The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions: (Times/dates based on Singapore time, UTC+8)
Wednesday, Apr 2, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Apr 9, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Apr 16, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Apr 23, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Apr 30, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Individuals overseeing outdoor programs, including program coordinators, risk management officers, safety committee members, lead training staff, Board members, and executive leadership.
Discover how we can break down barriers and inspire connection to nature for communities often left out of traditional outdoor spaces. This engaging panel features Jessica Carrillo Alatorre (Bring it Outside program), Heather West (LOOP NOLA), and Joe Stone (Dovetail Trails Consulting), who will share their experiences and insights on empowering marginalized communities, including young kids, adaptive programming,, rural and urban residents, Latine, immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC families.
Explore how outdoor engagement doesn’t always mean epic hikes or far-flung adventures—sometimes, it starts with a simple visit through a neighborhood park. Join us to learn how we can redefine what it means to enjoy the outdoors and make nature accessible for all.
Panelists:
Heather West, LOOP NOLA
Heather West is the Executive Director at LOOP NOLA and has worked with youth-based nonprofits in the outdoor education field since 2009. She worked for Outward Bound for over five years, leading 3-4 week canoeing and backpacking expeditions for at-risk youth. After moving back to New Orleans, Heather began working for LOOP NOLA in 2016 as the Program Director and transitioned to the Executive Director role in 2022. She spends her spare time sailing, playing outside with her husband and dog, and enjoying New Orleans culture.
Joe Stone, Dovetail Trail Consulting
Joe is an avid outdoor adventurer whose life took a dramatic turn in 2010 when a speed flying accident left him as an incomplete C7 quadriplegic. Despite this challenge, Joe has continued to pursue his passions, becoming an experienced adaptive mountain biker, hiker, and paraglider.Before founding Dovetail, Joe served as Executive Director of Teton Adaptive in Jackson, WY, where he led initiatives supporting outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Over the years, he has collaborated with trail crews, land management agencies, mountain bike festivals, resorts, and nonprofit organizations across the country, all focused on enhancing access and opportunities for those with disabilities.
In addition to his work in outdoor recreation, Joe is a dedicated advocate for disability rights, with extensive knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). He is deeply involved in efforts to ensure that the disability community's voices are heard and that greater opportunities for inclusion and accessibility continue to grow.
Courtney Schultz, PhD, OutGrown
Dr. Courtney Schultz is the Executive Partner at OutGrown, a national nonprofit that for more than a decade has been dedicated to bridging the Baby Nature Gap by helping families with children aged 0–5 connect with nature. With extensive experience leading projects for local, state, and federal agencies, Dr. Schultz specializes in designing behavioral research that improves health outcomes through parks, natural landscapes, and outdoor recreation. Her work emphasizes inclusive design practices and systems thinking to enhance visitor experiences, focusing on underserved communities and ensuring that conservation and recreation support public health goals. Dr. Schultz is also the Executive Director of Health & Technology Partners, a social science research consultancy, and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Missouri. Dr. Schultz holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from NC State University, along with a BS and a MS in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Missouri.
Outdoor organizations are increasingly struggling to navigate how (and if!) to use phrases like “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion,” and “woke.” Once innocuous words have become synonymous with certain politics, belief systems, and principles. As the idea of DEI increasingly comes under scrutiny, it’s a good opportunity to revisit their original meaning, how that meaning has evolved, and the principle at the center of all of them: “Justice.”
This workshop will focus on using a systems-approach to better shape an organizational justice strategy. We will spend some of the time on strategic program development, and some of the time on curricular and training tools that center the concept of justice. There are no easy answers, and even less uncertainty - gather with peers to explore how we can honor our values at the same time we honor the needs of our students, programs, and funders.
