Organization selects Casper, Wyoming and Gulf Shores, Alabama
to Host 2022 & 2023 Conferences
Missoula, MT — The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) announces a change of dates for its 2021 conference, moving the event from July to October 3-6, 2021 at Jay Peak, Vermont. The organization also selected host destinations for its 2022 and 2023 conferences, naming Casper, Wyoming, and Gulf Shores, Alabama, as event hosts, respectively.
The change in dates for 2021 was made in order to provide the best and safest possible option for OWAA members to attend the conference in person. The new dates will also allow the attendees, up to 200 outdoor media and their supporters, to enjoy Vermont at what could be the height of the fall foliage season.
OWAA’s conference brings together world-class outdoor media, including writers, photographers, bloggers, podcasters, videographers and more, together from a broad spectrum of outdoor specialties to learn, connect and discover all the outdoor offerings of the local hosts. The organization seeks out outdoor gateway destinations across North America.
Casper’s event will be May 20-23, 2022, at the Ramkota Hotel; while the Gulf Shores event will take place September 8-11, 2023, in The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
"Casper was made for outdoor adventures," says Brook Kaufman, CEO of Visit Casper. "We're thrilled that OWAA has chosen our destination for their 2022 conference and we look forward to showing them what makes Casper so special, from our vast landscapes to our touchable history and vibrant downtown."
OWAA choose two destinations in order to better facilitate long-range planning for its members and the outdoor trade. Destinations are chosen based on a number of factors, including accessibility and affordability, as well as potential for story ideas for attending media.
“While most people think of us as a beach destination, we’re full of options for outdoor recreation, nature/wildlife experiences, and environmental sustainability,” says Beth Gendler, COO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. “We can’t wait to host this core group of prominent outdoor media because our area – and our state – holds tremendous story opportunities for the members of OWAA. We cannot wait to show them all that we offer.”
This will be the second time OWAA held its conference in Wyoming while it will be a first for Alabama.
“OWAA specifically seeks out communities that are accessible gateways to a number of outdoor activities,” says Christine Peterson, Vice President of OWAA and a Casper native. “At our conference, we do everything we can to deliver outstanding professional development workshops and lectures. We also get our members outside, so they can experience adventures firsthand – and produce stories about them for their outlets.”
OWAA is open to individual professional media, conservation organizations, brands and service providers that are focused on outdoor communication. Their annual conference gives attendees a chance to network with other professionals, build career relationships and help improve their skills. Sessions are geared toward general business, newsmakers and craft improvement in multiple genres of outdoor communication including:
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About OWAA
Recognized as “The Voice of the Outdoors,” OWAA is the nation’s largest organization of professional outdoor journalists. Its membership includes writers, photographers, videographers, radio and TV personalities, digital storytellers and artists. Formed in 1927, the nonprofit association’s mission is to improve the professional skills and opportunities of its members, set the highest ethical and communications standards, encourage public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources, and mentor the next generation of professional outdoor communicators. https://owaa.org
For more information, contact:
Formidable Media
Scott Kaier, Public Relations Director
802.238.7577
About Formidable Media
Formidable is a new media agency based in Boulder, Colorado, born from two outdoor industry veterans helping a select group of clients achieve new heights in consumer reach, earned media exposure, trade show impact, event execution, social media strategy, content marketing, and creative services. With nearly 40 years of combined experience in public relations, print and digital media, and outdoor industry brand building, Formidable is a new agency concept laser focused on elevating great brands in every way. www.formidable-media.com