Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Kathryn Lucas

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

Director of Public Relations

Roanoke, Virginia

VisitVBR.com

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About me

Kathryn Lucas is the Director of Public Relations for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge (Visit VBR), based in Roanoke, Virginia. A lifelong Roanoker, Kathryn has been with Visit VBR since 2019. When Kathryn isn’t pitching or hosting travel writers, you can usually find her by the Roanoke River or reading The New Yorker at her favorite brewery or coffeeshop.

4:30pm CDT

First Timers Gathering with Chez Embassy Suites Elevated Dining RoomChez Chesak

7:30pm CDT

Casual Gathering at the Embassy Suites Hotel Bar

7:00am CDT

Exhibitor Table Setup Grand Terrace

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 BentonvilleVisit Bentonville

10:30am CDT

Breakout 1A: Discover the Past, Present, and Future of Wisconsin’s Iconic Ice Age National Scenic Trail Hall of Ideas E&HMelissa Pierick • Melissa VanLanduyt • Rob Gard

12:00pm CDT

Announcements & Lunch - Sponsored by Tourism Ireland Madison BallroomTourism Ireland

1:00pm CDT

Keynote #2: Beyond Recreation: The Parks That Save Us - Sponsored by Destination Cleveland Madison BallroomAkiima Price • Destination Cleveland

1:45pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit BentonvilleVisit Bentonville

2:15pm CDT

OWAA's 'Speed Connection' Grand Terrace

4:15pm CDT

Supporting Group Gathering Hall of Ideas F&IRoyle Printing

5:30pm CDT

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

8:00pm CDT

Presidents' Hospitality Event Argus Underground

9:00am CDT

Announcements & Keynote #3: James Edward Mills - Sponsored by American Sportfishing Association Madison BallroomJames Edward Mills • American Sportfishing Association

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit BentonvilleVisit Bentonville

10:30am CDT

Breakout 2B: The Living Legacy of Aldo Leopold Hall of Ideas F&ICurt Meine • Emily Stone • Buddy Huffaker • Maia Buschman

12:00pm CDT

Lunch & Announcements Madison Ballroom

12:45pm CDT

Keynote #4: Meet the Editors Panel Madison BallroomAmy Kapp • Christiana Roussel • Lisa John Rogers • Jesse Hirsch • Alex Robinson • Andy McGlashen

2:15pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit BentonvilleVisit Bentonville

2:45pm CDT

WORKSHOP - Elevate your Outdoor Meals: Hands on Cooking Workshop Meeting Room RChef Corso (Steve)

6:00pm CDT

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

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Event - Sponsored by Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters Argus BargrillSportsmen for the Boundary Waters

9:00am CDT

Special Guest, Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04): America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act Madison BallroomCongressman Bruce Westerman

9:15am CDT

Announcements & Keynote #5: Hunters and Anglers, Public Lands, and the Future of Conservation - Keynote Sponsor: Rails to Trails Conservancy Madison BallroomChristopher Wood • Rails to Trails Conservancy

10:15am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit BentonvilleVisit Bentonville

10:30am CDT

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

12:00pm CDT

Lunch & Announcements - Sponsored by NSSF Madison BallroomNSSF

1:00pm CDT

Keynote #6: Stories with Impact: Strategic Storytelling for a New Travel Era - Sponsored by Travel Wisconsin Madison BallroomRob Holmes • Travel Wisconsin

1:45pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit BentonvilleVisit Bentonville

2:15pm CDT

WORKSHOP - Hands-On at the Range: A WOMA Firearm Workshop

5:15pm CDT

6:00pm CDT

Closing Night Dinner & Awards: A Roaring Start to OWAA’s Centennial Year - Sponsored by Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Madison BallroomVisit Virginia’s Blue Ridge

8:15pm CDT

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

8:00am CDT

AM Post-Tour: Walking Through TimeDestination Madison