Outdoor Industry News | America Outdoors

EXPLORE Act Passes Congress - Outfitters Express Gratitude

Dec 19, 2024 03:46 PM

Today, the EXPLORE Act passed the Senate on the Unanimous Consent calendar and now heads to the President's desk for signature and final enactment. Operators on US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal land management agencies will all benefit

America Outdoors Announces 2024 Award Recipients

This year, two members received the George and Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and achievement in the outdoor industry. Steven Foy and Don Roberts were each presented with an award by the president of America Outdoors (AO), David McGlashan. The Innovator Award, which recognizes individuals driving growth and creative initiatives in the outdoor industry, was given to Zeb Smith.

2024 America Outdoors Conference and Outfitter Expo Concludes in Chattanooga

December 13, 2024 – America Outdoors Conference and Outfitter Expo successfully concluded today, bringing together more than 300 outfitters, industry experts, and speakers to delve into critical issues facing the outdoor industry today. Almost 90 exhibitors were on hand to showcase their goods and services.

Bridging the Generational Divide: Motivating the Next Generation with a Mentor Mindset

Substantial academic research has recently cast a light on the true motivators of young employees. The key lies in adopting a mentor mindset that nurtures the potential of younger workers, aligning their aspirations with your company’s growth.

Outfitter Spy - October 2024

Oct 11, 2024 04:00 PM

What can you expect in Outfitter Spy? Difficult, and sometimes silly, questions are asked by an anonymous Spy caller. Your team answers and is rated from 0-10 based on their response. The question: : “I have a special needs child. Can we still do your activity?”

The Power of Why: Building a Purpose-Driven Brand

Oct 07, 2024 08:00 AM

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the "what" and "how" of our businesses—what services we offer and how we deliver them. But I've found that the real magic happens when we dig deeper and ask ourselves, "Why do we do what we do?" This idea was powerfully articulated by Simon Sinek in his book "Start With Why." He explains that it's not just about having a product or service that works; it's about having a purpose that resonates. When we understand our "why," we can discover

Outfitter Support & Guidance following Hurricane Helene

Oct 01, 2024 08:58 PM

Hurricane Helene has certainly left it’s mark on eastern TN and western NC. People have lost their lives, their homes, and their entire livelihoods. Affected areas are still very much trying to get solid ground under their feet, still needing essential items like shelter, food, potable water, and fuel. If you are a commercial river outfitter or other seasonal business, we will try to address some of the insurance coverage questions you may have that can be unique to your situation.

AO Statement - Relief Needed for Communities Hit by Helene

Sep 29, 2024 12:33 PM

Our hearts are with the many communities devastated by hurricane Helene, including those in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee that have been hit especially hard. In many cases the hardest hit areas are home to some of the most popular recreation river destinations in the Southeast including the French Broad, the Nantahala, Pigeon Creek, and the Chattooga all experienced significant flooding events.

Social Media Strategy Guide for Tour Operators

Social media has become a crucial tool for tour operators like yourself to connect with your audience, build brand awareness, and drive engagement. Whether you currently have a presence on social media and post consistently, don’t have social channels at all and don’t know where to begin, or are somewhere in the middle, this guide will offer valuable insights for you!

Supporting Burned Out Employees

Has anyone in your organization experienced burnout? This informative article addresses the topic and offers ideas for how to manage it.

Building Employee Housing- Tax Planning and Wealth Building

Outfitters can consider the usage of multiple entities to effectuate good asset protection as well as reduce the overall tax burden to the least amount legally possible. If done properly, using multiple entities can accomplish many cool outcomes, including Shift income recognition to later years. If done properly, using multiple entities can accomplish defer taxes , take deductions for items not typically allowed, Insolate from liability, and prevent built-in gain

How to Empower Others to Make Decisions

Your staff, your family, and your friends need a framework to know how to make decisions for you. If you want to empower the people in your sphere of influence, help them make decisions well by using your brand sheet, leading by example, and recognizing the fun in making decisions. Utilizing a brand sheet, which compels you to align short-term and long-term strategic planning with your company’s mission, is one of the most powerful tools you can rely on.

Outfitter Insurance Captives: Huh?

A captive, in its most basic sense, is an insurance company that you create and manage. It’s like self-insuring, and it’s a way to take control over your insurance program to customize coverages to your needs and a way to (hopefully, if you manage risk effectively) retain insurance carrier profits for yourself.

