Since AGLOW was founded in 1956, outdoor communicators have been gathering to network, share ideas and create new stories. The annual conference has turned into a family reunion of sorts, with AGLOW members coming from near and far to reminisce, hone their craft and learn about the ever-evolving landscape of outdoor content creation. In recent years, AGLOW has stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to new media and the digital landscape.
“I come to the AGLOW Conference every year because it’s a conglomeration of the best outdoor writers, influencers, and broadcasters in the whole country, ” said Curt McAllister, Midwestern Public Relations Manager and Outdoor Communications Manager for Toyota Motor North America.
This year’s conference is at the Kentucky Dam Village on Kentucky Lake. According to their website:
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park was originally built to house Civilian Conservation Corps workers who were building TVA’s Kentucky Dam to reduce flooding on the lower Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Kentucky Dam is also a major producer of hydroelectric power and visitors can learn all about its history and workings April through October. Today the park offers plenty of lodging for area visitors with 72 lodge rooms on the shores of Kentucky Lake, 68 cottages, and a campground. Definitely not just a stopover though, the park offers a restaurant, full-service marina, 18-hole golf course, convention center, beach, and walking trails next to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
The conference attendees will once again range from outdoor communicators, brands, non-profits and tourism destinations, like the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“We are the southern most great lake as we like to call ourselves and it’s been a wonderful relationship over the last decade with AGLOW,” said Kentucky Lake Executive Director, Elena Blevins. “Just connecting with writers, outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen and bringing them down to our gorgeous destination on Kentucky Lake!”
This year’s conference will include the opportunity for writers and communicators to quickly get introduced to all the corporate partners with speed dating. You are moved around the room from booth to booth in a short time to get a brief introduction to everyone who is attending. That way you can meet up again afterwards for a longer conversation if a “match” is made. That will be right away on Monday, September 23 at 9:15 so you get acquainted at the beginning of the conference.
“I love coming to the AGLOW conference because it gives us a chance as a destination to connect with the media personalities, to see what is a great fit for us,” said Suzie Kenner, Executive Director of Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
There are lunches, open bars and hospitality rooms where, as I like to put it, the real work gets done. You can’t put a price on one-on-one time in a relaxed atmosphere with the movers and shakers of the outdoor industry. It also gives you the chance to catch up with old friends.
“One of the great strengths of AGLOW is that everyone is like family here,” Kenny Kieser said. “You get hugged a lot when you come to these things.”
You also get to learn a lot. Writers will once again have the chance to ask questions directly to editors, get tips on what you can write off on your taxes, and choose from a list of other Learn it/Do it sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“I come to the AGLOW conference every year because, not only is it great to see friends and meet new friends, but you get to meet so many interesting people that have such great content with great ideas,” said Jeremy Mallette from International Sportsman. “It’s really a fantastic networking event for anyone in the outdoor industry.”
AGLOW has made it a priority to give you the best opportunity to create stories when you’re here. You will have the opportunity to spend a “Day Afield” at Kentucky Lake, with fishing, squirrel hunting and other outdoor recreational activities planned.
The 2nd Annual AGLOW Fishing Tournament is back as well sponsored by St Croix, Flambeau and FishDonkey.
“We wanted to try something different,” said Trent Marsh, President of AGLOW in this press release about the event. “We had hoped for 40 or so participants and almost doubled that number. We had a great morning on the water and a tremendous number of fish were pulled from Lake Bemidji (at last year’s conference). We knew we were on to something, and that our next several conferences set up well to keep it going.”
“When we saw how the inaugural tournament unfolded in Minnesota, we couldn’t wait to replicate it here,” said Blevins. “We have an incredible fishery, and this is just another chance to highlight it.”
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are highlighted with the annual events we’ve all come to love. The Golden Glow Awards are Tuesday, the auction is Wednesday and the AIC Awards cap off the week Thursday night.
AGLOW strives to make the conference worth your while to attend – and then some. The organization knows how hard it can be working in the crowded outdoor space, particularly if you’re a freelancer. The goal is to give you the tools to be successful with any form of outdoor communication you prefer. The sessions, story generation and ability to rub elbows with some of the best of the best is something you can’t put a price on.
“I come to the AGLOW conference because I love outdoor writers,” said Mark Sak. “I truly admire and love to listen to our writers just talk because it inspires me.”
This will also give you a chance to welcome Kevin Paulson into his new position as Executive Director of AGLOW and thank Mark Smith for his time as ED.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Executive Director of this organization. The last few years haven’t always been easy, but the vision of our board and the engaged and vibrant membership from all across the country have made my tenure a true pleasure. I am as excited as anyone to see the direction Kevin takes us, and will continue to be involved in the organization in whatever manner I can be,” commented Smith in this recent press release.
“AGLOW has a wonderful history and a bright future. I am proud and honored to be trusted with the legacy of such an important organization and can not wait to see what we can do together as we move forward,” Paulson added.
We hope to inspire all of you who attend the annual conference and help elevate you in the industry. We hope to see you September 22 – 27 at Kentucky Lake! You can still register, but rooms are filling fast, so don’t wait any longer.
