunters & Anglers

“As a sponsor, we loved the connections we made at OWAA. Well worth attending (and presenting).”
– Sheri Howell, Head of Marketing, Medjet