Navigating a Business Transition

The purpose of this article is to address questions raised during the 2023 AOA conference session hosted by Choreo Advisors: Navigating a Business Transition: From the Owner’s View. - How to mitigate taxes through creative transition planning? - How to transition wealth to younger generations? - How can an owner prepare for transition without an advisor? - How are Financial Advisors compensated for services provided?

Outfitter Spy - June 2024

Jun 17, 2024 11:48 AM

Welcome to Outfitter Spy, a collaborative effort between America Outdoors, Adventure Park Insider, and Granite Insurance. What can you expect in Outfitter Spy? Difficult, and sometimes silly, questions are asked by an anonymous Spy caller. Your team answers and is rated from 0-10 based on their response. The question: “I can’t swim. Are there limits to what I can do?”

Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Your Outdoor Business

The outdoor industry has the opportunity to be a leader in fostering a sense of belonging. By committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and by embracing the principles of intersectionality, the industry can create spaces where all people feel they have a place on the trail, in the water, on the slopes, and in the great expanse of nature.

Updated Standards for Wilderness Medicine Certifications

In 2023, the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative revised their wilderness medicine standards documents. Learn more about the WMEC and how to find the revised standards here.

Vehicle Risk Management

Loading a school bus or van full of guests and getting on the road brings a lot of risk. How can you be proactive in your risk management program?

Stress Injuries and Psychological First Aid Principles

Stress is a natural and important part of our human physiology. However, “stress INJURIES” are bad.

EXPLORE Act Passes Through the U.S. House

Apr 09, 2024 03:08 PM

Outfitters and Guides Celebrate EXPLORE Act Passage Through the U.S. House. The EXPLORE Act encompasses key provisions from America Outdoors’ flagship legislation, the SOAR Act.

Strong Teams: Where the Magic Comes From

According to Dan Rieves, trust is the most important component of a cohesive team at an outdoor recreation company or organization. Understand it, talk about it, and don't let it break.

Leveraging Others to Tell Your Story

Storytelling and engaging others to market your business takes partnerships, goals, and an open-mind. Get the steps from a storyteller's perspective to help you market your business in 2024.

Economic Insights to Help Outfitters Navigate The New Normal

Ever worry that an economic disruption (recession, inflation, or otherwise) will negatively impact your outfit? We can’t predict the future, nor the specific effects it’ll have on your outfit. But we can learn from our past to more easily navigate the uncertain waters of today’s “new normal.”

Spring 2024 Training Opportunities for Outfitters and Guides

As spring approaches, it's time to refresh your training, whether for personal development or for your guides.

River Guide Training Courses

Some wonderful courses are available that guides can take for additional training. This article will outline a few important ones.

Marketing to the Changing Demographic of Adventurers

Failing to adapt to market and social changes can harm your company's bottom line, but you have to do it the right way.

Camp Washington 2024

In late January, Outfitters convened in Washington, DC, for face-to-face discussions with members of Congress, their staff, and key figures within public lands agencies.

Outfitter Owner Challenges & Solutions

Get the takeaways from a recent gathering of Outfitter Owner & CEOs, including challenges everyone’s experiencing, possible solutions for the future, and what’s changed over the years.

America Outdoors Applauds Markup of the EXPLORE Act

Today the House Committee on Natural Resources voted to pass the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act out of committee and on to the House floor.

America Outdoors Founders Share Advice

During the America Outdoors Conference in December of 2023 in Phoenix, the founding members of the association gathered for a reunion dinner. Their collective knowledge offers a roadmap for success in the outdoor industry.

2023 Award Winners Announced

America Outdoors is proud to announce the 2023 winners of the George and Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award and its inaugural Innovator Award.

2022 U.S. Commercial River Use Report

See the key takeaways from the 2022 U.S. Commercial River Use Report.

What to Expect at the America Outdoors Conference

The America Outdoors Conference includes 2.5 days of education sessions, opportunities to connect with other owners and managers, and expo time.

Dos and Don’ts of Using Artificial Intelligence as an Outfitter

AI will soon be incorporated into most parts of the internet that you interact with. Knowing the advantages and pitfalls of the AI-wave as a business owner will become an important part of staying relevant, efficient, and secure.

How Private-Public Partnerships Benefit All

The partnerships between municipalities and private companies can be fruitful and mutually rewarding. Learn about the steps to creating a new partnership.

