During its annual conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) announced it selected El Paso, Texas, as the host for its 2024 conference.
OWAA’s conference brings together more than 220 attendees, 72% of whom are world-class, vetted outdoor media. Attending media include writers, photographers, bloggers, podcasters, videographers and more, who come together from a broad spectrum of outdoor specialties to learn, connect and discover all outdoor offerings of the local hosts.
El Paso’s event will be Sept. 20-22, 2024. The conference will be held at the downtown El Paso Convention Center while guests will stay at The Doubletree El Paso Downtown.
“El Paso couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the Outdoor Writers Association of America in 2024. This is an amazing opportunity to bring writers from all over to experience the unique topography of El Paso and our unmatched hospitality and incredible culture. El Paso’s outdoor scene is an undiscovered gem, and we look forward to all the amazing stories each person has to tell about the guaranteed unforgettable experiences they will have in the Sun City,” says Brooke Underwood, Executive Director for Visit El Paso.
In its nearly 100 years, OWAA has held two previous conferences in Texas (both in McAllen), but this is the first time the event has come to El Paso.
“OWAA’s conference shines a national spotlight on destinations that offer a wealth of outdoor activities nearby,” says Ken Keffer, President of OWAA. “While our event is full of outstanding professional development workshops and lectures, we also make sure members get outside to experience adventures firsthand – and ultimately produce stories about them for their outlets. The El Paso region has a great nature scene and we’re really looking forward to having our members discover all that the area has to offer.”
Pre- and post-tours will allow attendees to discover and cover outdoor experiences throughout western Texas, New Mexico and the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
OWAA is open to individual professional media, conservation organizations, brands and service providers that are focused on outdoor communication. Their annual conference gives attendees a chance to network with other professionals, build career relationships and help improve their skills. Sessions are geared toward general business, newsmakers and craft improvement in multiple genres of outdoor communication including:
- Photography
- Videography
- Podcasting
- Writing and editing
- Digital and social media, and more
###
About OWAA
Recognized as “The Voice of the Outdoors,” OWAA is the nation’s largest organization of professional outdoor journalists. Its membership includes writers, photographers, videographers, radio and TV personalities, digital storytellers and artists. Formed in 1927, the nonprofit association’s mission is to improve the professional skills and opportunities of its members, set the highest ethical and communications standards, encourage public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources, and mentor the next generation of professional outdoor communicators. https://owaa.org
