Registration Information
Your conference registration will include:
- AORE's Super Social is included for all non-student and daily packages.
- Workshops & keynotes, networking, and social events;
- CareerHQ featuring a job fair, mock interviews, and resume reviews;
- Exhibit hall with live vendor presentations and 1:1 meetings;
- Committee meetings
Questions? Call us at 810.299.2782 or email us.
REGISTERPre- and Post-Conference Workshops
We are excited to offer additional workshops with our valued partners. Additional registration required for pre- and post-conference workshops.
Workshops being offered:
Date/Time: Nov 1-29, 2023 | 11 AM - 1230 PM ET
Location: Online
Fee: $649.00
Viristar's Risk Management for Outdoor Programs course provides a comprehensive training on safety management for outdoor professionals.
The course is 40 hours in length, over four weeks, and takes place online.
The course is suitable for managers and those with administrative or other leadership responsibilities for outdoor programs, or those who plan to be managers. No prior knowledge required.
Course Components:
The course is composed of both self-study and video-conference sessions. These live calls include seminar-style discussions, participant presentations, question and answer periods, and learning activities held in large and small groups.
In between video-conference sessions are Independent Work Periods. During these times participants complete independent work including readings, video presentations, quizzes, discussion forums, video-based role-play simulations, assessments, and writing assignments such as a Risk Management Plan outline.
Course topics include:
- Laws
- Safety standards
- Human factors
- Equipment
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Safety audits
- Systems thinking
- and much more
Outcomes:
- Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management.
- Learn procedures, systems and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards.
- Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips.
Textbook:
The course includes the course textbook Risk Management for Outdoor Programs: A Guide to Safety in Outdoor Education, Recreation and Adventure.
Certification:
Individuals who fully participate in learning activities and successfully complete the final exam receive a certificate from Viristar valid for three years.
For more information, visit courses.viristar.com.
Pre-Requisites: High speed internet access (sufficient for Zoom calls)
Contact: Jeff Baierlein | jeff@viristar.com
Dates: Oct 27-30, 2023
Location: Safe Harbor, PA
Fee: $650.00
Certification Duration: 3 years
Re-certification Criteria: There are three recertification options: (1) take a refresher course; (2) obtain 12 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs); (3) obtain a higher-level certification.
The Top Rope Climbing Instructors (TRCI) course provides students with an in-depth and standardized understanding of the skills essential to teaching climbing in an outdoor setting. The TRCI course prepares instructors to set-up and manage groups of climbers on technical terrain with non-technical access.
Single Pitch Climbing Instructor Course Curriculum:
- Professionalism: Professional demeanor and attire; professional training programs and other outdoor education programs; role modeling; and the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT).
- Legality: Outdoor emergency action plans and administrative aspects related to outdoor climbing. Top managed site safety briefings.
- Safety: Lead belaying with a dynamic catch; inspection of bolts, pitons, trad climbing gear and anchors; top-access protection; utilizing ground anchors and back-up belayers in an outdoor setting; climbing site management; risk management; edge protection; and safety briefings. Belaying using a variety of systems in a top managed setting; appropriately placing anchor master points and the setting up top managed system for both instructor and/or student belays; supervising a top managed site with at least two climbs operating; top managed rescues; mechanical advantage systems.
- Technical: Construction of multiple anchors; set-up and operation of releasable rappels; basic rappel rescues; deciding when to lower vs. rappel; identification, inspection, and selection of climbing gear; climbing knots and hitches; construction and application of improvised harnesses; rope coiling; various belay techniques; inspection and use of natural features; rescues, escapes and transfers; and base managed student belays.
- Accessibility: Working with diverse populations and climbing site and route selection.
- Instructing/Coaching: Climbing site orientation; skills remediation in an outdoor setting; teaching basic and intermediate climbing movements; lesson planning for knots, artificial gear placements, climbing gear, cordage, anchor construction, and basic rescue skills. Coaching multiple climbers through the use of student belays.
Top Rope Climbing Instructor Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a TRCI-A. An individual may elect to take a one-day certification exam, successful completion of that exam, along with completion of the TMCI module from this course, will be eligible to receive the Single Pitch Climbing Instructor certification. A skills consolidation period after the course is recommended, but not required. This course also includes the Top Managed Climbing Instructor Module.
Prerequisites: The candidate should: be at least 18 years old; demonstrate an adequate experience level to the course provider; have lead climbing experience; have the ability to comfortably top rope climb at the 5.8 standard, illustrating confident, smooth, and controlled movement; own the personal equipment necessary for the course; demonstrate basic technical skills with ease; and be comfortable with multiple styles of belay devices.
Contact: Al Wiberg | wibergoutdoors@gmail.com
Dates: Oct 28-30, 2023
Location: Safe Harbor, PA
Fee: $400.00
Certification Duration: 3 years
Re-certification Criteria: There are three recertification options: (1) take a refresher course; (2) obtain 12 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs); (3) obtain a higher-level certification.
