Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2026 Conference

Destination Madison Boardroom

9:00am • Editing Forensics: Hands-On Workshop to Strengthen Editing and Writing with The Open Notebook

Embassy Suites Elevated Dining Room

4:30pm • First Timers Gathering with Chez

Embassy Suites King Boardroom

9:00am • OWAA Board Meeting

Vortex Optics

10:00am • Pre-Tour: Vortex Optics: Behind-the-Scenes Facility and Production Tour

Argus Underground

8:00pm • Presidents' Hospitality Event

Capitol Promenade

7:45am • Event Registration/Check-in - Sponsored by Alabama Black Belt Adventures

Grand Terrace

Hall of Ideas E&H

Hall of Ideas F&I

Hall of Ideas G&J

10:30am • Breakout 1C: More Than a Free Ride: How DMOs and Journalists can Work Together to Make Press Trips Pay for Everyone

Madison Ballroom

Rooftop at the Pyle Center

5:30pm • Host Welcome Reception - "Summer in Madison" - Sponsored by Destination Madison

Argus Bargrill

8:00pm • Hospitality Event - Sponsored by Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters

Hall of Ideas E&H

Hall of Ideas F&I

Hall of Ideas G&J

Lakefront Porch

6:00pm • Pizza & Beer in the Park - Sponsored by Gunpowder Inc.

Madison Ballroom

Meet at OWAA Registration Desk

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - Energize Your Writing Through Movement and Metaphor

Meeting Room K

Meeting Room L

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - What We Can Learn from the Old Masters

Meeting Room M

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - Why Podcasts & Audio Content Are Ideal for Reaching Active Outdoor & Adventure Enthusiasts

Meeting Room N

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - Media Relations 101: How Outdoor Writers Can Work with PR & Comms Teams

Meeting Room O

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - Be a Better Beginner: How to Break into the Outdoor Media Without Breaking Down

Meeting Room P

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - Have I Got a Story for You: UW-Madison Researchers Pitch Science Stories for the Outdoor Beat

Meeting Room Q

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - Intentional Craft: How to Create Work that Achieves its Purpose

Meeting Room R

2:45pm • WORKSHOP - Elevate your Outdoor Meals: Hands on Cooking Workshop

Argus Bargrill

8:15pm • Hospitality Event: Final Proof - Sponsored by Alabama's Beaches

Hall of Ideas E&H

Hall of Ideas F&I

Hall of Ideas G&J

Madison Ballroom

Meet at OWAA Registration Desk

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Energize Your Writing Through Movement and Metaphor

Meet at the Destination Madison Exhibit Table in the Grand Terrace

2:15pm • Workshop - Tour of UW Arboretum

Meeting Room K

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Don't Miss the Point: AI and Automation for Creatives

Meeting Room L

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - What We Can Learn from the Old Masters

Meeting Room M

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Why Podcasts & Audio Content Are Ideal for Reaching Active Outdoor & Adventure Enthusiasts

Meeting Room N

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Media Relations 101: How Outdoor Writers Can Work with PR & Comms Teams

Meeting Room O

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Be a Better Beginner: How to Break into the Outdoor Media Without Breaking Down

Meeting Room P

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Have I Got a Story for You: UW-Madison Researchers Pitch Science Stories for the Outdoor Beat

Meeting Room Q

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Intentional Craft: How to Create Work that Achieves its Purpose

Meeting Room R

2:15pm • WORKSHOP - Elevate your Outdoor Meals: Hands on Cooking Workshop