Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference: Full Schedule

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

Saturday August 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Coffee Break — proudly fueled by Visit Bentonville, where the coffee (and the charm) come straight from Arkansas.

Sponsors

Visit Bentonville

Saturday August 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Meal/Break

12:00pm CDT

Announcements & Lunch - Sponsored by Tourism Ireland

Saturday August 22, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Madison Ballroom

Lunch is generously sponsored by Tourism Ireland, bringing a touch of the Emerald Isle to our Southwestern buffet.

OWAA's President will share a few words and introduce committees.

Sponsors

Tourism Ireland

Saturday August 22, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Madison Ballroom

Meal/Break

1:45pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

Saturday August 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT

Visit Bentonville Coffee Break — sip a taste of Bentonville while you recharge.

Sponsors

Visit Bentonville

Saturday August 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT

Meal/Break

4:15pm CDT

Break

Saturday August 22, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm CDT

Meal/Break

5:30pm CDT

Host Welcome Reception - "Summer in Madison" - Sponsored by Destination Madison

Saturday August 22, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT

Rooftop at the Pyle Center

"Summer in Madison" - Sponsored by Destination Madison

Join Destination Madison for a “Summer in Madison” celebration on August 22 at the Pyle Center, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Mendota and steps from the iconic Memorial Union Terrace. This lakeside gathering highlights the vibrant spirit of a Madison summer, with scenic views and fresh energy in the heart of campus. Catch the shuttle or take a stroll down lively State Street (approximately a 23‑minute walk from the convention center), a pedestrian‑only street lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums that connects the Wisconsin State Capitol to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Look for Destination Madison staff at each hotel to guide you to the busses on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd starting at 5:00pm.

Sponsors

Destination Madison

Saturday August 22, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Rooftop at the Pyle Center 702 Langdon Street

Meal/Break

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

Sunday August 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Coffee Break sponsored by Visit Bentonville — because great ideas start with great Bentonville coffee.

Sponsors

Visit Bentonville

Sunday August 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Meal/Break

12:00pm CDT

Lunch & Announcements

Sunday August 23, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm CDT

Madison Ballroom

We’re pleased to welcome Special Guests Ellie Westman Chin, President & CEO of Destination Madison, and Dane County Executive Melissa Agard.

During lunch, we’ll also announce the Committee Volunteer of the Year and the Outstanding Board Member of the Year.

Our dinner sponsor, Gunpowder, will share a few words, as well.

Sunday August 23, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm CDT
Madison Ballroom

Meal/Break

2:15pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

Sunday August 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT

Coffee Break — courtesy of Visit Bentonville, serving Bentonville’s best in every cup.

Sponsors

Visit Bentonville

Sunday August 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT

Meal/Break

6:00pm CDT

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

Sunday August 23, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

Lakefront Porch

Pizza & Beer at the Lakefront Porch

Sponsored by Gunpowder

Come as you are for a relaxed evening on the Lakefront Porch—an ideal place to unwind after a full day of sessions. Enjoy hot pizza, cold beer, and the easy rhythm of conversation as the sun sinks over Lake Monona. Whether you’re swapping assignment ideas, comparing gear, or simply catching your breath with friends, this gathering blends good food, great company, and a view worth capturing. GUNPOWDER is proud to host this casual creative hangout.

Sponsors

Gunpowder Inc.

Sunday August 23, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Lakefront Porch 201 S. Hancock St ‍Madison, WI

Meal/Break

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Event - Sponsored by Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters

Sunday August 23, 2026 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT

Argus Bargrill

After Pizza & Beer, head down to the Argus Underground to continue networking at the hospitality event, sponsored by Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that celebrates community and a shared commitment to the outdoors.

Sponsors

Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters

Sunday August 23, 2026 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Argus Bargrill

Meal/Break

10:15am CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

Monday August 24, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am CDT

Visit Bentonville Coffee Break — brewed in Bentonville, powering storytellers everywhere.

Sponsors

Visit Bentonville

Monday August 24, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am CDT

Meal/Break

12:00pm CDT

Lunch & Announcements - Sponsored by NSSF

Monday August 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Madison Ballroom

We’re glad to share this midday pause with you—full of good food, great company, and even better conversation. This lunch is sponsored by our friends at the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), whose commitment to industry leadership and responsible practices continues to make a lasting impact.

Announcement of Jade of Chiefs Award!

Sponsors

NSSF

Monday August 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Madison Ballroom

Meal/Break

1:45pm CDT

Coffee Break & Networking - Sponsored by Visit Bentonville

Monday August 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT

Coffee Break sponsored by Visit Bentonville — a little Bentonville buzz to keep the day rolling.

Sponsors

Visit Bentonville

Monday August 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT

Meal/Break

5:15pm CDT

Break

Monday August 24, 2026 5:15pm - 6:00pm CDT

Meal/Break

6:00pm CDT

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

Monday August 24, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

Madison Ballroom

Closing Night Dinner: A Roaring Start to OWAA’s Centennial Year

Step into the spirit of the 1920s as we celebrate the kickoff to OWAA’s 100th year. This elegant, era‑inspired evening honors excellence, achievement, and the remarkable contributions of our community. Guests are invited to dress in their finest Gatsby‑era attire as we toast to a century of storytelling, adventure, and outdoor communication.

Our celebration also pays tribute to our gracious host, Destination Madison, whose hospitality has elevated this week’s experience. The night is proudly sponsored by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, adding a touch of mountain‑region charm to this unforgettable finale.

Sponsors

Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Monday August 24, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Madison Ballroom

Meal/Break

10:00am CDT

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