FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2018
Contact: Sergio Capozzi
Conference Coordinator, 2018 National Outdoor Recreation Conference
sergio.capozzi@recpro.org
(908) 514-8002
National, State and Local Speakers Confirmed for
The National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Burlington, VT
Burlington, Vt. - The National Outdoor Recreation Conference, to be held in Burlington, Vermont, April 23 to 26, 2018, confirmed its schedule of keynote speakers and award recipients for its 2018 conference that include U.S. Congressman Peter Welch, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger.
“Building Resilient Communities, Economies and Environments” is the theme of the four-day conference, that brings together 250 outdoor recreation professionals from across the nation for learning, networking, celebrating excellence and mentoring of the next generation of outdoor recreation professionals. Highlights of the conference, which takes place at the Main Street Landing Conference Center, include a silent auction and awards dinner honoring Vermont’s Representative to Congress, Peter Welch, at the University of Vermont Davis Center, as well as a factory tour, senior leadership presentation, and reception at the iconic Vermont company, Burton Snowboards.
On Monday, Mayor Miro Weinberger of Burlington will welcome conference participants and share insight on the benefits of outdoor recreation to the City of Burlington. Vermont Governor Phil Scott will then open the conference by highlighting the work of the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC).
“Last year, I established the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) because I understand Vermont’s thriving outdoor recreation culture contributes to our vibrant communities, encourages active and healthy lifestyles, fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and preserves our natural resources,” said Governor Phil Scott. “So, we are very pleased the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals will host its 2018 National Outdoor Recreation Conference right here.”
“VOREC’s initial work has demonstrated that only by working in partnership toward our collective goals, can we effectively strengthen our local communities, economies and environment. It’s therefore fitting the conference theme is ‘Building Resilient Communities, Economies and Environment,’ and we look forward to hosting and learning more from this event,” added Scott.
Following the Governor’s opening remarks, a panel of VOREC Steering Committee members and staff will speak about their recommendations and initial work in strengthening stewardship of natural resources, increasing participation in outdoor recreation, and expanding business opportunities. Monday afternoon will conclude with the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) National Leadership Award presentation to Vermont’s Representative Peter Welch for his leadership on the Outdoor Recreation and Jobs Economic Impact Act of 2016.
Other highlights of the conference include the NORC Banquet Awards with remarks from U.S. Department of Interior Senior Advisor, Rick May, who oversees recreational activities on public lands, and closing remarks from Barbara Erickson, President of the Trustees of the Reservations, the nation’s first land trust, on the interrelationships of communities and land stewardship.
Early Bird Registration for the conference closes on March 31st, with both one-day and four-day conference rates available at www.2018norc.org/register.
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals
The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (“SORP”) was founded in 1983, is the nation’s leading association of outdoor recreation and related professionals who strive to protect our natural and cultural resources while providing sustainable recreation access. SORP’S mission is: “Promote, advance and serve the outdoor recreation professionals in research, planning, management and policy development.” For more information, visit www.recpro.org.
The National Outdoor Recreation Conference
The National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC) is an annual event that attracts over 250 national and international attendees. Conference attendees include public agency managers and planners at the local, state and federal level; university programs that teach and train future recreation professionals; nonprofit entities and private consultants and businesses involved in planning and the business of recreation. For more information, visit www.2018norc.org.
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