2008 OWAA Conference Agenda
Click to jump to a day:
Saturday, June 21
Sunday, June 22
Monday, June 23
Tuesday, June 24
Saturday, June 21
Opening Day Breakout
6 a.m. - Noon
Try your luck in a geocache scavenger hunt. Take aim with the latest rifles, scopes and lenses at prairie dog towns. We have some pre-Breakout Day breakouts planned for the morning of opening day. Start conference on an active foot and enjoy the surroundings in the Bismarck area. Space is limited, so sign up soon!
Supporting Groups Breakfast and Business Meeting
7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Becoming an Outdoor Communicator
8 a.m. - Noon
This free, four-hour workshop will feature some of OWAA’s most prolific and best-known communicators giving presentations about their specialties from “Writing for Magazines” to “Outdoor Television” and everything in between. Please join Pat Wray, Lisa Densmore, Tony Dean and more for this popular staple of the OWAA conference.
The Write Stuff - 10 Tips for Successful Freelancing
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
How can a part-time or full-time freelancer make more money? Travel and ski writer Peter Schroeder will present his hour-long PowerPoint presentation covering 10 topics not discussed in “how-to” books.
OWAA Welcomes New Conference Attendees – Orientation
10 – 10:30 a.m.
Mentor Meeting
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Past Presidents’ Meeting
10 – 11 a.m.
Opening Day Displays
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Meet OWAA’s supporting groups, agencies and businesses. See what’s new. Learn about their products and causes.
On the Trail to Natural Health with Dr. Deborah Cox-Wood
11 a.m. - Noon
Join naturopath Dr. Deborah Cox-Wood for an interactive hour on reversing the aging process, keeping the body in balance and continuing to be healthy and energetic after 50.
Ask the Editors
11 a.m. - Noon
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: PJ DelHomme, Hunting Editor, Bugle magazine; Bill Schneider, Travel and Outdoor Editor NewWest.Net; Wayne van Zwoll, Intermedia Outdoors.
40 Years on the Trail
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The North Country Trail is celebrating 40 years as one of America’s great National Scenic Trails. Join the North Country Trail Association and the Partnership for the National Trails System as they plan initiatives to celebrate and gain further recognition for the National Trails System Act of 1968.
One-on-One – Meet the Editors/Publishers
1:00 – 4 p.m.
Meet with book publishers and acquisitions editors of outdoors publications to discuss their editorial needs and sell your work. This is a tremendous opportunity to meet face to face, build relationships and sell yourself to prospective buyers.
Mentor Meeting
12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Circle of Chief’s Meeting
1 – 2 p.m.
Presenting the Workshop Curriculum
1 – 2:15 p.m.
Have you ever considered expanding your professional portfolio to include giving workshops on outdoor communication? Two years in the making by many dedicated OWAA members, Pat Wray will present the curriculum designed to provide a template for conducting your own one- or two-day outdoor communicator’s workshop.
Grasslands and Wildlife:
What does the future hold?
1 – 2:15 pm
Grasslands in the Prairie Pothole Region provide critical habitat for North America’s ducks, pheasants, grouse, deer and other prairie wildlife. Regrettably, these grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate. Ducks Unlimited will host a panel discussion on grassland conservation that will focus on the federal Conservation Reserve Program, efforts to protect native prairies, the future of grass-based agriculture, and how revenue from eco-products like carbon might support grassland conservation. Panelists include a rancher and representatives from government agencies and Ducks Unlimited.
Global Warming Super Session
3 – 5 p.m.
What’s the latest on global warming? What does it mean for the future of the outdoors? Learn what’s next during this special presentation with Dr. Doug Inkley, the National Wildlife Federation’s senior scientist, and James M. Taylor of the Heartland Institute as they debate the causes and effects of global climate change. Time will be reserved for audience Q&A.
Ag Policy and Its Impact on Fish and Wildlife
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Most wildlife is raised on private land in the United States and the majority of that land is involved in agriculture. How does the current U.S. ag policy impact fish and wildlife? What does the future hold for fish and wildlife? Representatives from the Izaak Walton League of America will present a program on the impact agriculture is having on fish and wildlife habitat.
Opening Night Banquet
6 – 9 p.m.
Join the Bismarck/Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau at Fort Abraham Lincoln and the On-a-Slant Indian Village for a night of historical presentations and down-home cooking. Native American dancers will perform in the village, and Cavalry re-enactors will entertain the troops at the fort. Be sure to tour General Custer’s home, the Army barracks, the Indian village and cultural museum at this year’s opening night.
Breakfast
7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited
Opening Ceremony
8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
Keynote: Jon Young, Wilderness Awareness School
8:45 – 10 a.m.
Inspired by his childhood mentoring with tracker and author Tom Brown Jr., Jon Young, founder of the Wilderness Awareness School, has pioneered blending indigenous mentoring techniques from around the world with the tools of modern field ecology. Building on author Richard Louv’s presentation in Roanoke, come hear Young’s solutions for getting children and adults outdoors and reconnected with the natural world.
