Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Scott Turo

Redbandia Outdoors

Redbandia.com and FishFinderJigs.com

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About me

Fish Biologist and Restoration Scientist turned writer, YouTuber, and inventor of the Fish Finder Jig, Scott engages his audience through an innovative "you-can-do-this" style content mixed with informative ecology and conservation themes on the Redbandia Outdoors YouTube Channel. His written work has appeared in Montana Outdoors, The Drake, Game and Fish, Fur Fish Game, and Upland Almanac.

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

1:00pm CDT

Keynote #2 - Beyond Recreation: The Parks That Save Us Madison BallroomAkiima Price

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 • American Sportfishing Association

10:30am CDT

Breakout 2C: What to Expect--and Write About--During the Upcoming Midterm Elections Hall of Ideas G&JCharlie Booher • Hawk Hammer • Land Tawney • Aaron Field • Ben Gubits • Mark Oliva • Amy Kapp

12:45pm CDT

Keynote #4: Meet the Editors Panel Madison BallroomLisa Rogers • Jesse Hirsch • Alex Robinson • Andy McGlashen

2:45pm CDT

WORKSHOP - Be a Better Beginner: How to Break into the Outdoor Media Without Breaking DownKatie Hill

6:00pm CDT

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

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Event - Sponsored by Sportsmen for the Boundary WatersSportsmen for the Boundary Waters

9:00am CDT

Announcements & Keynote #5: Hunters and Anglers, Public Lands, and the Future of Conservation Madison BallroomChristopher Wood

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

1:00pm CDT

Keynote #6: Stories with Impact: Strategic Storytelling for a New Travel Era Madison BallroomRob Holmes

2:15pm CDT

WORKSHOP - Photography for WritersLefty Ray Chapa

8:30pm CDT

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

10:00am CDT

4 DAY/3 NIGHT POST-Tour: Angling for Adventure in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region - FULLTravel Wisconsin