The Sport Climbing Instructors (SCI) course provides students with an in-depth and standardized understanding of the skills essential to teaching climbing in a sport climbing setting. The SCI course prepares instructors to set-up and manage inexperienced groups of climbers at sport crags with access to the base.
Sport Climbing Instructor Course Curriculum:
This course is designed to bridge the gap between indoor climbing instruction and outdoor climbing instruction. The purpose of this course is to give competent leaders the teaching and risk management skills to be successful in outside instruction in a sport climbing setting. It is designed to provide supplemental knowledge and specialized skills that will allow the Sport Climbing Instructor to effectively operate at outdoor climbing sites The scope of this course is limited to sites where there is either non technical access to bolted top anchors, or where the bolted anchors can be reached via a non technical approach and sport leading. Placement of traditional climbing protection (cams, hexes, nuts, tri-cams, etc.) is beyond the scope of the Sport Climbing Instructor course and certification.
Sport Climbing Instructor Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, an individual may elect to take a one-day certification exam. A skills consolidation period after the course is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisites: The candidate should: be at least 18 years old; demonstrate an adequate experience level to the course provider; have lead climbing experience; have the ability to comfortably top rope climb at the 5.8 standard, illustrating confident, smooth, and controlled movement; own the personal equipment necessary for the course; demonstrate basic technical skills with ease; and be comfortable with multiple styles of belay devices.
Contact: Kevin Hoffheins | kevinhoffheins@gmail.comDates: Oct 28-30, 2023
Location: Loyola University
Fee: $400.00
Certification Duration: 3 years
Re-certification Criteria: There are three recertification options: (1) take a refresher course; (2) obtain 12 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs); (3) obtain a higher-level certification.
Climbing Wall Instructor Course Curriculum:
The PCIA Climbing Wall Instructor Course provides instructors and potential instructors with an in-depth, standardized understanding of the skills essential to teaching climbing in an indoor setting. It is the first step in a sequential approach to professional climbing instructor development. The course reinforces the importance of teaching technically accurate information and debunks many common climbing myths. The course emphasizes the presentation of sound fundamental skills to climbing gym participants, the formation of risk assessment and risk management skills and basic problem solving skills such as belay transitions and on-wall coaching and assistance techniques. Participants are assessed on both their core knowledge and their ability to effectively teach and coach related skills.
Climbing Wall Instructor Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course and depending on assessment performance, an individual may earn a CWI-Assistant (CWI-A), CWI, or CWI-Lead (CWI-L) certification.
Prerequisites:
- Show an adequate experience level to the course provider illustrating that he/she is ready for the course. Examples include periodic climbing for 2 – 3 years, a high intensity of climbing in the past few months, etc.
- Has the ability to easily put on a harness and tie in appropriately.
- Has the ability to belay with an aperture belay device and an assisted locking device in a competent, comfortable and confident manner.
- Possesses the personal equipment necessary for the course.
- Is capable of comfortably top roping 5.9 on an artificial climbing wall
Contact: Lucas Kramer | lkramer@d.umn.edu
Dates: Oct 25-26, 2023
Location: Safe Harbor, PA
Fee: $650.00
Registration: Contact Jake Brunnquell | jacob.brunnquell@uwrf.edu for approval to register for this course.
Outdoor Provider Training Course Curriculum:
PCIA Provider Training courses are delivered by PCIA Provider Trainers, instructors who are among the best in the industry. The purpose of a provider training course is to equip PCIA Assistant Providers with the technical and universal knowledge to begin course delivery through the new lens of an instructor. Course material is reviewed over two days with specific intentions to explore effective delivery of skills in a course setting.
Prerequisites: Admittance to the PCIA Outdoor Provider Track
Contact: Jake Brunnquell | jacob.brunnquell@uwrf.edu
Dates: Oct 27-28, 2023
Location: Loyola University
Fee: $400.00
Registration: Contact Jake Brunnquell | jacob.brunnquell@uwrf.edu for approval to register for this course.
Indoor Provider Training Course Curriculum:
PCIA Provider Training courses are delivered by PCIA Provider Trainers, instructors who are among the best in the industry. The purpose of a provider training course is to equip PCIA Assistant Providers with the technical and universal knowledge to begin course delivery through the new lens of an instructor. Course material is reviewed over two days with specific intentions to explore effective delivery of skills in a course setting.
Prerequisites: Admittance to the PCIA Indoor Provider Track
Contact: Jake Brunnquell | jacob.brunnquell@uwrf.edu
Keynote Speaker
With our focus on the future of facilitated recreation, AORE is excited to announce Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) will be kicking off our conference on Tuesday, October 31 as the keynote.
Turner and ORR have worked to connect all segments of the outdoor recreation economy, leading to the recognition of outdoor recreation’s contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product. Together Turner and ORR have also worked to pass historical legislation, such as the Great American Outdoors Act.
Turner has also used her experience and knowledge working in D.C. with The White House and Capitol Hill to achieve millions of dollars in funding for public lands, waters and rural gateway communities.
Recently ORR announced the launch of its Outdoor Workforce Hub, developed to advance the outdoor workforce. AORE is proud to be a part of this monumental launch featuring interactive tools to help employers, educators, and those looking to join the outdoor recreation industry.