Boost Your Employee Ownership Culture by Educating Managers on Your Outfit’s Financials

Workers crave stability and a sense of ownership. Learn how to include your managers in the financial decisions of the business to improve retention and business outcomes.

Bridging The Gap in the Outdoor Industry

Hear from an outfitter about how they build an inclusive culture in the world of outdoor recreation.

Outfitters Embrace Vertical Video

Outfitters embrace video, with positive results. Check out this article to get some fresh ideas for videos on social media.

Psychological Risk Management

When we discuss risk management we often focus on the physical, but what is psychological risk management and why do outfitters need to focus on this?

9 Free Tools to Drive Digital Marketing Results

There are several free tools and apps that can help you run your digital marketing campaigns without spending all of your money. In this article, we will explore the top free tools to use for digital marketing.

Tax Structure and Planning Opportunities to Improve Profitability

Let’s face it, outdoor recreation company owners work hard for every dollar they make. I encounter all too frequently, owners not maximizing the accumulation of earnings and enterprise value working towards building wealth. The end result is more or less trading dollars in and out with little to show over the years in wealth accumulation.

Position Your Business to Get the Best Offers When It’s Time to Sell

Where do you start when thinking about selling your outfitter business? This article will detail the 9 steps.

Adaptive Mental Health and Guiding

How can you create a company culture that attracts excellent guides loyal to your outfit? While the answer is simple, it takes some work. The first step is to commit to prioritizing adaptive mental health for you and your company.

2023 Outfitter Pre-Season Insights

To provide a glimpse into the upcoming season, we asked a variety of outfitters from around the country to report their current trends for 2023.

Four Steps to Create and Implement a New Company Policy

Outfitters often deal with staff issues in the workplace and have to identify the best way to handle these situations. Policies establish expectations and provide guidance on how to handle staff issues.

Understanding the Psychophysiological Response to Trauma on the Body and Brain

It is important to understand what happens to the human body and brain during and after a crisis situation and how to help your community transcend that trauma when it does happen.

The New Analytics: GA4

This article will guide you through the four steps of transitioning from UA to GA4, including archiving your UA data, understanding the difference in event tracking, learning about conversions in GA4, and exploring the advanced reporting features of GA4.

Top Restech Platforms for Outfitters

When searching for the right technology to support your business, the choices can be overwhelming. We've compiled a list of the top restech platforms that focus on the needs of outfitter businesses to help you narrow down your search.

America’s Outdoor Recreation Act Introduced in Senate

Mar 17, 2023 09:20 AM

America Outdoors Welcomes Introduction of America’s Outdoor Recreation Act

5 Website Tips for Outfitters in 2023

By optimizing your website and increasing your conversion rate, you are improving what you’ve already invested in and thus creating more profit from your existing customers and traffic.

The Best Job Boards for Outfitters

Finding the right applicants to fill seasonal positions can be a challenge. This article discusses pay rate, job boards and your career page on your website.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Outfitter Pricing

his article discusses the good, bad, and ugly pricing strategies adopted by outfitters & provides knowledge to help your outfit better price its experiences.

America Outdoors Members Descend on D.C.

After two years of virtual engagement, AO members were back in DC for face-to-face discussions with legislators and federal agency personnel who are critical to the long-term health of our industry.

Improve Your Recruiting Strategy with a Strong Employee Value Proposition

What message is being sent to potential applicants while you recruit for your outfitter business? Learn to focus on your employee value proposition to improve recruitment efforts.

Feel Confident Setting Boundaries with These 5 Questions

Boundaries allow us to feel safe, comfortable and supported in a given environment. They are the framework for each interaction we have. Because boundaries are fluid depending on the situation, it can help to ask 5 questions when deciding what your boundaries will be.

4 Low-Effort Automations for Improving Customer Experience

The guest experience should be fluid, simple, and fun. Use these automation ideas to streamline your operations and improve the guest experience.

What’s Top of Mind for Outfitters in 2023: Identifying Concerns and Solutions for the New Year

Outfitter owners and CEOs gathered in December of 2022 to discuss their top concerns as they plan for 2023. Get their perspectives and potential solutions.

How We Elevate the Outdoor Industry: 5 Takeaways from the America Outdoors Conference

The theme of the 2022 America Outdoors Conference was ‘Elevate the Outdoor Industry.’ To do this, we have to understand the trends and issues, and we have to be ready to innovate.

