Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Ashley Baxstrom

Destination Cleveland

Director of Out-of-Market Media Relations

Cleveland, OH

https://thisiscleveland.com/

Find me on

About me

I work with journalists to tell stories about why Cleveland is a great place to visit, meet in, and live/work in! Ask me about our waterfronts (yup - two of them), including the nearly $5 billion (with a B) in investment and development currently in process; our 25,000-acre MetroParks; and our nearby national park.

TBA

Dinner on your own

4:30pm CDT

First Timers Welcome by ChezChez Chesak

7:30pm CDT

Casual Gathering at the Embassy Suites Hotel Bar

7:45am CDT

Event Registration/Check-in Capitol Promenade

9:00am CDT

Welcome Announcements & Keynote #1: "The 5 'R's: A Journalist's Guide to Words and Wayfaring in Indian Country" Madison BallroomPatricia Loew, Ph.D.

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

10:30am CDT

Breakout 1C: More Than a Free Ride: How DMOs and Journalists can Work Together to Make Press Trips Pay For Everyone Hall of Ideas G&JJesse Wiederhold • Jessica Paige Baltzersen • Eric Knopsnyder • Brandy Jo Hastings

12:00pm CDT

Break & Networking

12:15pm CDT

Lunch & Announcements Madison Ballroom

1:00pm CDT

Keynote #2 - Beyond Recreation: The Parks That Save Us Madison BallroomAkiima Price

1:45pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

2:15pm CDT

OWAA's 'Speed Connection' Grand Terrace

4:15pm CDT

5:30pm CDT

Host Welcome Reception - "Summer in Madison" - Sponsored by Destination Madison Rooftop at the Pyle CenterDestination Madison

9:00pm CDT

Presidents' Hospitality Event

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 • American Sportfishing Association

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

12:00pm CDT

Lunch & Announcements Madison Ballroom

12:45pm CDT

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

2:15pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

6:00pm CDT

Pizza & Beer in the Park - Sponsored by Gunpowder Lakefront PorchGunpowder

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Event - Sponsored by Sportsmen for the Boundary WatersSportsmen for the Boundary Waters

9:00am CDT

Announcements & Keynote #5: Hunters and Anglers, Public Lands, and the Future of Conservation Madison BallroomChristopher Wood

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

12:00pm CDT

12:15pm CDT

NSSF's Lunch & Announcements Madison BallroomNSSF

1:00pm CDT

Keynote #6: Stories with Impact: Strategic Storytelling for a New Travel Era Madison BallroomRob Holmes

1:45pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

2:15pm CDT

WORKSHOP - Why Podcasts & Audio Content Are Ideal for Reaching Active Outdoor & Adventure EnthusiastsRick Saez

5:15pm CDT

6:00pm CDT

EIC & Awards Dinner Madison Ballroom

8:30pm CDT

Hospitality Event: Final Proof - Sponsored by Alabama BeachesAlabama's Beaches