Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

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6:30am CDT

Roll 'n Run/Walk

9:00am CDT

Announcements & Keynote #3: What the Repeal of The Roadless Rule Could Mean for Public Lands and for Anyone Who Recreates, Lives Near or Works in National Forests - Sponsored by American Sportfishing Association Madison BallroomHunter McIntosh

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

10:30am CDT

Breakout 2A: How to Make Friends & Influence People (On Social Media) Hall of Ideas E&HColleen Miniuk • Christopher Paparo • Lina Lintemuth Breakout 2B: The Living Legacy of Aldo Leopold Hall of Ideas F&ICurt Meine • Emily Stone • Buddy Huffaker • Maia Buschman Breakout 2C: What to Expect--and Write About--During the Upcoming Midterm Elections Hall of Ideas G&JLand Tawney • Aaron Field • Ben Gubits • Mark Oliva • Amy Kapp

12:00pm CDT

Lunch & Announcements Madison Ballroom

12:45pm CDT

Keynote #4: Meet the Editors Panel Madison BallroomLisa John Rogers • Jesse Hirsch • Alex Robinson • Andy McGlashen

1:00pm CDT

Spouse/Partner Tour: Explore Madison’s Capitol Square: Food, History & Local Flavor

2:15pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

2:45pm CDT

WORKSHOP - Be a Better Beginner: How to Break into the Outdoor Media Without Breaking DownKatie Hill WORKSHOP - Because You’re Worth It! If You’re Good at Something, Never Do It for FreeJames Edward Mills WORKSHOP - Beyond Snapshots: A Guided Image Review SessionColleen Miniuk WORKSHOP - Don't Miss the Point: AI and Automation for CreativesMarvin Cash WORKSHOP - Elevate your Outdoor Meals: Hands on Cooking WorkshopChef Corso (Steve) WORKSHOP - Energize Your Writing Through Movement and MetaphorCarolyne Whelan WORKSHOP - Intentional Craft: How to Create Work that Achieves its PurposeAmmi Midstokke WORKSHOP - Media Relations 101: How Outdoor Writers Can Work with PR & Comms TeamsMelissa Benhaim WORKSHOP - Photography for WritersLefty Ray Chapa WORKSHOP - What We Can Learn from the Old MastersMark Neužil, Ph.D. WORKSHOP - Why Podcasts & Audio Content Are Ideal for Reaching Active Outdoor & Adventure EnthusiastsRick Saez

6:00pm CDT

Pizza & Beer in the Park Lakefront Porch

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Event - Sponsored by Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters