Agenda

2007 OWAA Conference Agenda
Roanoke, Va.
June 16-19, 2007

All conference sessions, meals and hospitality suites take place at The Hotel Roanoke unless otherwise noted.

The following Agenda Items are listed below:

Saturday, June 16
Sunday, June 17
Monday, June 18
Tuesday, June 19
Continuous News Conferences
Spouses/Guests Schedule
Hospitality Suites
Special Information

Saturday, June 16th

7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Registration
North Foyer

7:30-9:30 a.m.
Supporting Member Buffet Breakfast
Host: OWAA
Roanoke Ballroom A

8 a.m.-noon
Writers Workshop: “Becoming an Outdoors Communicator”
Washington Lecture Hall
This free, four-hour workshop is open to the public and is designed to offer an overview of careers in outdoor communications. Speakers cover opportunities in magazines, newspaper, photography, radio, television, government and public relations.
Speakers: Wade Bourne, Tony Dean, Lisa Densmore, Tim Flanigan, Mark Freeman, Bruce Ingram, Christina Larson, Mark Taylor, Joel Vance and Risa Weinreb-Wyatt
Moderator: Pat Wray

8-8:30 a.m.
OWAA Welcomes New Conference Attendees (Green Ribbon Orientation)
Mill Mountain
Speakers: Jim Low, OWAA president; Kevin Rhoades, OWAA executive director; and Spence Turner, OWAA board chair

8:30-9 a.m.
Supporting Member Meeting
Roanoke Ballroom A
Coordinators: Phil Bloom, OWAA vice president and conference program chair; Jim Low, OWAA president; and Scott Stouder, former OWAA supporting member representative

8:30-9:15 a.m.
Mentor Meeting
Mill Mountain
Coordinator: Terry Lewis, Mentor Committee chair

8:30-10:20 a.m.
“Science for the Public and the Outdoor Communicator”
Monroe
This session helps communicators recognize scientific subjects in writing and produce writing that is scientifically accurate while still interesting and entertaining.
Speakers: Mark Freeman, Medford, Ore., Mail Tribune; Sue Hansen, freelance writer; John Nickum, freelance writer; Mike Smith, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (retired)
Moderator: Mary Nickum

10-10:55 a.m.
“Bringing Back the Brookies”
Wilson
Virginia has more brook trout habitat than any state in the Southeast. This session discusses the habitat restoration work being done and the challenges that remain.
Speakers: Gary Berti, Trout Unlimited; Dan Genest, Dominion Power; Dawn Kirk, Washington-Jefferson National Forest; and Larry Mohn, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Moderator: Tony Dolle

10-11 a.m.
Past Presidents Meeting
Jefferson Boardroom

10-11:50 a.m.
“The Tax Man Cometh: One-on-One Consultation About What’s Deductible ... and What Isn’t”
Buck Mountain
An informal session offers outdoor communicators one-on-one opportunities to ask tax questions of accountants and tax consultants. An example: “Is the special dog food the vet recommended for my hunting dog deductible?”
Speaker: Erich Faber, certified public accountant

10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Supporting Member Displays
Roanoke Ballroom C-H

11 a.m.-noon
“The Big Three” News Conference
Crystal Ballroom D-E
This news conference allows conference attendees to hear the latest news from heads of three top federal agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Speakers: H. Dale Hall, director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Jim Hughes, director, Bureau of Land Management; and Gail Kimbell, chief, U.S. Forest Service
Moderator: Terry Lewis
Note: A complete news conference schedule follows the agenda.

Noon-1 p.m.
Panel Discussion: “Ask the Editors”
Mill Mountain
Based on the “Ask the Editors” column in Outdoors Unlimited, a panel of editors addresses query/manuscript submissions and fields questions from the audience.
Speakers: Jason McGarvey, Outdoor America; Cara Ellen Modisett, editor, Blue Ridge Country magazine; Bill Schneider, FalconGuides and Lyons Press; and Jim Smith, MUSKIE magazine
Moderator: Jack Ballard

1-1:55 p.m.
“Black Bears in the Backyard”
Monroe
Human conflicts with bears are on the increase nationwide. This session offers a discussion of the issue and tells what states are doing – or not doing – to address the problem.
Speakers: Greg Funkhouser, game warden, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; Mike Pelton, black bear researcher; and Richard Smith, writer/photographer/filmmaker
Moderator: Bill Graham

1-2 p.m.
“Building and Buying a Super Photo PC”
Buck Mountain
Your computer is now your darkroom. Learn how to build or order a PC that can execute complex digital imaging functions and perform at blazing speeds.
Speaker: Michael Furtman, freelance writer/photographer
Moderator: John McCoy

1-2 p.m.
Circle of Chiefs Meeting
Jefferson Boardroom

1-4 p.m.
“One-on-One: Meet the Editors/Publishers”
Roanoke Ballroom C-H
Meet with acquisitions editors of outdoors magazines and book publishers to discuss their editorial needs. This is a great opportunity to meet face-to-face and sell yourself to prospective buyers.

1:30-2:25 p.m.
“Book Proposals That Sell”
Wilson
Terry Whalin is an accomplished editor and writer. In this session he shares proven best practices to get your book from your desk to the bookstore.
Speaker: W. Terry Whalin, author/editor, Howard Publishing Co.
Moderator: John Beath

2 p.m.
Spouse/Guest Welcome
Pocahontas
Coordinator: Katherine Cochran
Note: A schedule of spouse/guest activities follows the agenda.

2:30-3:25 p.m.
“Understanding and Negotiating Book Contracts”
Wilson
Whalin offers insights on navigating these often-bewildering documents.
Speaker: W. Terry Whalin, author/editor, Howard Publishing Co.
Moderator: Chip Gross

2:30-4 p.m.
“Once You Take the Photo, How Do You Find It? Organizing Your Digital Library”
Buck Mountain
Learn how to create a foolproof filing system.
Speaker: Tim Christie, freelance photographer
Moderator: Tom Ulrich

2:30-4:30 p.m.
“What to Do With America’s Roadless Areas”
Washington Lecture Hall
Our panelists represent various priorities in a divisive issue: the management of Inventoried Roadless Areas.
Speakers: Mike Carrier, Oregon governor’s natural resources advisor; Dan Dessecker, Ruffed Grouse Society; Steven Henson, Southern Appalachian Multiple Use Project; Mark Rey, undersecretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Chris Wood, Trout Unlimited
Moderator: Pat Wray

6-9 p.m.
Opening Night Reception/Dinner
Braeloch
Hosts: Roanoke Valley CVB and Virginia Tourism Corp.
Master of Ceremonies: Alisa Bailey, president and CEO, Virginia Tourism Corp.
Sponsors: American Electric Power, Center for Organizational and Technological Advancement, Dominion, Mazdog Outdoors, Orvis and Roanoke County
Buses begin boarding at 5:30 p.m. at the north entry foyer of The Hotel Roanoke. Final departure will be 6:45. Public parking is not available at Braeloch. Buses will begin returning to The Hotel Roanoke at approximately 8:30 p.m.

9-11:30 p.m.
Hospitality Suites

Sunday, June 17th

7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Registration
North Foyer

7:30-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast: “Salute to Fathers”
Roanoke Ballroom C-H
Host: Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

8:30-8:45 a.m.
Opening Ceremony
Roanoke Ballroom A-B
Speaker: Jim Low, OWAA president
OWAA Prayer: Jim Reid

8:45-10 a.m.
Keynote Address: Richard Louv, author, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
Sponsored in part by The Trust For Public Land
Roanoke Ballroom A-B
In his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv offers a future that uses nature as a catalyst to improve standardized test scores, develop problem-solving skills and decision making, and draw families closer together.

10-11:45 a.m.
“Can They Get Along? Addressing Conflicts Among Hunters, Anglers and Environmentalists”
Washington Lecture Hall
A panel of hunters, anglers and environmentalists discusses finding common ground among priorities that are divergent yet overlapping.
Speakers: Paul Hanson, Izaak Walton League of America; Matt Miller, The Nature Conservancy; Gregg Patterson, Ducks Unlimited; Bart Semcer, Sierra Club; and Steve Williams, Wildlife Management Institute
Moderator: Pat Wray

10:15-11:45 a.m.
“Working With Tourism Agencies to Get the Best Stories”
Buck Mountain
Public relations professionals at local, state and regional levels will help you navigate the menu of services offered to journalists.
Speakers: Paul Kayemba, Visit Florida; Karen Lundquist, Fairbanks, Alaska, CVB; Connie Yingling, Maryland Office of Tourism Development
Moderator: Mark Zimmerman, North Dakota Department of Commerce

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Luncheon
Roanoke Ballroom C-H
Host: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc.

1-5:30 p.m. Sections Super Session

Newspaper
1-2:30 p.m.
“Selling the Outdoors”
Buck Mountain
This session highlights ways to convince management that the outdoors is both a necessity and a potential moneymaker.
Speakers: Robyn Porterfield, The Roanoke (Va.) Times; Terry Tomalin, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times; and Mike Zlotnicki, The (Raleigh, N.C.) News & Observer

2:40-3:40 p.m.
“Digging Deeper”
Buck Mountain
Public records can lead to great outdoors stories. This session discusses why public records and open access to them are important.
Speakers: Mark Freeman, Medford, Ore., Mail Tribune, and Forrest “Frosty” Landon, Virginians for Open Government

3:50-5 p.m.
Panel Discussion: “How’d You Do That Story?”
Buck Mountain
Newspaper outdoor writers discuss how they tackled a difficult story, collected information and got the story into print.

5-5:30 p.m.
Newspaper Section Business Meeting
Buck Mountain

Photography
1-1:30 p.m.
Photo Section Business Meeting
Wilson

1:30-2:30 p.m.
“Photo Editing for Submission”
Wilson
Most photographers tweak their images, despite the objection of photo editors. Learn what you should and shouldn’t do and why.
Speaker: Michael Furtman, freelance writer/photographer

2:30-3:30 p.m.
“Color Calibration Systems”
Wilson
Publishers use color-calibrated monitors to ensure “what they see is what they get.” Learn how to calibrate a home darkroom.
Speaker: Michael Furtman, freelance writer/photographer

3:30-4:30 p.m.
“Printmaking for Fun and Profit”
Wilson
Not all inkjet printers are created equal. This session will teach you how to make fine-quality art prints in your own office.
Speaker: Diana Bowe, Canon USA

4:30-5:30 p.m.
“Slide Scanning Dos and Don’ts”
Wilson
Most of us who shoot digitally still have valuable images on film. Learn how to create high-quality digital images from your transparencies.
Speaker: Jay Clark, Outdoor America

Radio
1-1:30 p.m.
“How to Target Your Audience”
Mill Mountain
Host Bob Hirsch and co-hosts Ann and Eric Hirsch share ideas from their weekly radio show, “Word From the Wild,” and offer tips on how to effectively draw out information in an interview.
Speakers: Ann Hirsch, radio show co-host, “Word From the Wild,” and Bob Hirsch, radio show co-host, “Word From the Wild”
Moderator: Eric Hirsch, radio show co-host, “Word From the Wild”

1:30-2 p.m.
“Developing Ideas for Your Radio Show”
Mill Mountain
Wade Bourne, host of “Pros’ Pointers Radio Network,” produces daily radio shows that air six days per week. Bourne has to create a lot of material all year long. He’ll tell you how he does it.
Speaker: Wade Bourne, writer/broadcaster/photographer

2-2:30 p.m.
“What a Sponsor Looks for in a Radio Show”
Mill Mountain
The Walker Agency’s Mike Walker, with his 30-plus years’ experience in PR, tells what he looks for when approached for sponsorships.
Speaker: Mike Walker, producer/editor, “The World of Ducks Unlimited” radio show

2:30-3:30 p.m.
“How to Market and Sell Your Radio Show”
Mill Mountain
Tony Dean, host of “Dakota Backroads,” tells you how he marketed and sold his radio show to more than 40 radio stations.
Speaker: Tony Dean, syndicated radio, “Dakota Backroads,” and syndicated television, “Tony Dean Outdoors”

3:30-4 p.m.
“Conducting the Perfect Interview”
Mill Mountain
Ann and Eric Hirsch, co-hosts of “Word From the Wild,” offer tips on how to effectively draw out information in a radio interview.
Speakers: Ann Hirsch, radio show co-host, “Word From the Wild,” and Eric Hirsch, radio show co-host, “Word From the Wild”

4-4:30 p.m.
Open Discussion
Mill Mountain
Didn’t get the answers you wanted? Come question a panel of radio hosts on any topic and get the information you need.

4:30-5:30 p.m.
Radio Section Business Meeting
Mill Mountain

Television
1-2:20 p.m.
“Wanna Be a TV Star?”
Monroe
Panelists offer advice on the assorted challenges – and potential rewards – of outdoor television programming.
Speakers: Jim Seeley, The Sportsman Channel; Greg Trager, VERSUS/OLN; and Charlie West, Men’s Channel
Moderator: Ron Schara

2:30-3:20 p.m.
“All About Webcasting”
Monroe
Dave Barton and Chris Moise, with www.myoutdooortv.com, discuss broadband streaming video, the future of Internet outdoor programming.
Speakers: Dave Barton and Chris Moise

3:30-5 p.m.
Panel Discussion: “Outdoor TV Shows: How Bad and How Good Are They?”
Monroe
Section members discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of TV outdoor programming during this open forum.

5-5:30 p.m.
Television Section Business Meeting
Monroe

4:30-5:15 p.m.
Press Conference: Lynn Scarlett, deputy secretary, Department of Interior
Crystal D-E

6-8:30 p.m.
Excellence in Craft Contests Awards Banquet
Roanoke Ballroom C-H
Master of Ceremonies: Jack Ballard
Host: The Sportsman Channel

9-11:30 p.m.
Hospitality Suites

Monday, June 18th

Breakfast:
On your own (Note: The Regency Room at The Hotel Roanoke opens at 7:30 a.m.)

6:30-8:30/9 a.m.
Lick Run Greenway Bird-watching
Meet at the registration desk for a 6:30 a.m. departure.
Greet the dawn with a hike led by Rupert Cutler on the City of Roanoke's new Lick Run Greenway trail that runs from The Hotel Roanoke to Valley View Mall through inner-city woods and meadows. Cutler, former Virginia Wildlife editor, assistant secretary of agriculture in charge of the Forest Service and Roanoke city councilman, has seen 40 species of birds on this paved trail. Leave after an hour to return for the bus to Green Hill Park or stay with the group for two hours to complete the entire 3-mile trail and return to the hotel by 8:30 or 9. Easy walking, binoculars needed.
Host: Rupert Cutler, former editor, Virginia Wildlife

7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration
North Foyer

8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Breakout Day – Green Hill Park
“Break out” of The Hotel Roanoke and hobnob with OWAA’s supporting members in Green Hill Park. Industry professionals will display products, lead hands-on demonstrations and offer one-on-one networking opportunities.
Buses begin boarding at north entry foyer of The Hotel Roanoke at 8 a.m.; buses depart approximately every 20 minutes until 12:15 p.m., at which time they will travel from The Hotel Roanoke to the Shooting Program location only.
Lunch may be purchased 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Hill Park.
Buses will depart from Green Hill Park at 12:45 p.m. and 1 p.m. for the Shooting Program. Additional buses will return to The Hotel Roanoke from Green Hill Park as needed.

1-4:30 p.m.
Shooting Program – Roanoke Regional Firearms Training Center
Try the latest shotguns, rifles, pistols, muzzleloaders, bows and air guns in this informal, hands-on event. Learn new techniques and meet with industry representatives.
Buses begin boarding at north entry foyer of The Hotel Roanoke at 12:30 p.m.; buses depart approximately every 20 minutes until 2:30 p.m. and will return as needed.
Concessions are not available at this venue.

7-11 p.m.
Nutty Irishman Bash
Virginia Transportation Museum
Transportation departures commence at 6:45 p.m. from north entry foyer of The Hotel Roanoke and continue approximately every 15 minutes. The museum is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Maps are available at the conference registration desk.

Tuesday, June 19th

7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration
North Foyer

7:30-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Roanoke Ballroom C-H
Host: Sierra Club

9-10:15 a.m.
General Business Meeting
Washington Lecture Hall

9:30-11 a.m.
Virginia Outdoor Writers Association (VOWA) Annual Meeting
Buck Mountain

10:30-11:50 a.m.
Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest
Washington Lecture Hall
At this entertaining event, the creative work of OWAA members is presented, photos are critiqued and winners are announced.