2022 Industry Achievement Award Winners Announced

Bill Gloeckler and Bruce Winter, cofounders of Arizona River Runners and Grand Canyon Whitewater, were presented with the 2022 George & Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Awards during the America Outdoors Conference.

Navigating the Permitting Process

For new outfitters seeking to establish an operation, or for established outfitters seeking to expand, access to permitting can be a formidable undertaking. This article is an introduction to various permitting regimes, primarily on federal lands, to help operators anticipate the process and culture of a permitting authority.

2022 Industry Awards Nominations Open

2022 Awards Nominations Are OPEN! America Outdoors is accepting nominations to award excellence in two categories: Industry Achievement Award & Thrive Award for Social Media. We will present the awards to the winners at the America Outdoors Conference November 30th in Orlando, FL. Nominate your pick using the forms above by October 3, 2022 for consideration. Please email your nomination forms to hwickes@americaoutdoors.org.

How to Drive Referrals and Bookings Through Memory Marketing

Learn how tour providers can leverage memory marketing to trigger recommendations, generate leads and produce more bookings.

Meet Caryn Short, Membership & Exhibits Specialist

Caryn has joined the association as a Membership & Exhibits Specialist. This role will oversee trade show management as well as outfitter membership engagement, retention, and growth.

2022 Mid-season Insights

Despite high anticipation for the 2022 season after record-breaking years in 2021, many members are reporting lower numbers than 2021. Hear from outfitters to get a quick view of what we’re seeing so far for 2022.

Consumer Attitudes & Behavior: Why Your Customer Service Matters

Take a look at a few professional best practices that all Customer Service people can take advantage of to (a) make your team stronger, (b) make your customers more loyal, and (c) sharpen your own career skills.

Insurance for Outfitters 101

This article will discuss the types of insurance and outfitter needs to run their operation.

4 Reasons Why Accessible Recreation Practices Should be a Priority

Many people with disabilities are left behind when it comes to outdoor recreation. Learn why it should be a priority for your business.

Land Acknowledgment is Not a Marketing Strategy

Knowing the essential steps in creating a land acknowledgment can take the fear out of "doing it wrong" and create a practice that authentically goes beyond words on paper.

Unleash the Power of Email Automation for Your Adventure Brand

Email automation unleashes an entirely new level of customer service, support, and satisfaction. Get the toolkit with free automation workflows.

SOAR Act Unanimously Passes Senate Committee

Fully incorporated into the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, the SOAR Act now moves to the Senate floor.

Bipartisan Bill Will Aid Outfitters Facing Hours Requirements

Senators Daines and Sinema introduce bill to exempt seasonal recreation providers from hour requirements in the Fair Labor Standards Act

7 Productivity Hacks for Outdoor Operators

By automating small tasks, outfitters can save time during the adventure tourism peak season.

Strategic Planning in Uncertain Economic Times

While the ups and downs of the pandemic linger, many outfitters need to incorporate scenarios into their strategic planning.

What Outfitters Need to Know About OTT & CTV

OTT/CTV advertising is the best way to directly target your audience, track their data, and reach them in the comfort of their living room. With demographics and location-based targeting, this is a great way to reach your customers without breaking the bank.

Gear Tips to Assemble Your Camp Kitchen

The gear you bring to assemble your backcountry kitchen is just as important as the food you choose. For those operators who can pack large items, this article is packed with recommendations from other outfitters to get your kitchen ready for hungry guests.

KISS Marketing – Keep It Simple Not Sexy: Everyone is a Salesperson

If there is one investment to make this Season, it is to empower your team to be your primary marketing force.

Creating a Bonus Plan That Works for Outfitters

A bonus plan provides an opportunity to award your employees in-line with the desired outcomes you want for your outfit. Learn how to implement an effective plan for your business.

Policy, Culture, and Organizational Change

As the industry focuses on creating more inclusive work environments, organizations experience a tension between the policies that exist and the realities of the workplace culture.

2021 Takeaways for Growth in the Outfitter Industry

As an industry we have so much to celebrate and much room to grow as well. We have gathered some of the most salient takeaways from our 3-day event to help you digest this knowledge and prepare for 2022.

2021 America Outdoors Award Winners Announced

Meet the winners of the George & Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award & the THRIVE awards.