Presenter:
Micah Leinbach, Bus for Outdoor Access & Teaching
Micah Leinbach has been running collaboratively-designed outdoor programs across organizations for over a decade, leading multiple teams in conducting this style of custom-built education program. He has supported non-profits, schools, municipalities, faith groups, home school families, and more in building - and then supporting the operations of - trips that expand on the work they already do. He has worked as a wilderness guide for over a decade, and is a Wilderness EMT, Level 3 Leave No Trace Instructor, and experienced coach and facilitator.
This session focuses on the bipartisan strategies necessary to advance an Outdoors For All framework. It delves into how advocates can create inclusive messaging, build coalitions across political lines, and frame outdoor access as a universal value. Participants will explore how to engage diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and organizations, to foster collaboration and advance equitable outdoor initiatives.
Presenter:
Gerry James, Sierra Club
Gerry Seavo James is Deputy Campaign Director, Outdoors For All for the Sierra Club's Outdoors For All Campaign where he works apart of a team focused on securing federal legislative and administrative opportunities that accelerate outdoor access and equity across the U.S. In his previous role, he served as the inaugural He is also the founder of Outdoor Recreation Design Lab, a creative think tank home rooted in incubation of inclusive outdoor environments, helping all people be active, preservation of biodiversity, and just transition for rural communities. ORDL past projects include the Explore Kentucky brand and RERC EPA consultancy.
Gerry is a certified ACA instructor in various disciplines and winner of their 2018 Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year. In 2020 he co-founded the ACA's DEI working group that kickstarted the organization inclusion efforts including the establishment of the Equity and Inclusion Fund, Community Paddlesports Leader Certification, creation of an inclusion focused staff role, Community Paddlesports Leadership Academy, and Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Initiative. Gerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications Area from Campbellsville University. He is also an Air Force veteran, social artist, and photojournalist. Since 2010, Gerry has adopted the Commonwealth of Kentucky as his home.
The CWA Summit is the indoor climbing industry's premier professional development conference and trade show. Hosted by the Climbing Wall Association, we provide industry participants with networking opportunities, information, and inspiration to move the industry forward. For people who are new to the indoor climbing industry, transitioning roles, or are interested in a different corner of the industry than traditionally seen at the conference. This pass is for people who think they might have a passion for the indoor climbing industry or are already established but interested in a lighter and faster CWA Summit experience. more info...
The 2025 Inclusive Summit will be AORE’s sixth summit, with two (2) being held in 2021 and one each year beginning in 2022. Based on attendee and member feedback the Inclusive Summit has transformed from a three day summit to a more accessible summit. Our new format focuses on allowing our attendees time to do asynchronous pre-work with three (3) optional pre-sessions and a toolkit in preparation for the live workshop day.
The Inclusive Summit has featured speakers from DEI Outdoors, The Wilderness Society, American Trails, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Vibe Tribe Adventures, Engage Coaching & Consulting, A-DASH Collaborative, Cycle Forward, Dogsmile Adventures, Canyons River Company, Diversify Whitewater, Northeast Passage, American Hiking, Adaptive Expeditions, HighPoint Expeditions, Kenji Consults, Change Works Consulting, The Mountain Guides, Teton Adaptive, Basecamp Outdoor, Diversify Outdoors, AmericanAlpine Club, The Mountaineers, The Bridge Project, NOLS Wilderness Medicine, Desert Mountain Medicine, Climbing Wall Association, Wilderness Medicine Training Center International, Wilderness Medical Associates International, Paradox Sports, American Alpine Club, universities, and more.
April 2025: Inclusivity in the Outdoors Month
The 2025 Summit will be held on April 24 and will wrap up our Inclusivity in the Outdoors Month. Inclusivity in the Outdoors Month with have three (3) stand alone workshops leading up to the Summit with topics including getting marginalized communities outside and more.
This thought-provoking series dives into the critical conversations and actionable steps needed to create more inclusive outdoor spaces. Featuring expert speakers and practical strategies, the series explores how we can break down barriers and cultivate deeper connections to nature for all communities.
