By AORE

The Association for Outdoor Recreation & Education Conference Host Committee would like to encourage all NIRSA members to join us for the 2014 AORE Annual Conference November 12–14 in Portland, Oregon.

Not only does the AORE annual conference provide awesome networking and professional development opportunities, but it also showcases the fantastic recreation opportunities of the Pacific Northwest.

And this year, the conference will be co-located with the NIRSA Region VI Conference & Student Lead On (learn more).

Portland is also home to many parks, farmer’s markets, and the famous Powell’s City of Books

Here are some highlights of this year’s conference, where the theme explored will be “Core of Discovery:”

Conference kickoff with an electrifying keynote

Stacy Bare, Director of the Sierra Club’s Mission Outdoors program, is starting off the conference with a keynote address. Bare is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq, Bosnia, and Angola. Following his military service, Bare has been getting vets outdoors, and paving the way for inclusive recreation. In 2014, Bare was named a National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year.” Crossing the lines between military service and outdoor recreation, Bare is in an outstanding position to set the tone for the 2014 conference.

Face time with vendors vying for your business

Not only is Portland a hub of several well-known outdoor brands, but many of the big names in outdoor recreation will be on-site showing off their product line. Drool over shiny gear, network with vendors, and set your program (or yourself) up with a deal on that backpack you desperately need.

Best practices in outdoor education

From the pre/post conference, to the educational sessions, to the Research and Publication Symposium, there is no shortage of knowledge pouring through this conference. Enhance your knowledge of programmatic best practices in the areas of inclusive recreation, risk management, program design, or student leadership development. Share ideas and consult with your sister programs to keep your knowledge fresh and your programs up to standard.

Perfect location in the heart of downtown Portland

Bring out your inner foodie or coffee lover. Within walking distance of the Hilton there are dozens of locally owned coffee shops, breweries, and food carts sure to impress even the most refined palate. Want to explore further? Simply jump on Tri-Met, the local transit system, to get across town and not miss that epic restaurant you saw on the Food Network.

There is no end of adventure at the 2014 AORE Annual Conference, so make sure you register today! Join us in November to help “Keep Portland Weird!”