Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Longtime journalist and journalism educator Patty Loew comments on how the mainstream media typically cover events in Indigenous communities. She offers practical advice on how to cultivate authentic relationships and report on important environmental issues affecting Native nations and their neighboring mainstream communities. Loew’s keynote reflects 50 years of experience covering climate change, oil pipelines, mining and other critical issues and decades of teaching journalism to the next generation of reporters.

Special guest - Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway

We'll also announce who won the and Committee Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Board Member of the Year!

Special Guest - Dane County Executive Melissa Agard

Nearly 59 million acres of protected public lands are at renewed risk as the federal government considers rolling back the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, opening the door to roadbuilding, logging, and mineral extraction as early as 2026. Iconic landscapes—including Alaska’s 17‑million‑acre Tongass National Forest, where 92 percent of the land could be affected, along with major forested areas in Montana and Utah—face threats reminiscent of past clearcutting and industry abuses. The Roadless Rule’s protections have been essential to restoring ecosystems, safeguarding wildlife, preserving clean water, and supporting local communities. Its repeal would increase wildfire risk, degrade habitat, and undermine outdoor recreation and small businesses. For 46 years, The Boat Company has worked to protect the Tongass through education, advocacy, and legal support, and invites communicators to help defend public lands by elevating these issues in their stories, reporting, and digital platforms.

Always one of the most popular sessions at conference, the Meet the Editors Panel brings together editors from leading outoor publications for a candid conversation about how they work with freelancers. Editors will share what they look for in pitches, how they discover new writers and photographers, the kinds of stories and visuals their audiences need right now, and how freelancers can build lasting relationships with their outlets. Panelists will also discuss the practical side of freelance collaboration: what kind of reporting they hope for, how many rounds of edits they expect, who retains the rights, and, most importantly, how much they pay.

Whether you’re new to the beat or an experienced freelancer looking to notch a new byline, this session will give you insight into how editorial decisions are made and how you can position your work to succeed. Come with questions—and leave with a clearer understanding of what editors want and how to stand out in a vast sea of emails.

Chris, President & CEO of Trout Unlimited, will speak about the vital role sportsmen and sportswomen play in advancing conservation efforts. He will also emphasize the central importance of public lands—both as essential habitat and as shared spaces that sustain outdoor traditions, recreation, and the broader conservation mission.

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!

Join Rob Holmes, Founder and Chief Strategist of GLP Films, for an engaging presentation demonstrating the power of visual storytelling to address some of the leading trends that are shaping tourism today: Sustainable and Regenerative tourism, Stewardship and Conservation, Inclusion and Accessibility, and the role Indigenous communities play in leading local conservation and cultural heritage initiatives. 

Inspiring, educational and emotional award-winning videos that spark meaningful dialogue, inspire action, and drive real solutions.