Explore Diverse Perspectives: Nature for All: Redefining Inclusivity in the Outdoors brings together Courtney Schultz, PhD, Heather West, and Joe Stone to share insights on engaging marginalized communities in accessible outdoor experiences.
Measure Your Impact: Gerry James of the Sierra Club offers tools and strategies for how to position outdoor access as a unifying, bipartisan issue by framing it around shared values like health, community, and economic growth.
The series culminates in our LIVE workshops during the Inclusive Summit on April 24, where attendees will dive deeper into these themes and put ideas into action. Join us as we reimagine what inclusivity in the outdoors truly means and take steps toward lasting change. Summit attendees are encouraged to attend all pre-summit sessions along with the three workshops. Attendees will receive a toolkit/workbook to help guide them through each session.
April 24, 2025 | 12:00 pm ET - 1:45 pm ET
Beyond Scholarships: Comprehensive Programmatic Support Structures in Outdoor Recreation Programming
Presenter: Micah Leinbach
Many youth-serving organizations, especially camps and nonprofits, pursue a 2-part inclusion strategy: they raise funds for scholarships, and they train staff on inclusion. While these are necessary steps, they can fail to address more fundamental and structural barriers to inclusion - including the culture of the space, language and norms reinforced by programs or the dominant culture, and the application of outcomes that may not be universally shared.
This 90-minute virtual workshop will equip participants with strategies to create more inclusive and goal-oriented partnerships with diverse communities in outdoor programming. The session will begin with a historical overview of outdoor recreation, examining the ethical foundations and dominant cultural values that shape current practices. Understanding this background will help attendees recognize biases that may unintentionally permeate program structures and language.
The workshop will introduce a framework for setting partnership goals that are responsive to community needs and values. Participants will learn practical techniques for establishing and managing partnership dynamics effectively—ensuring that all partners, particularly those serving historically excluded communities, can engage meaningfully. We’ll also explore how to discuss common elements of expedition programs in culturally-humble ways that make space for different cultural perspectives and priorities.
April 24, 2025 | 2:00 pm ET - 3:45 pm ET
“Did I Stutter?” Communication Disorders and Bias in Outdoor Education
Presenter: Elliot Drake-Maurer
As outdoor and adventure educators, we help participants engage with ideas of risk, vulnerability, fear, and stress as they participate in our programs. But what if every time you opened your mouth to speak, you had to navigate these feelings? What if every speaking interaction risked the judgement of your peers, and the stigma of speaking differently than everyone else? This is the reality that people who stutter with face.
In this 90-minute workshop, participants will learn about stuttering, a complex and often misunderstood speech condition affecting about 1% of the population. We will explore what stuttering is, how it can appear, and the effects stuttering can have on people’s lives. Next, we will examine myths and stereotypes about stuttering, and identify exclusionary practices or communication barriers in outdoor education programming. Participants will leave the workshop with a clear understanding of what stuttering is as well as tools and strategies to make verbal communication more accessible to all, including those who stutter.
Materials used in this workshop will be the facilitator’s personal experience as a person who stutters working in outdoor education, current research and best practices from speech pathologists, and group discussions and examples from the workshop participants programming.
April 24, 2025 | 4:00 pm ET - 6:00 pm ET
Nature as a Healing Space: Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Practices for Inclusive Outdoor Experiences
Presenter: Elizabeth Allen
Discover how to transform outdoor spaces into environments of healing and empowerment. In this engaging 90-minute workshop, you’ll explore the profound impact of racialized and other forms of trauma on underrepresented communities and gain actionable strategies for fostering emotional and psychological safety. Tailored for outdoor leaders, educators, and facilitators, this session dives into foundational trauma-informed principles, tools to recognize trauma responses, and innovative practices that honor historical and generational trauma. Leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to create outdoor spaces where all participants feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions:
Wednesday, May 7, 11:00 a.m. UTC-5
Wednesday, May 14, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4 (Daylight Saving Time begins)
Wednesday, May 21, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Wednesday, May 28, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Wednesday, June 4, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Program Coordinators/Managers, Risk Management Officers, Risk Management/Safety Committee members, members of Boards of Directors, executive leadership.