10:30-11:50 a.m.
“The Sportsmen’s Voice: Participation in and Attitudes Toward Hunting and Fishing in the United States”
Monroe
What does the American public think about hunting and fishing? Who participates? What programs are in place to recruit new participants and retain current participants? Learn about the newest survey data from Responsive Management’s Mark Damian Duda.
Speaker: Mark Damian Duda, Responsive Management
Moderator: Scott Stouder

10:30-11:50 a.m.
The Writing Coach, Part 1: “Narrative Writing: Sweat the Details”
Wilson
Steve Buttry, director of tailored programs at the American Press Institute in Reston, Va., has led writing workshops at journalism conferences and more than 100 newspapers. This session will teach the interviewing, note-taking and research techniques that produce strong narrative.
Speaker: Steve Buttry, American Press Institute
Moderator: Chris Slemp

11:50 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch
Roanoke Ballroom C-H
Host: HUMMER

1-1:50 p.m.
The Web, Part 1: “Why You Need a Web Site, and How to Get Started”
Monroe
Learn why you should consider your own Web site and domain, the steps needed to secure and create that site and how to use it to increase your business.
Speaker: J. Leslie Booth
Moderator: Bill Monroe

1-2 p.m.
The Writing Coach, Part 2: “The Storytelling Process”
Wilson
Reporting and writing are not separate skills and processes. By integrating your writing and reporting into a single process, you make both strong enough to tackle the narrative’s demands.
Speaker: Steve Buttry, American Press Institute
Moderator: Paul Vang

1-2:20 p.m.
“The National Parks – Facing Challenges for the Centennial Celebration”
Buck Mountain
Operating-budget shortfalls, maintenance backlogs, staffing cuts and declining visitation: Panelists will discuss what needs to be done to ensure there’s something to celebrate when the National Park Service’s centennial anniversary arrives in 2016.
Speakers: Thomas Kiernan, National Parks Conservation Association; Houck M. Medford, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation; Bill Wade, Coalition of National Park Service Retirees; and Steve Whitesell, National Park Service
Moderator: Sue Hansen

1-4 p.m.
“2007 Farm Bill – A Conservation Update” (field trip)
Gather by 12:45 p.m. in the north entry foyer by the conference registration desk for a 1 p.m. departure.
The Farm Bill is up for reauthorization in 2007. Key players representing various aspects of the federal legislation will help unravel its mystery. The panel discussion takes place during a field trip to Roanoke-area locations to provide a firsthand look at previous Farm Bill programs.
Speakers: Bryan Burhans, National Wild Turkey Federation; Mike Checkett, Ducks Unlimited; Kira Finkler, Trout Unlimited; Arlen L. Lancaster, Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Julie Sibbing, National Wildlife Federation
Moderator: Tim Zink, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

2-2:45 p.m.
The Web, Part 2: “How to Get Site Visitors and Search Engine Optimization”
Monroe
Speaker: J. Leslie Booth
Moderator: Bill Monroe

2:30-3:20 p.m.
“It’s A Gas: How Ethanol-Blended Fuels Are Impacting RVs and Boats”
Buck Mountain
Speaker: Jeff Tieger, StarBrite
Moderator: William H. Mullins

2:30-3:50 p.m.
The Writing Coach, Part 3: “Narrative Structure and Content”
Wilson
Narrative writing requires story structures that are different from most journalism. This session will teach the mechanics of narrative writing – story structure as well as the elements of compelling narrative.
Speaker: Steve Buttry, American Press Institute
Moderator: Paul Vang

3-4:45 p.m.
The Web, Part 3: “The Thrilling Web of Tomorrow: Ready or Not, It’s Coming”
Monroe
Speaker: J. Leslie Booth
Moderator: Bill Monroe

3:30-4:30 p.m.
“Camouflage: Past, Present and Future”
Buck Mountain
In the early 1970s, Jim Crumley used magic markers to draw on tie-dyed coveralls to create a product that imitated tree trunks. His doodles resulted in Trebark, a design that revolutionized the camo industry. Our speakers recall the past, assess what’s on the market today and cast an eye toward what might be ahead.
Speakers: Donald “Buck” Buchanan, Woodseye Camouflage, and Jim Crumley, Trebark Camouflage
Moderator: Chris Slemp

4-5 p.m.
The Writing Coach, Part 4: “Make Your Story Sing”
Wilson
“Narrative” is not synonymous with “long.” You can write daily stories in narrative form. The session will teach lessons from songwriters, who tell memorable stories in few words.
Speaker: Steve Buttry, American Press Institute
Moderator: Paul Vang

4:30 p.m.
Hospitality Reception: National Wildlife Federation
Crystal D-E

6 p.m.
Reception
Roanoke Foyer

6:45 p.m.
Annual Awards Dinner
Roanoke Ballroom C-H
Hosts: OWAA, VERSUS and Virginia Tourism Corp.

