Registration Information
Your conference registration will include:
- AORE's workshops & keynote
- AB's workshops and keynote sessions
- AB's Welcome Social
- Exhibit hall and live vendor presentations and 1:1 meetings
Questions? Call us at 810.299.2782 or email us.
REGISTERGroup Registration
Come learn and grow together. You can register multiple people from your team, department, school, or network! Everyone will get access to all AORE sessions PLUS sessions through Athletic Business and partners.
Pre- and Post-Conference Workshops
We are excited to offer additional workshops with our valued partners. Additional registration required for pre- and post-conference workshops.
Date/Time: Nov 17 & 18 | 9 AM - 5 PM CT
Location: To be determined.
Fee: $125.00; Note: this course will not include overnight camping or meals.
Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Courses emphasize skills and techniques essential to Leave No Trace minimum impact outdoor ethics and education. This course is designed for individuals who will be teaching Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops and providing general Leave No Trace outreach. Through classroom discussions, lectures, interactive activities, and a two-day outing, this course will cover the Leave No Trace 7 Principles, discuss outdoor ethics, and give participants tools and techniques for disseminating Leave No Trace skills to others.
Core Components of the Level 1 Instructor Course Curriculum:
- The role and function of a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor.
- The principles and ethics of Leave No Trace.
- Teaching skills and techniques and student learning styles.
- One teaching session led by each participant.
- Overview of the national Leave No Trace program.
- The role and function of the Leave No Trace organization.
TEACHING SESSION: Graduates of the Level 1 Course are equipped to teach others the Leave No Trace 7 Principles through Skills Courses and Workshops of any length. In order to better equip instructors to meet this expectation, each participant will teach one 5-10 minutes long lesson in the field during this course. This provides a hands-on learning experience and the chance to practice Leave No Trace teaching strategies in a supportive, educational environment. Teaching session topics will be assigned in advance, and information to assist with session preparation will be sent to participants.
COURSE COMPLETION: Upon completion of a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course, each participant will become a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor and receive a certification certificate. Completion of the course requires participation in all course activities and teaching exercises. Those who complete the Level 1 Instructor Course are equipped to:
- Facilitate Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops.
- Understand, demonstrate, and teach Leave No Trace minimum impact techniques to others.
- Lead a discussion on outdoor ethics and help others explore their own outdoor ethic.
- Serve as a co-instructor for Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Courses with a qualified Level 2 Instructor.
Pre-Requisites: None
Contact: Jenny Hill | jhill@aore.org
Date/Time: Online; In Person: Nov 17 & 18 | 9 AM - 5 PM CT
Location: To be determined
Fee: $375.00
The Hybrid WRC format offers 8 hours of self-paced, online instruction followed by two consecutive days in the classroom. The online component is hosted on Canvas, allowing students to work at a personalized pace. The online material consists of reading assignments, case studies, videos, photos, animations, quizzes, and a midterm exam and is available approximately 1 month before the in-person classroom section.
During the classroom section, course participants integrate their knowledge via drills, skill stations, scenarios, simulations, and discussions with the same instructor team that supports them during the online component.
Registration for the Hybrid WRC includes both the online and classroom sections. In the event that an individual is unable to meet in-person, or a classroom section is canceled, course participants have the flexibility to transfer to another 2-day classroom section as long as it is within 1-year of completing the online component.
Pre-Requisites: Valid WFR completion card. Online-only WFR certifications are not accepted.
Contact: Jacob Rothrock | jacob@desertmountainmedicine.com
Date/Time: Monday, November 18th | 1-5 PM CT
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Fee: $65.00
Join me for a few hours of fun with activities that help you accomplish a goal. First we will learn about setting a goal for the day then we will tailor make a program full of team building, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution activities to get us to that goal. You will get a chance to participate in the activities as well as hear the thoughts of why and how to use that activity. We will define sequencing and its importance in building trust within a group. By the end you will have a full list of new activities to help you sequence a low and no prop program for the group of your choosing.
This workshop will be utilizing low prop/no props to accomplish this. (Low props is referring to less actual items or homemade items, No prop is referring to doing an activity without any items).
New trip leaders and facilitators are encouraged to attend to learn how to create and hopefully maintain good group dynamics. Seasoned trip leaders and facilitators are also encouraged to attend to learn new tips, tricks, and help to put a spin on things.
Pre-Requisites: None. Participants need to submit any limitations they may have to physically participate so that the instructor can be prepared with adaptations.
Contact: Sasha Griffith | ferelithconsulting@gmail.comDate/Time: Nov 6 - Dec 4, 2024 | 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 and experiential 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 experiential, outdoor, wilderness, adventure, or travel programs, or those who plan to be managers. No prior knowledge is 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
Textbook:
The course includes lifetime access to an electronic, online-based copy of the course textbook Risk Management for Outdoor Programs: A Guide to Safety in Outdoor Education, Recreation and Adventure.
Certification:
Participants take short quizzes throughout the course and a final written exam. 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), computer and headphones/microphone
Contact: Annie Linhart | annie@viristar.com
Date/Time: Monday, November 18 | 9 AM - 4 PM CT
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Fee: $293.00
The Behavioral First Responder Level 1 Workshop, exclusively offered by Alpenglow Education, is a groundbreaking certification program designed for educators, outdoor leaders, administrators, and mental health professionals seeking to elevate their expertise in managing behavioral and mental health crises within educational and outdoor settings. This workshop is the only one of its kind, focusing on the nuanced challenges of behavioral management and mental health support in the diverse and dynamic environments we face as outdoor professionals.