AORE is an association built to help you grow your career and connect with others in the outdoor industry. The community is the most beneficial part of an association, so we are excited to host networking opportunities for you to connect with others you may not otherwise. These are non-facilitated meet-ups that allow both members and non-members to share experiences, exchange tips, and forge new connections.
Join us for an engaging and interactive roundtable discussion exploring effective marketing strategies for outdoor programs. This session will spotlight social media engagement and digital outreach, featuring expert insights from Em Dahlgren, University of Central Florida, Anaëlle Wagoner, James Madison University’s UREC, Miles Ramsay, 52Eighty Creative, and Adrienne Band Maxwell, AORE’s Social Media Coordinator and Senior Account Executive at The Hodges Partnership.
This roundtable format invites participants to share what has worked, what hasn’t, and to ask questions about their own marketing challenges. Whether you’re new to outdoor program promotion or looking to refine your digital presence, this collaborative session is designed to provide actionable strategies and foster creative exchange.
About the Experts:
Adrienne (Band) Maxwell, AORE and The Hodges Partnership
Adrienne (Band) Maxwell is a creative and digital strategist who leverages her expertise to help brands deliver the right message to the right people, driving brand visibility and audience engagement across various digital platforms. Since joining Team AORE in 2021, Adrienne has grown the association's social media presence, executed digital campaigns for the annual Inclusive Summit and Outdoor Professional Conference, and helped roll out a brand refresh. In addition to her role at AORE, Adrienne is a Senior Account Executive for The Hodges Partnership (a Richmond, Va.-based public relations agency) and Assistant Director for the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing Office.
Miles Ramsay, 52Eighty Creative
Miles has worked in media and marketing for more than 20 years. In his career, he's worked with small businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and more recently, large national and global brands. In his role as VP of Creative, he led a team whose client portfolio included Meta, AARP, as well as many notable nonprofit organizations. In 2022, he started 52Eighty Creative. Established as a branding and creative storytelling agency, 52Eighty has been recognized for their work including gold awards in the Telly Awards, Marcom Awards, and AVA Awards. Passionate about the outdoors, their client roster includes the Professional TrailBuilders Association and American Trails, amongst many others.
Em Dahlgren, University of Central Florida
Em is a Florida resident, Maryland native, and enjoyer of poking around on any local park trails. While earning their degree in Human Communication, Em managed the marketing efforts for their Recreation and Wellness Center's Outdoor Adventure program. This, combined with their work as a Challenge Course Facilitator and Lake Attendant, threw them headfirst into their passion for the outdoors, especially when it comes to connecting people to nature. Em has also led presentations on effective feedback, networking strategies for young professionals, and experiential learning tools.
Anaëlle Wagoner, University Recreation at James Madison University
Anaëlle Wagoner is the Assistant Director for Communications and Engagement at James Madison University Recreation. She oversees the marketing student staff and promotional efforts for JMU UREC. Anaëlle received her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from James Madison University and worked as a marketing assistant for UREC during her time at JMU. Anaëlle continued her collegiate recreation career at Texas A&M University-Commerce where she served as the Graduate Assistant for Marketing and earned her Master of Science in Marketing. After graduating, Anaëlle worked at Utah State University as the Coordinator of Marketing for Campus Recreation.
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About the Series: Reaching New Heights: Reaching New Heights: Marketing, Community, and Risk Management
The outdoor industry continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities for organizations, educators, and program leaders. Reaching New Heights is a four-part webinar series designed to equip outdoor professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate key aspects of outdoor programming. From building strong partnerships and fostering community connections, plus leveraging digital marketing, and managing risk, this series will provide actionable insights from industry experts.
Each session dives into a critical topic, offering expert perspectives, real-world examples, and interactive discussions to help you strengthen your outdoor initiatives. Whether you’re a program coordinator, guide, educator, or marketing professional, this series will provide valuable tools to elevate your work and create more inclusive, engaging, and safe outdoor experiences.