How to Be a Good Ally to Folks with Disabilities

Hear from several disability advocates and explorers to learn how outfitters can support and serve folks with disabilities.

America Outdoors Takeaways from a Visit to Las Vegas

America Outdoors is excitedly planning for our 2021 conference & outfitter expo this December 7-10 in Las Vegas, NV. Because we are still in the midst of a pandemic, we want to address some of the issues that may be on your mind as you consider attendance.

How Will a $15/hr Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors Impact Your Operation?

President Biden’s Executive Order to implement $15/hr minimum wage for federal contractors has outfitters concerned and confused about if and how they need to comply. While the rule for implementation is not yet final, we have some guidance about how to prepare your operation.

11 Tips & Tools to Turn Your Guests into Loyal Customers

Learn how to turn your adventure guests into loyal customers by focusing on the retention step of the customer journey.

7 Software Tools for Managing Outdoor Tour Operations

The best solutions usually come back to two things: Simplicity and Communication. Get the top 7 software recommendations from an outfitter manager who has been in the business for 15 years.

Mid-term Insurance Revisions for Off-Season Cash Flow

Many outfitters are above expected sales and payroll costs. Find out if you can adjust your insurance projects to manage cash flow.

Pitch and Land Media Hits

Earned media is an important piece of your marketing strategy, but it takes time and effort to do well. Learn how to identify your best story prospects, how to research media outlets, how to pitch to media, and how to land them!

How to Care Less & Reduce Stress

Learn how to identify stressors then create an action plan to deal with them so you can be a great leader, even in the busy season.

Accessible Recreation and Your Outdoor Business

Programming to accommodate untapped sectors (as much as 30% of the population), which include individuals with a disability and their families, is a great opportunity for outdoor recreation businesses.

Controlling Your Worker’s Compensation Cost

What happens when one of your employees gets injured on the job? Do you have the right coverage? It's important to understand this element of insurance to make sure you have just the right amount, and not too much, coverage.

Moving a Case to Trial

There are several important details to prepare your business for risk scenarios, but what happens when you actually have to go to trial? This article will help you connect the dots to understand how all these pieces come into play when you go to trial.

Retail Best Practices for Outfitters

When retailing, experience speaks volumes. But even the most seasoned outfitters had much to adjust to in 2020. The insights below reflect the takeaways and best practices learned over years of retailing, with a special focus on recent adaptations.

Foundations of a Cohesive Team

Teams with clear direction, an aligned culture, commitment to the mission and goals bring organizational success.

Create a Marketing Roadmap

Get the five steps to create a strong quarterly marketing roadmap for your adventure brand.

Effective strategies to Prevent Sexual Harassment

By using the paradigm of safety preparation that outfitters are already familiar with, companies can think about four components organizations and outfitters need to address the culture of sexual harassment.

2021 Camp Washington Goes Virtual

Outfitter from across the country joined (virtually) to lobby for needed changes in the outdoor industry during our annual Camp Washington week.

The Must-do Aspects of Annual Business Planning

A comprehensive business plan includes articulating your personal high-level goals, business-level goals, metrics, milestones, and monitoring activities.

Thriving Together: Diversity & Inclusion Panel Reflections

The AO Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force shares insights into how diverse demographics offer new opportunities to outfitters and how they may start this work.

5 Ways to Spice Up Your Culinary Game

Whether you’re serving a high-end clientele that expects gourmet food, or a budget operation that focuses on convenience, here are 5 easy ways that you can improve your culinary game

Guidance on Covid-19 Vaccines and Employees

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued guidance related to the ability to mandate receipt of the vaccine for COVID-19.

Transition Planning in Light of a Pandemic

Outdoor recreation company owners suddenly face the challenge of transition planning in a time of crisis.

2020 America Outdoors Awards

America Outdoors announces the 2020 winners of the George & Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award and THRIVE awards at the AO Virtual Conference in early December.

Cash Planning to Put More Money In Your Pocket

Whether you are strapped for cash or managing a cash surplus, planning your cash flow is critical if you want to run a financially healthy operation both in the short-term and long-term. Learn how with 3 actionable tips!

Wildfire Insurance Scenarios

A summary of the most common insurance scenarios for wildfires.

Wildfires in West Affect Outfitters

Along the western coast of the United States, wildfires are raging. Several members have operations near the wildfires and have had to adapt operations due to safety and to support their staff and community.