Continuous News Conferences

Industry professionals will announce new products and new programs to conference attendees.

Saturday, June 16:

9-9:25 a.m.
MyTopo.com (Paige Darden)

9:30-9:55 a.m.
Trout Unlimited (Chris Hunt)

10-10:25 a.m.
SUV Owners Association (SUVOA) (Ron DeFore, Don Shipley)

10:30-10:55 a.m.
Hobie Kayaks Fishing Report (Ingrid Niehaus)

11 a.m.-noon
The Big Three: H. Dale Hall, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Jim Hughes, Bureau of Land Management; and Gail Kimbell, U.S. Forest Service (Terry Lewis, BLM)

Noon-12:55 p.m.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Survey and Waterfowl Survey (Nicholas Throckmorton)

1-1:25 p.m.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (Mark Rey, undersecretary of agriculture)

1:30-2:25 p.m.
National Wildlife Federation, Invasive Species (Jordan Lubetkin)

2:30-2:55 p.m.
Izaak Walton League of America, Clean Boat Campaign (Jason McGarvey)

3-3:55 p.m.
National Wildlife Federation, Climate Change and Wildlife (Doug Inkley)

4-5 p.m.
Ducks Unlimited (Gregg Patterson)

Tuesday, June 19:

1-1:25 p.m.
Smith-Root, Non-lethal Marine Barriers and Salmon Predation (Carl Burger)

2-2:25 p.m.
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (David Coffman)

2:30-2:55 p.m.
Virginia State Parks (Chuck Wyatt)

3-4 p.m.
The Future of Hunting (Randall Eaton)

Spouses/Guests Schedule

Saturday, June 16

10-11 a.m.
Spouse/Guest Walking Tour of Historic Roanoke City Market area – Market history and shopping highlights
Meet in The Hotel Roanoke lobby at 9:45 a.m.
Coordinator: Katherine Cochran

2 p.m.
Spouse/Guest Welcome
Pocahontas
Coordinator: Katherine Cochran

Sunday, June 17

10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Spouse/Guest Tour: Lexington, Va.
Meet at north entry foyer of The Hotel Roanoke.
Coordinator: Katherine Cochran

Monday, June 18

9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Spouse/Guest Tour: Emerson Creek Pottery, Virginia Dare Luncheon Cruise, Booker T. Washington National Monument and Homestead Creamery
Meet at north entry foyer of The Hotel Roanoke at 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m. departure.
Coordinator: Katherine Cochran

Tuesday, June 19

2 p.m.
Spouse/Guest High Tea Farewell
Pocahontas
Coordinator: Katherine Cochran

Spouse/Guest Meeting Room

Pocahontas
Spouses/guests are welcome to visit. Open Sunday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hospitality Suites

Hospitality suites offer an opportunity for supporting conference attendees to show off products and talk about services in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. A number of suites at The Hotel Roanoke are reserved for these events. Complete schedules, including suite locations and room numbers, are available at the conference registration desk.

Hospitality suites take place on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17, between 9-11:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 16

Izaak Walton League of America
National Geographic Maps
Rochester, Minnesota, Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sierra Club
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc.

Sunday, June 17

Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, Florida
Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, Convention & Visitors Bureau
Izaak Walton League of America
Sierra Club
Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau
Trout Unlimited

Special Information

Press Room
Bent Mountain
Sponsored by The Roanoke Times and roanoke.com. Computers with Internet access, copying capabilities, copies of speeches, phones and office supplies will be available. Open Saturday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Literature Room
Tinker Mountain/Brush Mountain
News releases and other materials of interest to members will be available.

Interview Room
Madison
This room is reserved for OWAA members to conduct interviews with news sources.

Spouse/Guest Meeting Room
Pocahontas
Spouses/guests are welcome to visit. Open Sunday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Photo Exhibit
Crystal A-B-C
Photos will be on display beginning Monday morning. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the “People’s Choice” award (to be announced Tuesday evening).

Silent Auction
Crystal A-B-C
Auction items will be on display and open for bid Sunday through Tuesday morning. Items will be selected randomly on a daily basis and replaced with new items.
Hours:
Sunday – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday – 7-8:30 a.m. and 5-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday – 8-10 a.m.