Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Carmen M Alex

carmenalex.com

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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 - Akiima Price 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 Center

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

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

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

2:15pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

2:45pm CDT

WORKSHOP - Energize Your Writing Through Movement and MetaphorCarolyne Whelan

6:00pm CDT

Pizza & Beer in the Park Lakefront Porch

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Event - Sponsored by Sportsmen 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

10:30am CDT

Breakout 3A: Rewriting the Playbook: Who Manages – and Who Pays for – America’s Public Lands? Hall of Ideas E&HNeil Kornze • Adam Cramer • Tracy Stone-Manning • Christopher Wood

12:00pm CDT

12:15pm CDT

NSSF's Lunch & Announcements Madison Ballroom

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 - Intentional Craft: How to Create Work that Achieves its PurposeAmmi Midstokke

5:15pm CDT

6:00pm CDT

EIC & Awards Dinner Madison Ballroom

8:30pm CDT

Hospitality Event: Final Proof - Sponsored by Alabama Beaches

9:00am CDT

All Day Post-Tour: Parallel Play in Paoli - FULL