About Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-Conference Workshops are optional and will be held Monday, May 11. Some workshops require an additional fee.


During registration you will be able to PICK ONE Pre-Conference Workshop to attend. We also have an option to let us know you WILL NOT attend a pre-conference workshop.


Please click on a workshop you'd like to learn more about or scroll down to view all of them! Space is limited for each workshop and registration is first come, first served.

Leadership That Lasts: Cross-Sector Stewardship & Resilience

TIME: 8:00am - 2:30pm | Lunch Provided
COST: $200

Tackling challenges, advancing ideas to implementation, and ensuring strong ROI are essential to leading healthy, vibrant communities. This workshop introduces a framework for strengthening cross-sector leadership at the intersection of outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, main streets, and tourism, fostering a holistic approach to capacity building.


Participants will survey tangible assets (trails, parks, public art) and intangible assets (events, interpretation, community capacity) to identify opportunities for collaboration. Best practices in asset-based, cross-sector initiatives, particularly those influenced by and with implications for outdoor recreation, will be highlighted.


Understanding and developing individual leadership skills and resilient team structures are a major focus, and traits of effective leadership teams will be explored through examples from outdoor-centric communities. Participants will evaluate their own leadership, consider team leadership structures, engage in small- and large-group discussions, and leave with a personalized (individual and/or team-based) leadership plan. Strategies to break silos and advocate and engage with high-profile thought leaders/elected officials will be addressed, along with organizational succession planning.


Surveys and preparatory materials will be shared in advance, with additional resources provided to support leadership growth after the workshop. Designed for individuals or small teams (2–3 from the same organization), coming from nonprofit, government, destination marketing/management, business, or educational organizations working with natural, cultural, recreation, or economic interests.


Learning Objectives

  • Understand tangible and intangible assets that have influence on and implications for outdoor-centric communities. 
  • Understand foundational elements of individual leadership and teams with strength and resilience in leadership. 
  • Explore ways to grow individual leadership in existing or new opportunities.
  • Explore ways to strengthen the leadership structures in their own communities, including consideration of resilience and sustainability over time.



Instructors

  • Susan Elks, Gateway Forward Planning and Consulting
  • Cheryl Hargrove
  • Heather Ersts


Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) and the High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP)

TIME: TBA
COST: $330

The Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) and the High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) collect objective information about trail conditions such as grade, cross slope, typical and minimum clearance width, surface type, firmness and obstructions. Through classroom and practical, hands-on trail assessment experience, participants will learn how to objectively measure trails using UTAP and HETAP. Participants will also learn the details of UTAP measurements, semi-automated wheeled information sensor package measurements, and HETAP 3.0 Software. This workshop will discuss the benefits of objective information, the application of UTAP and HETAP in diverse environments, how to disseminate Trail Access Information (TAI), and how that dissemination meets the requirements of the new federal accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. 


Learning Objectives

  • How to objectively measure trails using UTAP and HETAP,
  • The details of UTAP measurements,
  • The details of the semi-automated wheeled information sensor package measurements and HETAP 3.0 Software,
  • The benefits of objective information,
  • UTAP and HETAP application in diverse environments, and
  • How to disseminate Trail Access Information (TAI)


Instructors

  • Todd Ackerman, Beneficial Designs


Accessible Outdoor Recreation & Adaptive Cycling Workshop

TIME: 9:00am - 2:30pm | Lunch Provided
COST: $0

Across the country, adaptive sports and accessible outdoor recreation programs are reshaping how people with disabilities experience nature. This workshop explores how land managers, tourism organizations, and recreation providers can expand access by focusing on three essential ingredients: Infrastructure, Invitation, and Information.


Through case studies from North Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, and Minnesota, participants will learn how state agencies, nonprofits, and adaptive organizations are breaking barriers from upgrading trails and facilities to creating welcoming programs and improving visitor information systems. Presenters from Move United, Northland Adaptive Recreation, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, Catalyst Sports, Waypoint Adventure, CRO Planning & Design, and TIS-Impact Solutions will share firsthand lessons from trail assessments, adaptive equipment, and statewide partnerships driving measurable social and economic impact, sharing data from a first-of-its-kind statewide economic impact study of adaptive sports. 


The session blends data, discussion, and demonstration, offering practical strategies that can be applied in any community, no matter the scale or budget. Participants will leave inspired and equipped to strengthen access, build partnerships, and integrate inclusive outdoor recreation into their own programs and destinations.



Learning Objectives

  • Understand the three foundational ingredients (Infrastructure, Invitation, and Information) and how they collectively improve accessibility and inclusion in outdoor recreation.
  • Learn about trail assessments, facility inventories, and adaptive programming.
  • Recognize policy, design, and programming barriers that limit participation and identify actionable strategies to address them.
  • Explore the economic potential of adaptive recreation and its connection to destination development and stewardship.
  • Experience adaptive sports firsthand through live equipment demos and case studies, gaining insight into real-world impacts for both participants and communities.


