Curious About Our Sessions?
Pre/Post Conference Workshops
These workshops are featured a few days before and after the conference and include trainings, certifications and social events relevant to students and professionals in the industry. There is an additional cost to attend these and may take place off site.
General Education
Featured throughout most of the conference in 60 minute time slots. We encourage traditional presentation style sessions, as well as interactive experiential sessions. Some sessions may be considered for shorter (20-45 min) sessions on our expo booth.
In addition to submitted proposals by attendees, Team AORE and our volunteers are actively collaborating to curate education from industry partners as well.
From higher ed to private sector education programs, we need a diverse range of perspectives and topics. OPC is a casual, welcoming space where experiential learning is encouraged—no need for a lectern or formal attire. Whether you want to co-present with colleagues, facilitate a discussion, or lead a hands-on session, this is your chance to bring your ideas to the table! Come share your ideas, get feedback, and more.
Looking for inspiration? Here are some past OPC favorites:
- The Guide Not The Hero: REI's Approach to Hiring for 98% Customer Satisfaction and Low Guide Turnover
- Advancing the Outdoor Professional: Live Podcast Recording - So You Want to Manage a Climbing Wall?
- Goober Time
- Come On In, Y'all! An Open Conversation About Closed Doors in Outdoor Recreation
- Risk Domains in Outdoor Programs
- Florida Man Changes the Outdoor Industry with Regional Collaborations
- Leave No Trace for Youth Educators – Tips, Tools, and Best Practices
- Imposters Anonymous - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome for Young Professionals
- Panel Discussion: Trip Leader Training in Collegiate Outdoor Programs
- Leading with Integrity: Harnessing the Power of Honesty in Outdoor Leadership
- Courage > Competence > Confidence
- Beyond Limits - Creating Inclusive & Impactful Outdoor Adventure-Based Experiences
- Stressed? We are too: Gen-Z's Approach to Using Nature for Mental Health Benefits
- Unconference: Is there a Correlation Between Mental Health and Participation?
- Running Outdoor Adventures in an Urban Environment
- Careers in the Outdoor Industry
Expo Workshops
These are 20-45 minute presentations taking place within the AORE Pavilion in the exhibit hall. The format of these workshops may vary from experiential (interactive) to a traditional speaker/audience format.
Plenary Sessions
A plenary session is a session of a conference in which all members of all parties attend. Plenary speakers often come from within an organization of the same industry.
2025 Plenary information will be released soon!
Research Symposium
Sessions describing new empirical and conceptual research in the area of outdoor recreation and education. These oral presentations are approximately 20 minutes plus 5-10 minutes for questions and discussion. Multiple sessions may be presented within an hour education block. More information coming soon.
OUR CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!
Submit your proposal(s) by March 31, 2025!
Learn More about OPC Education
Submit Your Sessions:
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).
Schedule
Coming Soon!