Over an intensive curriculum, participants will delve into a rich tapestry of theories, models, and practical strategies drawn from the fields of psychology, social work, and counseling. This comprehensive approach is tailored to equip attendees with the skills necessary to recognize, understand, and effectively respond to behavioral issues and mental health crises. Through a blend of interactive lectures, case studies, role-playing, and scenario-based learning, the workshop promotes a hands-on learning experience that ensures participants can apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
Attendees will learn to navigate the complexities of behavioral crises with sensitivity and confidence, employing evidence-based interventions and proactive measures to support individuals in distress. The program's unique focus on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into risk management further enriches the learning experience, preparing participants to create supportive environments for all.
Pre-Requisites: None
Contact: Curt Davidson | curt@alpengloweducation.com
Plenary Speakers
We will have TWO plenary sessions during the conference. These sessions will bring everyone together to kick off and wrap up the week. We are excited to have Sasha Griffith and Luis Benitez.
Opening Plenary: Forget the Ice, Build Bridges
Kick off AORE’s 2024 Outdoor Professional Conference with the engaging and participatory session, Forget the Ice, Build Bridges, led by Sasha Griffith, Assistant Director for Adventure & TEAM Programs at James Madison University (JMU) and Owner and Chief Experiential Officer for Ferelith Consulting, LLC. This session will set the stage for a great week of networking with your colleagues (both new and old). Not only will this experience be used to ensure a great week in New Orleans, you’ll also have a few takeaways to use back home in your programming right away.
Closing Plenary
Luis is the emerging face of the outdoor industry’s political movement. He is a former international mountain guide who found his calling as an advocate. He currently serves as the Chief Impact Officer at Trust for Public Lands, a national nonprofit that is committed to making the outdoors accessible for all, for generations to come.
Looking for Learning Credits?
Learning credits will be available to attendees [FOR FREE] thanks to a partnership with American Trails and are included in the registration fee. In order to be eligible for learning credits, presentations must run at least 15 minutes to be eligible for AICP CM, and at least 60 minutes in length to be eligible for LA CES and NRPA CEU equivalency petition, as well as CEU/PDH equivalency petition for other accepting organizations. The length of the session will determine the number of hours/credits given.
In order for sessions to qualify for these credits and if a certificate if requested, attendees must fill out an evaluation survey for each session they attend, as well as complete and have their learning credit tracking sheet signed by the conference host or American Trails (the survey and tracking sheet will be provided to attendees at registration as well as available electronically).
Education
AORE will dive into hot topics and education blocks on Wednesday, November 19. You can learn more about our different types of education opportunities at OPC here.
Schedule coming soon!
Registration Rates
Package | Early | Regular | Late |
|---|---|---|---|
Professional Member | $450 | $500 | $600 |
Professional Non-Member | $475 | $525 | $625 |
2nd & 3rd Person* | $425 | $500 | $575 |
4+ People* | $200 | $300 | $400 |
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 |
Get a better rate! Learn more about joining the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE).
Get the Best Rate for YOU
Register Early - be sure to lock in the lowest rate possible by registering no later than August 14th, before the rates increase
Group Registration - bringing 4+ people from your organization reduces the registration fee for all attendees from your group
Payment Plans - you can pay your registration fee over the course of a few months vs all at once; the earlier to start the payment plan the lower you have to pay each month
To set it up, register for the OPC like normal, then select ‘Pay by Check’, once this is done, complete this credit card authorization form for AORE to automatically process your payments each month as you designate
Justification Letter - use this letter to make a case to your boss on why you should attend the Outdoor Professional Conference
Fundraising - there may be more funding and resources out there than you think, consider 55 Ways to Raise $500.
*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
Volunteer
If you are interested in helping onsite, we would love to have you join our Conference Action team! Sign up coming soon!
Membership
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 moreDonate to Remove Financial Constraints and Grow the Industry - Scholarship Fund
We can’t offer the conference for free, as that would be perpetuating the cycle of low cost, low value. We offer this conference as an opportunity for outdoor recreation professionals to grow their skill sets and know their worth in the industry.
You can help by donating to our scholarship fund — this helps sponsor professionals trip to New Orleans to learn from industry expects and connect with fellow trailblazers. Attendees will find plenty of networking opportunities, job opportunities, workshops, and a robust exhibit hall.
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 16, 2024 the AORE will retain 25% of the total registration fee.
- If you cancel your registration between August 17 and October 18, 2024, the AORE will retain 50% of the total registration fee.
- There will be no refunds on or after October 19, 2024.
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 post-conference 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 2024 Outdoor Professional Conference and related activities (hereafter referred to as OPC24) may involve participation in an activity or activities with an inherent risk of damage and injury. Participants in OPC24 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 OPC24, I hereby assume all the risks associated with my participation in OPC24 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 OPC24. 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 OPC24 and hereby release AORE its successors and assigns, officers, employees, agents, representatives, instructors, and volunteers from any liability for such injury or damage.