Instructors

  • Bobby Chappell, TIS-Impact Solutions
  • Jeff Alexander
  • Drew Pollak-Bruce
  • Cayla Hammaker


The Regional Activation Lab: Designing Regional Strategies that Unite Recreation, Conservation, and Revitalization

TIME: 9:00am - 2:00pm | Lunch Provided
COST: $35

The Activation Lab, hosted by The Conservation Fund’s Activating the Natural Resource Economy (ANRE) program, is an outcomes-driven, expert- and peer-supported workshop that guides regional leaders through a structured process to design actionable strategies integrating conservation, outdoor recreation, and rural economic development. Participants will leave with concrete deliverables, stronger networks, and clear pathways to unlock catalytic capital in their communities.


Guided by TCF's newly released Regional Guide to Activating the Natural Resource Economy, participants will assess their region’s readiness to activate and identify sectors where restoration of landscapes can spark revitalization of livelihoods. Through applied exercises and peer exchange, participants will develop a draft Activation strategy to align partnerships, attract catalytic investment, and accelerate community-led revitalization.


Participants will learn directly from community leaders in the ANRE network who have successfully transformed natural assets into engines of revitalization. From regional branding initiatives in Maine and Pennsylvania to leveraging the New River Gorge National Park designation and the Okefenokee Swamp’s UNESCO World Heritage nomination, our network of recreation economy leaders bring deep, place-based expertise grounded in the realities of community-centered development. 


Learning Objectives

  •  Apply The Conservation Fund’s Activation Framework to integrate natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, and rural economic development within their regional context.
  • Evaluate their region’s current stage of activation using the Readiness Assessment Tool, identifying priority opportunities and gaps across natural assets, community engagement, infrastructure, and economic systems.
  • Design an initial Activation Strategy, with support from peer leaders, outlining next steps for building partnerships, aligning investment, and advancing shared regional goals.


Instructors

  • Lilian Brelen, The Conservation Fund
  • Miles Kirksey
  • Gabe Perkins
  • Kristina Cannon 


SCORP University

TIME: 8:30am - 2:30pm | Lunch Provided
COST: $0

SCORP University is a half-day workshop designed for professionals responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs). Bringing together SLOs, ASLOs, state offices of outdoor recreation, SCORP-affiliated state agencies (such as DNRs), and practitioners including consultants and academic partners, SCORP University creates space for focused learning and peer connection around this specialized work.


The workshop blends concise framing with participant-driven engagement. Attendees will ground themselves in the purpose, requirements, and essentials of SCORPs, then choose from multiple breakout sessions highlighting real-world approaches to shaping  recreation priorities, engaging leaders and the public, comparing planning processes across states, and applying tools. A central focus of SCORP University is connection and collaboration. Attendees will have structured opportunities to network with others doing similar - but often isolated - work, share challenges and solutions, and crowdsource tools, templates, and resources to strengthen the new  SCORP Toolbox. Whether new to SCORP development or a seasoned practitioner, participants will leave with ideas and connections to support more efficient and effective SCORP outcomes.


In the afternoon, optional office hours will be available, offering one-on-one or small-group work sessions with subject matter experts to ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, and dive deeper into topics relevant to specific state or organizational contexts.


Learning Objectives

  • Explain the purpose, requirements, and essential components of a SCORP, and how these elements support effective outdoor recreation planning and decision-making.
  • Identify planning, implementation, and evaluation strategies to strengthen their state’s SCORP process.
  • Compare different state SCORP approaches using real-world examples and tools.
  • Access resources within the SCORP Toolbox, while contributing ideas and examples to support shared learning across the SCORP community.
  • Build professional connections with peers and subject matter experts to exchange insights, troubleshoot challenges, and support ongoing SCORP work beyond the workshop.

Instructors

  • Anne B. Marshall
  • Sam Stivers
  • Angie Braley
  • Allie McCreary
  • Brett Rannow
  • Shweta Nanekar
  • Lydia Gorrell


Building and Sustaining Trust

TIME: 8:00am - 2:30pm | Lunch Provided
COST: $275

How do you create space for land managers, partners, and communities to effectively work together to support access to the outdoors? These relationships depend on high levels of trust. Workshop participants will come away with a list of actions they can implement immediately to build and sustain trust with partners. We will focus on unpacking the research on trust and the social science framework called The Trust Ecology. Participants will then practice the skills in breakout groups by creating robust actions to build and sustain trust with chosen partners. The participants will choose two-three partner types to practice building trust actions. After the workshop, Lacy Consulting Services will provide all participants with the actions they developed throughout the workshop. This is a science-backed and practical approach to trust building that will change your approach towards engaging partners forever!


Learning Objectives

  • Understand the Foundations of Trust in Collaboration Participants will be able to describe key concepts from *The Trust Ecology* framework and explain how trust functions in partnerships among land managers, communities, and organizations that support access to the outdoors.
  • Identify and Analyze Factors that Build and Erode Trust Participants will assess their own and their organization’s current trust-building practices, identifying strengths and gaps using research-based principles and real-world examples from outdoor recreation and conservation partnerships.
  • Develop and Apply Practical Trust-Building Actions Participants will create and refine actionable strategies tailored to two or three types of partners, practicing how to implement these strategies to strengthen and sustain collaborative relationships beyond the workshop.

Instructors

  • Leander Lacy, Lacy Consulting Services

Contact

Please reach out to Candace Gallagher for questions about our conference.