Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

TBA

Dinner on your own

Friday August 21, 2026 TBA

8:30am CDT

OWAA Board Meeting

Friday August 21, 2026 8:30am - 2:30pm CDT

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).

Friday August 21, 2026 8:30am - 2:30pm CDT

10:00am CDT

Pre-Tour: Pedals & Parks

Friday August 21, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm CDT

Pre-Tour: Pedals & Parks

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 7/17/2026
Minimum Participants: 6
Maximum Participants:10
Primary Contact: BCYCLE / Kris Neilson / [email protected]
Who can attend & Cost:

Active, Senior, and Life Members (media) - $0
Supporting group members (non-media, partners, speakers) - Not Eligible
Spouses/partners - Not Eligible

Start Location: Lussier Family Heritage
Meals & Transportation: A shuttle will transport attendees from Monona Terrace to the Lussier Family Heritage Center. A light picnic lunch will be provided.

ITINERARY (subject to change)

Enjoy a scenic guided bike tour through Madison with BCYCLE, starting at Lussier Family Heritage Center. Riders will follow the Lower Yahara River Trail, taking in beautiful views along Lake Waubesa before continuing through McDaniel Park and Babcock County Park. This relaxing ride showcases some of the area’s most picturesque landscapes and trails.

Friday August 21, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm CDT

Tours

4:30pm CDT

First Timers Welcome by Chez

Friday August 21, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT

Whether you're brand-new to this community or just attending your first OWAA conference, this meet-and-greet is designed to help you start strong. Join us for a brief overview of what to expect, how to navigate the days, and simple ways to connect with fellow attendees.

Whether you're extroverted, introverted, or somewhere in between, this session is your gateway to feeling connected from the start. Bring your curiosity—and maybe a question you’ve always wanted to ask. Chez will probably have a great answer.

Speakers

Chez Chesak

Executive Director, Outdoor Writers Association of America

‘Chez’ Chesak is an award-winning adventure travel writer, 20+ year veteran of the outdoor industry, Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and board member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
His works have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, B... Read More →

Friday August 21, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT

General Session

6:00pm CDT

Dinner for the OWAA Board

Friday August 21, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

General Session

6:00pm CDT

Exhibitor Table Setup

Friday August 21, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Grand Terrace

Friday August 21, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Grand Terrace

7:30pm CDT

Casual Gathering at the Embassy Suites Hotel Bar

Friday August 21, 2026 7:30pm - 10:00pm CDT

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

TBA

8:30am CDT

10:00am CDT

4:30pm CDT

Chez Chesak

6:00pm CDT

6:00pm CDT

7:30pm CDT

Get help with the event