Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

LeAnn Schmitt

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About me

After stepping away from full-time nonprofit work earlier this year I have been focusing on my own writing and am working on a part-time contract basis for Retrieving Freedom, Inc., a service dog organization based in Missouri. My past professional experience includes more than 20 years in the outdoor industry including the government, retail, and nonprofit sectors.

7:45am CDT

Event Registration/Check-in - Sponsored by Alabama Black Belt Adventures Capitol PromenadeAlabama Black Belt Adventures

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 1B: Inside the Fight for the Boundary Waters Hall of Ideas F&IKatie McKalip • Land Tawney • Nate Ptacek • Aaron Kania

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

5:30pm CDT

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

6:30am CDT

Sunrise Roll ’n Run/Walk with Christine Peterson

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 2A: How to Make Friends & Influence People (On Social Media) Hall of Ideas E&HColleen Miniuk • Christopher Paparo • Lina Lintemuth • Go Laurel Highlands

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 - Because You’re Worth It! If You’re Good at Something, Never Do It for Free Hall of Ideas E&HJames Edward Mills

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

9:15am 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 - Energize Your Writing Through Movement and Metaphor Meet at OWAA Registration DeskCarolyne Whelan