PPP Update: Hurry Up and Wait

Though PPP forgiveness applications are available now, most professionals in the field are encouraging people to wait until the next round of legislative to pursue forgiveness.

Outfitter Operations Update: August 2020

It has been a tough year for outfitters, but the majority of our membership continues to operate, with modified and constrained operations.

America Outdoors Announces Annual Conference & Expo Will Be Virtual

America Outdoors will hold its first fully virtual event in December, 2020.

Progress on the SOAR Act for Outfitters and Guides

July 29, the U.S, House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the SOAR Act. America Outdoors looks forward to a vote on the House floor.

Dare to Achieve Your Dreams

It's time to check back in with the dare to achieve principles. In the heart of the summer season, are you following these guidelines to be the leader your team needs?

Adapted Operations Across America

As outfitters reopen across the nation, get a snapshot of what operations look like for your peers.We spoke to several outfitters to learn how they are adapting.

Action: The Difference Between Corporate Values & Company Culture

In order to have company values really take root we need to move beyond talking about them once during the onboarding process by giving them the weight they deserve and operationalize them.

Seven Steps for Outfitter Operations in a COVID-19 World

America Outdoors has outlined a framework to follow when shifting gears as an operator from shutting down to operating under various reopening scenarios. Local groups may have to advocate for their own interests to ensure that they can operate under protocols that they have developed to contend with the coronavirus outbreak.

Developments in Washington Impacting Outfitters

As the coronavirus pandemic persists, Congress continues to discuss additional measures to cope with the impacts. AO plans to advocate for its suite of policy targets through these upcoming opportunities.

How the Covid-19 Relief Package Impacts Business Decisions for Outdoor Recreation Outfitters

The CARES Act establishes $349 billion in disaster relief loans for small businesses. Learn more details about this relief package and how it affects outfitters.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Briefing on HR 6201, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Humans of AO: Donna McDonald

Donna McDonald has been an America Outdoors Board of Directors member for 12 years and is a strong presence in the outfitters and dude ranching world.

Hiring and Retention of Women in the Outdoor Industry

Get some some ideas for creating a program that is inclusive of women for your organization.

Coronavirus Impacts on Outdoor Travel

A curated list of articles about the Coronavirus and how it may affect the outdoor travel market.

Camp Washington 2020 Recap

America Outdoors had a successful Camp Washington trip. Participants did an admirable job of representing the needs of the industry to their members.

USFS National Trails Stewardship Program

Forest Service Announces Pilot Sites for National Trails Stewardship Program

Family Business Planning: Why Do Today What I Can Put Off Until Tomorrow?

Navigating family succession can be difficult, made more so by a lack of planning. Use these proven tips to start creating a succession plan for your business.

A Case for Background Checks

Employers have an obligation to learn about the candidates they are evaluating for hire.

Elevate Your Social Content with Data, Analytics, & Insights

Social media data and analytics are crucial tools to inform your social content strategy. By leveraging your social media platforms correctly, they can be one of the most helpful tools for customer engagement, boosting quality traffic to your website, and, eventually, driving conversions.

Offices of Outdoor Recreation Contact Information

Contact the Office of Outdoor Recreation Director in your state.

5 Video Marketing Tips for Outfitters and Guides

5 tips for video marketing in a world where images and videos rule.

Beyond a Policy: Sexual Harassment and Sexism

Addressing sexual harassment and sexism is difficult for some, but it doesn't have to be. Get 20 tips to make your business a positive and inclusive culture in 2020.

The New, the Innovative, the Timely at AO 2019

Review the new sessions and get the key takeaways from the America Outdoors Conference.

AO 2019: Marketing Trends and Takeaways

Marketing was a prominent focus at the 2019 America Outdoors conference. Get the big takeaways and trends our marketing experts presented to attendees.

Is Your Website ADA Compliant?

Businesses across the country have received demand letters and lawsuits alleging that their websites and mobile apps are not compliant with the ADA. What can you do to be compliant?

2019 Awards

America Outdoors announced three award winners at the America Outdoors Conference in Salt Lake City

The Rise of Glamping: Market Evolution & Trends

Glamping is taking the travel and outdoor industries by storm. How did this trend evolve and where is it headed?

Risk Culture and Incident Reporting

The way organizations and people respond to incidents is a reflection of their risk culture. Is your organization ready to respond to an incident in a healthy way?

