Events

Wilderness Education Association's International Conference on Outdoor Leadership

2/8/2023 12:00 am - 2/11/2023 12:00 am

Click here to visit the event Web site for more information

Address: , Bentonville, AR

The Wilderness Education Association (WEA), a member association that has contributed to the advancement of professionalism in outdoor leadership for 45 years, is hosting the 34th International Conference on Outdoor Leadership (ICOL) on Feb. 8-11 at multiple venues in Bentonville.

The event is open to outdoor enthusiasts and outdoors professionals nationwide, in addition to WEA members and those interested in WEA certification. 

Visit Bentonville and RUNWAY are co-hosting the event on a local level.

"It is an honor to host this conference in Bentonville, the Mountain Biking Capital of the World," said Amanda Khanga, director of sales for Visit Bentonville. "Outdoor recreation is an incredible asset to our community, and we welcome this opportunity to host outdoor leaders from throughout the world and showcase the expansive outdoor experiences our region has to offer."

WEA Executive Director Ryan Carlson said, "The last two years tell us that the world needs recreation, wild places and connection with others more than ever. We need outdoor leaders who are stewards of our land, champions of equity, and competent, inspiring educators."

Keynotes and highlights include:

  • Keynote: Luis Benitez Vice President Government Affairs & Global Impact, VF Corporation
  • Keynote: Erick Cedeno
  • Keynote: Alex Bailey: Black Outside
  • Keynote: Gary Vernon: Walton Family Foundation
  • Special Guest: Katherine Jeffery, Ph.D. Workshop: THE GEN SHIFT: A guide to help tackle the most pressing issues surrounding the largest generational shift in history.
  • Special Guest: Writers Workshop: Katie Ives: Author Imaginary Peaks & Former Editor in chief at Alpinist magazine
  •  DEI Panel: Lesford Duncan, The Greening Youth Foundation’s (GYF) 
  • Rachel Olzer: MC/DEI Panel All Bikes Welcome
  • 28 workshops from industry professionals and technicians, advocacy experts, university researchers and faculty and students
  • Trail Run with 2018 champion of the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI), Pete Ripmaster