Outdoor Writers Association of America Announces First Ever“Field Fest” Mini-Conference

Hosted in Johnson City, TN and scheduled for July 7-11, 2024, the new Field Fest provides OWAA members with a unique opportunity for networking and education

The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) is proud to announce the first ever Field Fest mini-conference. Designed to provide OWAA members, supporting groups, and other outdoor industry professionals with an opportunity for networking and education, Field Fest will serve as a complement to the annual OWAA Conference, providing an additional opportunity for professional growth.  

Scheduled for July 7-11, 2024, this first Field Fest will take place in Johnson City, TN. Located deep in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounded by lakes, rivers, trail networks, and in close proximity to Cherokee National Forest, Johnson City offers abundant opportunities for a wide range of outdoor recreation activities, making it a perfect location for an OWAA meeting. 

“Visit Johnson City and Northeast Tennessee are honored to serve as the host destination for OWAA’s inaugural Field Fest,”said Alec Castro, Director of Sales & Public Relations for Visit Johnson City. “We are excited to showcase the myriad of outdoor opportunities that exist in the greater Johnson City region and what makes our corner of Tennessee so special. Attendees should be ready to learn, connect, and go outside!” 

Taking place at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Field Fest is open to OWAA Active Members and their spouses, OWAA Supporting Groups, and anyone interested in learning more about the OWAA and the benefits of membership. 

Early Bird registration for the Field Fest opens on Wednesday, February 7. The registration fee includes a $400 travel stipend (for the first 20 active OWAA members who register), discounted room rate at the Carnegie Hotel, all meals, ground transportation, core meeting activities, and tours. Registration fees will increase by $50 on April 8th. 

Local partners helping to bring Field Fest to life include Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tri-Cities Airport, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, Tour Carter County, Explore Bristol, Heart of Appalachia, Real. Wild. Unicoi County, Historic Jonesborough, Visit Kingsport, Visit Morristown, Discover Greeneville, and Visit Knoxville. 

“It is a privilege to welcome the Outdoor Writers Association of America to Northeast Tennessee,” said Alicia Phelps, Executive Director, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. “Located deep within the Appalachian Mountains, Northeast Tennessee is home to 230 miles of internationally known rivers and 288 miles of the Appalachian Trail. We are thrilled to offer endless opportunities to explore our small towns and urban cities, while providing a platform for these talented writers to share their stories and connect with nature lovers worldwide.”

To register for Field Fest, please visit: https://visitjohnsoncitytn.regfox.com/owaa-field-fest 

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