Citing the safety of its membership as its primary concern, the Board of Directors of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) voted unanimously to postpone the organization’s 2020 conference scheduled to be held at the end of June at Vermont’s Jay Peak Resort. The board also unanimously voted to make Jay Peak Resort in Vermont the 2021 conference location. Currently the 2021 conference is scheduled for July 9-12.
“We came to this decision after vigorous discussion and consideration of the short-term and long-term implications. Uncertainty over the future of travel in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact led us to conclude that proceeding with the conference would not be responsible and it would be in our members’ best interest to cancel,” said Tim Mead, OWAA president. “While we are very disappointed to not have a conference this year, the health and well-being of our membership is, and always will be, our number one priority.”
Additional conference events including the organization’s board of directors election and the announcement of the annual Excellence in Craft award winners will take place virtually this year. Details will be announced in the coming weeks, said the group.
The OWAA staff will now turn conference planning efforts to Jay Peak in 2021. Additionally, the OWAA board has appointed an ad hoc Online Content Development Committee to leverage thought leadership from members and industry partners through various digital platforms. The committee, along with OWAA staff, will explore new digital content offerings and virtual opportunities such as online workshops, webinars, seminars and expanded social media options for OWAA members.
“The conference is the highlight of the OWAA year, and our members look forward to the opportunity to learn of new techniques, listen and connect to industry leaders, and interact with other members and renew friendships. We know not having those in-person connections will be difficult, but we hope to use this as a time to expand our programs that deliver content to our membership, leveraging technology as a tool to help members stay informed and connected during this challenging time – and well into the future,” said Mead.
Options for 2022, including Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, Colorado (the original host for 2021) are under review.