Photo Critique Session
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Submit your best photos for a look by photo experts Tom Ulrich, Chris Madson and Bert Gildart. Watch OU for when and where to send your digital photos.
The Future of Hunting for our Youths
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Dr. Valerius Geist, professor emeritus of environmental science at the University of Calgary; Rob Olson, president of Delta Waterfowl; and a representative from the National Shooting Sports Foundation will be on hand to give OWAA conference attendees a front-line, front-row seat to a growing dilemma that effects the future of hunting in North America: How do we reintroduce our youths to hunting?
Lunch
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales USA
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
How to live with large predators and why we need a Continental Wildlife Treaty. The 20th century saw the beginning of the return of continental biodiversity with the expansion and re-colonization of large-herbivore populations. While we have enjoyed the fruits of the herbivore expansion, we’ve just begun to experience what the return of large predators might entail. Dr. Valerius Geist will discuss how we can enjoy the fruits of wildlife’s return and conserve predators with a minimum of danger and damage to wildlife, livestock and humans. Are we doomed to repeat failures of the past? Why does a continental approach to predator conservation make sense?
How to Self-Publish Books for Profit
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Join successful self-published authors Bill Schneider and Chris Batin for a how-to on publishing books for profit.
How to Create a Web Site and Update It on Your Own
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
You want to set up a Web site to promote your work, but where do you start? Bugle Magazine Conservation Editor and OWAA Webmaster Paul Queneau will walk you through the process of choosing the best software, creating your Web site and updating it on your own.
The Media’s Role in the Future of Hunting
2:45 – 4 p.m.
Delta Waterfowl President Rob Olson shares what he calls “the Canadian experience,” which convinced him that an active, well-informed constituency is vital if hunting is to survive. Olson says writers must stop letting the “antis” set the rules of engagement and must develop new messages for a new era.
Digging up the Dirty Truth:
Uncovering the Untold Story
2:45 – 4 p.m.
Lucinda Schroeder will host a session on how to report on an undercover story.
Mule Deer Revelations
3 – 4:45 p.m.
Mule deer, though closely related to and threatened with extinction by whitetails, differ strikingly in their biology from whitetails. Following mule deer closely in their daily activities has led to some surprises. Join Dr. Valerius Geist for this slide show and commentary based on eight years of fieldwork, and many more years trying to figure them out.
Beaverhead-Deerlodge Partnership Plan
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
In 2006, timber companies and Montana conservationists sat down and crafted a common-sense plan that rests on three pillars: good-paying local jobs in the woods, healthy forests that reduce the risk of wildfires, and protection of backcountry traditions. Come learn how the partnership accord will mean stronger communities, jobs and expanded recreational opportunities. Presented by Campaign for America’s Wilderness.
Science for the Public:
The Anatomy of the Science Story
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Mary Nickum will explore how a scientifically accurate outdoor article is crafted. John Nickum, Tom Wharton and Mark Freeman will be on-hand to help answer the question: “Where does a writer find the information necessary to produce that accurate yet interesting article?”
Writing in the Narrative Voice
3:15 – 5 p.m.
Join guest author C.J. Box for a craft improvement session on writing techniques using the narrative voice.
Dinner
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by The Sportsman Channel
Community Night
6:45 – 9:30 p.m.
Welcome members of the Bismarck community, show off your work, enjoy live music and participate in silent and live auctions.
Click to jump to a day:
Saturday, June 21
Sunday, June 22
Monday, June 23
Tuesday, June 2
Monday, June 23
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Tour
6 – 9:00 a.m.
Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the morning before the shooting program for a tour of the prairies and to help celebrate 50 years of the Small Wetlands Program. This field trip will take participants through the Coteau Slope and the Missouri Coteau and visit Waterfowl Production Areas, a National Wildlife Refuge, wetland and grassland easement lands and hopefully see waterfowl and other wildlife. On August 1, 1958, Congress amended the Duck Stamp Act to spend funds to acquire Waterfowl Production Areas and small, isolated pothole areas. Since then, the Small Wetlands Program has conserved nearly 3 million acres in the Prairie Pothole Region for waterfowl production. Tour leaves from Entrance #4 at 6:00 a.m.
Shooting Program – Bismarck/Mandan Rifle
& Pistol Association Range
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Try out the latest shotguns, rifles, pistols, muzzleloaders, bows and air guns at this informal, hands-on event. Learn new techniques and meet with industry representatives. Attend sessions on handgun safety and gun safety for women presented by members of the Bismarck/Mandan Rifle & Pistol Association.
Lunch
11 – 11:55 a.m.
Sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Breakout Day – Pioneer Park
1 – 5:30 p.m.
