Later this month, hundreds of outdoor recreation professionals from across the nation will attend the annual Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) conference right here in Roanoke. After successfully applying to be a co-host team for the 2017 AORE Conference, Roanoke Parks and Recreation staff started planning in 2015.
“We are thrilled to be hosting thought leaders in the outdoor recreation community while introducing them to the outdoor amenities that attract so many people to the Roanoke region,” said Renee Powers, Trails and Greenways Supervisor, Roanoke Parks and Recreation.
The three-day conference will take place at Hotel Roanoke from Nov. 1 – 3 and is designed to teach and connect outdoor recreation professionals, students, and organizations. Officially founded in 1993, AORE is dedicated to advancing outdoor recreation while establishing a culture of collaboration and environmental stewardship.
2017 AORE Conference Educational Topics:
- Risk Management and Wilderness Medicine
- Diversity, Environmental Stewardship, Advocacy, and Sustainability
- Technical Climbing Training (Climbing wall competitions, challenge course development, staff training)
- AORE Research Symposium
- Career and Student Development
- Programming, program management, and administration
- View Full Conference Schedule
Hosting AORE’s annual conference has been a team effort. The AORE Roanoke host team is composed of professionals from many local private and public organizations, including Ferrum College, Hollins University, Roanoke College, Radford University, James Madison University, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Town of Blacksburg Parks and Recreation, Boy Scouts of America, and River Rock Climbing Gym.
Open to the public:
FREE DEMO DAY FESTIVITIES: OCT. 31, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Even if you’re not an AORE member or conference attendee, you can still get involved! On Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., AORE is hosting a free Demo Day and Outdoor Jamboree at Roanoke County’s Explore Park. You’ll get the chance to climb a rock wall, scale a tall tree, demo outdoor gear, meet outdoor vendors, and take part in these free planned Demo Day events:
- Leave No Trace Workshop and River Cleanup: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Women’s Only Trail Ride: 1:00 p.m. start
- Family Friendly Costume Contest: 4:00 p.m. at the Explore Park Visitors Center
- Learn More
KEYNOTE SPEAKER RUE MAPP: Nov. 1, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Rue Mapp is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a social community designed to reconnect African Americans with natural spaces through outdoor recreation. For $29, you can watch her Keynote Address, Opening AORE Welcome, and enjoy a continental breakfast at Hotel Roanoke.