This series will offer free learning credits to participants in partnership with American Trails.
This webinar series is free for AORE professional members, $5 for AORE supporter members, and $20 not yet AORE members.
Managing risk is the backbone of any successful outdoor program, and it starts with the people who lead and support it—your staff. This workshop will focus on how to implement a healthy safety culture at your program to equip your leaders, instructors, and staff with the skills, knowledge, and support they need so that risk management is prioritized and understood by all.
In this workshop, we’ll cover:
What safety culture is and how it impacts your organization’s risk management
Steps you can take to develop and maintain a healthy safety culture at your program
The importance of a supportive environment where staff can openly discuss safety issues without fear of judgment or reprisal
About the Presenter
Annie Linhart, Viristar
Annie Linhart (pronouns: she/her) is the Program Manager with Viristar. Annie has a proven track record of leadership in the outdoor industry, working in the experiential and adventure education industry. She attended Southern Illinois University for her B.S. in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management and obtained her M.S. in Outdoor Recreation at Indiana University. Some of Annie’s work experience includes instructing outdoor technical skills programs as well as experiential facilitation programs for collegiate outdoor programs, nonprofits, and instructing for Outward Bound California as well as the Colorado Outward Bound School. She most recently served as the Assistant Director for a nonprofit outdoor recreation and education center in Northern Michigan. Annie is an EMT, a wilderness medicine instructor, and has held a variety of certifications in the outdoor industry ranging from paddling to Leave No Trace. Annie currently resides in Traverse City, Michigan.
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About the Series: Reaching New Heights: Reaching New Heights: Marketing, Community, and Risk Management
The outdoor industry continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities for organizations, educators, and program leaders. Reaching New Heights is a four-part webinar series designed to equip outdoor professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate key aspects of outdoor programming. From building strong partnerships and fostering community connections, plus leveraging digital marketing, and managing risk, this series will provide actionable insights from industry experts.
Each session dives into a critical topic, offering expert perspectives, real-world examples, and interactive discussions to help you strengthen your outdoor initiatives. Whether you’re a program coordinator, guide, educator, or marketing professional, this series will provide valuable tools to elevate your work and create more inclusive, engaging, and safe outdoor experiences.
This series will offer free learning credits to participants in partnership with American Trails.
This webinar series is free for AORE professional members, $5 for AORE supporter members, and $20 not yet AORE members.
The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions:
Wednesday, Jun 4, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Jun 11, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Jun 18, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Jun 25, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Jul 2, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Program Coordinators/Managers, Risk Management Officers, Risk Management/Safety Committee members, members of Boards of Directors, executive leadership.
Building strong, inclusive outdoor communities doesn’t have to start in the backcountry. From college campuses to local parks, there are countless opportunities to foster meaningful connections in non-traditional outdoor spaces. This session will explore innovative strategies for creating welcoming outdoor experiences that engage diverse participants, encourage long-term involvement, and strengthen social bonds.
Join Steve Sassaman (Arizona State University) and Courtney Schultz, PhD (Outgrown) as they share creative approaches to community-building, including programming ideas, partnership opportunities, and engagement tactics designed for urban and campus-based outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking to revamp your existing programs or start fresh, this session will provide inspiration and practical tools to help you cultivate connection in the outdoors—wherever that may be.
About the Presenters
Steve Sassaman
Dr. Steve Sassaman (he/they/ki) is an experiential educator and researcher whose work is centered on enhancing community interdependence through healthy engagement with nature. Steve has over 15 years of experience in outdoor education, including residential summer camp management, professional guiding, and collegiate recreation program development. Steve’s research agenda includes identifying best practices to achieve positive mental health outcomes through engagement with the more-than-human and examining how socialized gender norms influence social and environmental injustice. What drives Steve is guiding individuals to realize their unique talents, skills, and abilities while helping to reconnect humans to our sense of being a part of, rather than estranged from, nature.