“Break out” of the Ramkota and hang out by the Missouri River with OWAA supporters at Pioneer Park. Industry professionals will display products, lead hands-on demonstrations and offer one-on-one networking opportunities. Stock up by tacking advantage of an outdoor photography stock-photo shoot. Don’t forget to score points for the Outdoor Skills Contest!
Nutty Irishman Bash
7 – 11 p.m.
The tradition continues. Come let your hair down and enjoy an evening with your OWAA friends at the Nutty Irishman Bash, hosted once again by Ed Matheny.
Click to jump to a day:
Saturday, June 21
Sunday, June 22
Monday, June 23
Tuesday, June 24
Tuesday, June 24
Breakfast
7 – 8 a.m.
Sponsored by the Sierra Club
Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest
8:10 – 8:30 a.m.
At this entertaining event, the creative work of OWAA members is presented, photos are critiqued and winners are announced.
Photo Section Session & Business Meeting
8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
See program descriptions below.
Environmental Education
8:45 – 10 a.m.
Wilderness Awareness School staff will present a new approach to using hunting and indigenous skills to get kids outdoors.
Fee for Use on Federal Lands
9 – 10:30 a.m.
What’s the latest on the newly proposed rules for filming and photographing on our federal lands? Find out how these rules will effect how you do business.
Entering the Blogosphere
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Web logs – or blogs – are the hot new medium for communicating online. Hear from OWAA members about how to use blogs successfully and responsibly to reach a broader audience.
Lunch
12:30 (followed by the Business Meeting)
Sponsored by HUMMER
OWAA Business Meeting
1:15 – 2:00 (following lunch)
Come and meet your board of directors. Find out the state of the association, voice your praise or concerns and help shape the direction OWAA takes for the next year.
Newspaper Section Session & Business Meeting TV/Video Section Session & Business Meeting Radio Section Session & Business Meeting
2:15 – 5:30 p.m.
See program descriptions below.
OWAA Awards Banquet
6 – 9 p.m.
This year’s EIC Contests and Annual Honors Awards banquets will be combined into one evening. See the best of the best in Excellence in Craft, and help OWAA honor its most influential members. Dinner sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation.
Section Super Sessions
Members will break off into their sections to attend craft improvement workshops and business meetings focused on their area of expertise.
Photo Section & Business Meeting
8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Marketing Images in the Digital World. How one sells and markets images has changed dramatically since digital has taken hold. Jim Smith, Richard Day and Susan Day will explore new and innovative strategies for showcasing images and getting them to clients faster.
Pricing Photography. So many times photographers are asked to price their work, and many are lost as to what to do and how to do it. Find out how Tim Christie and Susan Day put a price tag on their photographs.
Practical Digital Photography and Copyright Knowledge. Jim Foster will show you how to protect your rights under the new copyright laws while making more money with your digital camera.
Newspaper Section & Business Meeting
2:15 – 5:30
Taking the Outdoors Beat Beyond the Pages of the Newspaper Into the World of Multimedia. Blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, online forums – there are scores of ways to reach an audience beyond the pages of a daily paper. Join Tom Stienstra and Mary Taylor and find out how to branch out and be heard.
Lauding – and Lambasting – First-person Columns. How often is too often when it comes to writing about our own adventures? John McCoy and Mark Freeman will share how to strike a good balance.
Bucking the Rut. It’s easy to fall into a rut. Learn from Brett Prettyman and Thom Gabrukiewicz how to put a fresh and creative perspective on recurring stories.
Radio Section & Business Meeting
2:15 – 5:30
Brought to you by… Sponsorship funding can help you expand your radio content – but how do you find sponsors for outdoor radio shows?
How to make money in radio and have a compelling show.
Join Tony Dean for a discussion on making it work on the air.
Podcasting: To whom do you market your podcast? Is there life after the first program? How do you determine the success of the program? How do you determine the value of advertising and sell it in your podcast? Should you illustrate with images and video? Find out the answers to these questions and more with successful podcaster Jim Ferguson.
How to syndicate your radio program. You’ve got a program in mind – how do you get it on the air? Jim Ferguson will talk about how to format your program to make it more appealing to a radio station and to your audience.
TV/Video Section & Business Meeting
2:15 – 5:30
What more can TV do to attract youths and adult novices into the great outdoors? The number of new recruits to outdoor pursuits continues to decline in many states despite the millions spent by advertisers on the current field of outdoors programming, from the glitzy Outdoor Channel and Versus to low-grade cable programming.
As seen on TV: the hunter’s image. TV personality and avid hunter, Babe Winkelman, will discuss the positive and negative impacts of the TV image of the hunter and the hunting industry.
Hi-definition gear. Television is changing, and digital and hi-def are the wave of the future. So what does that mean for those in the TV industry? Find out about the new equipment that is driving this migration, and how it affects not only the hosts, but the producers and techs as well.
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OWAA Annual Conference
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