Education
AORE will dive into hot topics and education blocks on Wednesday, November 1.
New this year will be the Future of Facilitated Recreation Series. This series will explore challenges, opportunities, conversations and connections that are at the forefront of the profession of facilitated recreation. Attendees are encouraged to join one or all education sessions that address, for outdoor facilitators, relevant insight and perspectives on a variety of curated topics and industry leaders.
In addition to the Future of Facilitated Recreation Series, attendees will be able to select from over 40 sessions — all vetted by AORE’s volunteer OPC education team. These volunteers reviewed proposals, submitted by potential speakers, grading based on relevance, creativity, impacts to the industry, interest of attendees, and more.
See the full schedule via the link below
OPC ScheduleRegistration Rates
Please note that AORE's Super Social is included for all non-student and daily packages.
| Package | Early | Regular | Late |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Member | $450 | $500 | $600 |
| Professional Non-Member | $475 | $525 | $625 |
| 2nd & 3rd Person* | $400 | $500 | $575 |
| 4+ People* | $200 | $300 | $350 |
| Supporter Member | $465 | $515 | $615 |
| Military^ | $199 | $199 | $199 |
| Student Professional Member** | $125 | $125 | $125 |
| Student Supporter Member** | $140 | $140 | $140 |
| Student Non-Member** | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Daily Registration | $200 | $250 | $299 |
*These packages allow multiple people from your organization access to the full conference which includes education sessions and the expo hall. To receive this multi-attendee discount, attendees from the same organization must register at the same time and pay with one credit card.
**Education & Expo Access Included (socials not included)
^To verify military status, please present a copy of your military ID when picking up your badge
Add-On Options
- For ALL packages
- AB Welcome Reception (Thursday; $45.00)
- For all student and daily packages:
- AORE Super Social (Wednesday; $45.00)
- AB Welcome Reception (Thursday; $45.00)
- Pre/Post Conference Workshops (registration should be available in early July)
Please note that AORE's Super Social are included for all non-student and daily packages.
Volunteer
If you are interested in helping onsite, we would love to have you join our Conference Action team!
Volunteer Sign UpMembership
Get a better rate! Learn more about joining the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE).
AORE BenefitsSponsor? Exhibit?
Are you an organization that would like to gain direct access to highly qualified prospects? Consider sponsoring or exhibiting at the Outdoor Professional Conference!
Learn more
I had an awesome time volunteering for the AORE 2022 Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. I love volunteering with organizations that I'm passionate about. Volunteering with AORE allowed me to help others, meet new people, and have a great time outdoors! What's not to love about that?! I highly recommend volunteering: many hands makes light work!
Beth Johansen
Recreation and Sport Management Lecturer, Coastal Carolina University
Attendee Cancellation and Refund Notice & Waiver
CANCELLATION AND REFUND: All conference participant refund requests must be made in writing to the AORE National Office.
- If you cancel your registration prior to August 15, 2023 the AORE will retain 25% of the total registration fee.
- If you cancel your registration between August 16 and October 10, 2023, the AORE will retain 50% of the total registration fee.
- There will be no refunds on or after October 11, 2023.
AORE cannot be responsible for any personal or travel conditions that may prevent attendance at the conference, or costs related to any and all conference and pre- and postconference activities which may be canceled due to conference presenters, pre- and post-conference activity leaders/instructors, weather, permits, or other circumstances. AORE recommends conference attendees purchase travel insurance to cover losses that result from a variety of situations, including canceled trips, medical emergencies, lost baggage and other unforeseen circumstances. Registration fees are not transferable to future years or any other person outside your organization. There are no refunds for no-shows or late cancellations. AORE reserves the right to change the conference schedule and program offerings prior to and/or during the conference period.
WAVIER: I am aware that participation in AORE’s 2023 Outdoor Professional Conference and related activities (hereafter referred to as OPC23) may involve participation in an activity or activities with an inherent risk of damage and injury. Participants in OPC23 are participating in all conference events and related activities at their own risk. Because of the potential dangers and risks, I recognize the importance of following instructions provided and I agree to follow all directions. I understand that following said instructions/directions does not eliminate the inherent risk of damage and injury. In consideration of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education providing me with the opportunity to participate in OPC23, I hereby assume all the risks associated with my participation in OPC23 and agree to hold the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education, its successors and assigns, officers, employees, agents, representatives, instructors, and volunteers harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of action, debts, claims, or demands of any kind and nature whatsoever which may arise by or in connection with my participation in OPC23. The terms hereof shall serve as a release of liability and assumption of risk for myself, my heirs, estate, executor, administrator, assignees and for all members of my family. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby waive any rights I may have to sue AORE, its successors and assigns, officers, employees, agents, representatives, instructors, and volunteers with respect to personal injury and/or property damage suffered as a result of my participation in OPC23 and hereby release AORE its successors and assigns, officers, employees, agents, representatives, instructors, and volunteers from any liability for such injury or damage.