5 Tips to get the most from attending a conference

Conferences can be overwhelming, but they are also the best way to get ongoing education. Implement these 5 tips for conference success for your business.

What makes an outdoor trip memorable?

Reflections on the 2019 America Outdoors Trip on the Lower Salmon River.

Meal Planning Best Practices for Outfitters

Meal planning for a trip is getting harder by the year. How do you accommodate all food needs and desires on one trip? Get tips and best practices for your outfitter business.

Screen Your Applicants with Confidence

Get the latest in background checks technology to plan for your employee on-boarding.

America Outdoors Announces New Executive Director

America Outdoors is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Bannon as the organization’s new Executive Director effective November 1, 2019.

Guides: Leading the Charge in the Face of a Crisis

Are your guides prepared to respond in a crisis? Review your 2019 outcomes and prepare for 2020 with this incident preparation checklist for your guide staff.

Humans of AO: Jaimie Matzko

"In everyday life we hear car sounds; we’re looking at our phones; we’re just distracted. When you get people outdoors it reminds them that there is a whole other part of life that isn’t traffic jams and emails, the things that people think of as ‘real life." Meet Jaimie Matzko, outdoor guide for A Walk in the Woods and REI Adventures.

Comments on Revisions to USFS Proposed NEPA Regulations

Read the comments submitted to the U.S. Forest Service Service’s Proposed National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Regulations. These comments were submitted by America Outdoors Association, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, and Middle Fork Outfitters Association.

Green Events for a Sustainable Future

Events and conferences contribute a lot of waste. America Outdoors is excited to announce our partnership with the Salt Palace and their Green Team during the 2019 Conference and Outfitter Expo.

Travelers Care About Culinary More Than You Think

Research from Arival shows food and drink offerings matter a lot to travelers. Here’s how to up your culinary offerings for greater customer satisfaction.

Outdoor Holidays for your Marketing Efforts

You know how to capitalize on holiday opportunities But are you utilizing all outdoor holidays for your marketing purposes? Get the list of the best outdoor holidays.

AO Comments to Proposed Forest Service Regulations July 2019

America Outdoors has teamed up with the Middle Fork Outfitters Association and Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association on Comments to Proposed Forest Service Regulations

America Outdoors on the Tourpreneur Podcast

Tourpreneur Podcast host Shane Whaley interviewed AO Executive Director Julie Kahlfeldt and AO member Jeff Greiner to learn more about the history of America Outdoors and why the association is an important part of the travel industry.

Recreation Not Red Tape Reintroduced in the House and the Senate

RNR includes Permit Reform Provisions found in the SOAR Act. How do the two bills compare?

Browsers, Referral Sites, and Map Apps: Make AI work in your favor with Minimal Effort

Referral sites, map apps and browsers work together to broadcast your presence to the potential customers. Take control of these and make AI work in your favor with these 3 tips for outfitters.

AO Legislative and Regulatory Updates June 2019

Get the latest information about the SOAR bill. We are optimistic about SOAR’s trajectory,

Employee Injuries: Understanding and Controlling Workers Compensation Premiums

Did you know that you have direct control over your workers compensation premiums? Read on to find real world outfitter examples that will help you make the right decision for your outdoor company.

Costa Rica to host the World White Water Rafting Summit

The first-ever World White Water Rafting Summit will be held in Costa Rica in October 2019.

SOAR Act Summary

SOAR was developed to make common sense changes to the permitting processes and regulations to enable more access to public lands in a way that increases economic benefits of public lands while continuing environmental protections.

2019 America Outdoors Awards Nominations are Open

Nominations are open for the 2019 America Outdoors Awards for professionals in the Outdoor Recreation Industry.

Your Clients Are Segmented- Segment Your Emails Too!

One easy step to better email conversion is segmentation. Learn one way to do that for you outdoor recreation business.

Working with Travel Agent Partners

Travel Agents are alive and well and ready to partner with outdoor recreation companies to bring customers straight to your door.

Humans of AO: Brooke Ranney

When I first started, we had 3 women in my training group out of 30. We were the minority... Now I see a lot more- I’m one of them who is stepping up and I probably wouldn’t have if I had not had that support and mentorship.

Is Your Risk Management Program Thorough?

When most Outdoor Recreation Companies think risk management they envision insurance, waivers and litigation due to accidents- in addition to the traditional areas of exposure, the failure to perform to expected customer outcomes has created a whole new form of exposure! Make sure your business is training your staff properly.