Courtney Schultz, PhD
Dr. Courtney Schultz is the Executive Partner at OutGrown, a national nonprofit that for more than a decade has been dedicated to bridging the Baby Nature Gap by helping families with children aged 0–5 connect with nature. With extensive experience leading projects for local, state, and federal agencies, Dr. Schultz specializes in designing behavioral research that improves health outcomes through parks, natural landscapes, and outdoor recreation. Her work emphasizes inclusive design practices and systems thinking to enhance visitor experiences, focusing on underserved communities and ensuring that conservation and recreation support public health goals. Dr. Schultz is also the Executive Director of Health & Technology Partners, a social science research consultancy, and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Missouri. Dr. Schultz holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from NC State University, along with a BS and a MS in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Missouri.
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About the Series: Reaching New Heights: Reaching New Heights: Marketing, Community, and Risk Management
The outdoor industry continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities for organizations, educators, and program leaders. Reaching New Heights is a four-part webinar series designed to equip outdoor professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate key aspects of outdoor programming. From building strong partnerships and fostering community connections, plus leveraging digital marketing, and managing risk, this series will provide actionable insights from industry experts.
Each session dives into a critical topic, offering expert perspectives, real-world examples, and interactive discussions to help you strengthen your outdoor initiatives. Whether you’re a program coordinator, guide, educator, or marketing professional, this series will provide valuable tools to elevate your work and create more inclusive, engaging, and safe outdoor experiences.
This series will offer free learning credits to participants in partnership with American Trails.
This webinar series is free for AORE professional members, $5 for AORE supporter members, and $20 not yet AORE members.
Data on outdoor “is painting a picture of a consumer base in transition,” according to Kelly Ann Davis, head of research for the Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Foundation. Join Kelly and Brad Garmon, Senior Strategic Advisor & Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, to talk about the changing demographics in the outdoor space, including the changing face of “core outdoor” enthusiasts, the rise of the “casual” consumer, and opportunities to connect more people to outdoor careers and create experiences that offer mental and physical health to a broader cross section of the recreating public.
About the Presenters
Brad Garmon
Brad Garmon is the Senior Strategic Advisor & Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, a position he’s held since the Office was announced in September 2019. He served as chair of the national organization of state outdoor recreating office directors -- the Confluence of States -- in 2022 and currently facilitates the organization’s data working group. Prior to this post, Garmon spent 18 years in a variety of conservation and environmental policy positions, focused on stewardship of the Great Lakes, sand dunes and forests of the state and building stronger connections between outdoor recreation, economic development and natural resource management. He has held appointed positions on the Michigan State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel and the Pigeon River Country Advisory Council and served on the Michigan State Parks Advisory Council’s Finance Subcommittee, Michigan’s Sense of Place Council, and the boards of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, Michigan Mountain Biking Association, and the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. Garmon is a trail runner, camper, mountain biker, and aspiring fly fisherman, as well as husband and proud father of two outdoorsy kids.
Kellyann Davis
Kellyann Davis has extensive experience in research and analysis across various industries. Kellyann currently serves as the Director of Research at the Outdoor Industry Association. Before that, they worked as the Cross Country Ski Areas Association Research Director. In addition, Kellyann held the position of Senior Director of Research at the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Limited, where they focused on general aviation research and data collection. Kellyann also has experience in the snow sports industry, having worked as the Director of Research at SnowSports Industries America and as a Snow Reporter at Liberty Mountain Resort. Earlier in their career, Kellyann founded and served as the President of BlackSand Research, specializing in social media trends analysis and business intelligence consulting. Kellyann also worked as a Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence Specialist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and as the Director of Research at WarRoom Research.
Kellyann Davis has a strong educational background in the field of political science and policy analysis. Kellyann received their Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a specialization in Quantitative Analysis from the University of Arizona in 1990. Kellyann further pursued their academic interests and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Policy and Empirical Methods from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1993.
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About the Series: Reaching New Heights: Reaching New Heights: Marketing, Community, and Risk Management
The outdoor industry continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities for organizations, educators, and program leaders. Reaching New Heights is a four-part webinar series designed to equip outdoor professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate key aspects of outdoor programming. From building strong partnerships and fostering community connections, plus leveraging digital marketing, and managing risk, this series will provide actionable insights from industry experts.
Each session dives into a critical topic, offering expert perspectives, real-world examples, and interactive discussions to help you strengthen your outdoor initiatives. Whether you’re a program coordinator, guide, educator, or marketing professional, this series will provide valuable tools to elevate your work and create more inclusive, engaging, and safe outdoor experiences.
This series will offer free learning credits to participants in partnership with American Trails.
This webinar series is free for AORE professional members, $5 for AORE supporter members, and $20 not yet AORE members.
The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions:
Wednesday, Jul 2, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Wednesday, Jul 9, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Wednesday, Jul 16, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Wednesday, Jul 23, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Wednesday, Jul 30, 11:00 a.m. UTC-4
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Program Coordinators/Managers, Risk Management Officers, Risk Management/Safety Committee members, members of Boards of Directors, executive leadership.
The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions:
Wednesday, Aug 6, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Aug 13, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Aug 20, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Aug 27, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Wednesday, Sep 3, 11:00 a.m. UTC+8
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Program Coordinators/Managers, Risk Management Officers, Risk Management/Safety Committee members, members of Boards of Directors, executive leadership.
AORE is an association built to help you grow your career and connect with others in the outdoor industry. The community is the most beneficial part of an association, so we are excited to host networking opportunities for you to connect with others you may not otherwise. These are non-facilitated meet-ups that allow both members and non-members to share experiences, exchange tips, and forge new connections.
The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions: (Times/dates based on New York time, UTC-4/-5)
Wednesday, Sep 3, 11:00 am – 11:45 am UTC-4
Wednesday, Sep 10, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-4
Wednesday, Sep 17, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-4
Wednesday, Sep 24, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-4
Wednesday, Oct 1, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-4
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Individuals overseeing outdoor programs, including program coordinators, risk management officers, safety committee members, lead training staff, Board members, and executive leadership.
The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions: (11:00 am Singapore time UTC+8. Times and dates based on Singapore time, UTC+8)
Wednesday, October 1, 11:00 am – 11:45 am UTC+8
Wednesday, October 8, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC+8
Wednesday, October 13, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC+8
Wednesday, October 22, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC+8
Wednesday, October 29, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC+8
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Individuals overseeing outdoor programs, including program coordinators, risk management officers, safety committee members, lead training staff, Board members, and executive leadership.
The course is a combination of five real-time video-conference sessions, spaced one week apart, and independent work periods between live sessions.
Five live online sessions: (11:00 am New York time UTC-5. Times and dates based on New York time, UTC-5)
Wednesday, Nov 5, 11:00 am – 11:45 am UTC-5
Wednesday, Nov 12, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-5
Wednesday, Nov 19, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-5
Wednesday, Nov 26, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-5
Wednesday, Dec 3, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm UTC-5
Independent individual and group work occurs between live sessions.
Outcomes
Gain critical knowledge of best practices in outdoor program risk management
Learn procedures, systems, and plans essential to meeting key outdoor safety standards
Understand how to apply successful risk management strategies to adventure programs, experiential education, wilderness expeditions, and outdoor trips
Valuable for
Individuals overseeing outdoor programs, including program coordinators, risk management officers, safety committee members, lead training staff, Board members, and executive leadership.
AORE is an association built to help you grow your career and connect with others in the outdoor industry. The community is the most beneficial part of an association, so we are excited to host networking opportunities for you to connect with others you may not otherwise. These are non-facilitated meet-ups that allow both members and non-members to share experiences, exchange tips, and forge new connections.