Women of AO: Kelsey Helfrich

Meet Kelsey Helfrich, an inspiring women of America Outdoors who is creating her own path as a outdoor business owner, drift boat guide, and mother.

Inclusion & Respect- Train Early; Train Often

It's time to develop your 2019 strategy for seasonal staff training. Find out how you can incorporate inclusion training into your strategy.

7 Social Media Secrets for 2019

Get your audience to stop the scrolling and engage with your brand. Here are 7 ways to blend the superpowers of public relations, social media and search engine optimization to beat the odds of getting lost in the news feed.

Guide to the Forest Service Playbook

Check out this guide to the Forest Service’s extensive set of internal directives that provide direction to agency employees who administer recreational permits

The Surprising Secret to Improving Employee Engagement

After 18 years of focus on employee engagement, we’re not making progress because we have been trying to solve the WRONG problem. Learn how to shift your focus to the culture patterns to improve your workplace engagement.

Humans of AO: Brandon Pearce

Meet America Outdoors member, Brandon Pearce from Black Creek Canoe Rental in Mississippi.

Your Local 2019 SEO Resolutions

It's time to make your 2019 Resolutions for your company's SEO. These 5 actionable tips will get your outdoor business ready for the new year!

Humans of AO: Liz Kratz

Meet AO Member Liz Kratz from Trading Post Canoe, Kayak & Campground in Mongo, IN.

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Do Commodity Classifications Impact Your Product?

In August the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc implemented a change in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)- what does this mean for your shipments?

Is Cash Discounting Going Mainstream?

Merchants have long looked for ways to oﬀset the costs of processing credit and debit cards. Some simply increase their prices to cover the cost, while others have implemented programs to discount for cash sales.

7 Steps to Finding the Right Software Management System for your Business

In the world of outfitting, campgrounds, resorts & activity centers, you have likely been ‘on the hunt’ for software to help you run your business. Let us help you find the right Software Management System for your business.

Meet Pat Tabor

Meet 2018 Conference Speaker Pat Tabor. At the America Outdoors Conference, Pat will explore the benchmarks of high performance and help outfitter owners maximize their profit potential.

Tax Advantage for Small Businesses

There’s some good news for small business owners and entrepreneurs out there: there’s a new tax-advantaged HRA designed just for businesses like yours. It’s called a QSEHRA, and it’s designed as any successful small business should be: it’s smart, it’s efficient, it’s affordable, it’s flexible.

2018 Fundraiser Trip in the Cataract Canyon

The 2018 Cataract Canyon trip was a SUCCESS! The yearly fundraiser trip in honor of George Wendt is an amazing opportunity to be reminded of the power of what outfitters can do but also, it’s a time to learn and grow with your peers in this industry.

Adaptive Sports- Could your business be next?

This is the story of how a community came together to help businesses integrate people with disabilities into recreation opportunities. Read about Anita O'Brien and Rochester Accessible Adventures, and learn if you could integrate adaptive sports into your outfitter operation.

Meet Ron & Lorie Rosenberg!

The outdoor adventure travel market is experiencing radical change; your customers are expecting more than ever before. Come learn from Ron & Lorie Rosenberg how tow to build you outdoor travel business!

Meet Lisa Buyer

Meet 2018 Conference Speaker Lisa Buyer. At the America Outdoors Conference, Lisa will walk attendees through the latest Social PR trends or digital life hacks. Don't miss your chance to learn and grow with your peers in the outdoor industry!

Increase Your Central Reservation Sales

Stewart Ellis-Myers offers AO members 3 instantly usable insights that you can use to immediately increase your current average central reservations sales agent sales performance by 23%

Get The Best Deal On Your Partial Truckload Freight

In the past, it has been common practice for shippers to book multiple partial shipments independently. However, optimizing and consolidating partial shipments that are destined for the same geographic regions could save shippers time and money.

How to Make the Most of Your Meeting with a Member of Congress

The interview with former West Virginia Representative Nick Jo Rahall reveals how you can build positive relationships with your U.S. Representatives and Senators when advocating for outdoor recreation interests.

Humans of AO: Bill Blodgett

Bill Blodgett, of North Umpqua Outfitters, tells us his story of his life on the river in Oregon and about his time with America Outdoors.

Having Difficult Conversations

When employees to do a self-assessment about their strengths and areas for growth, one area of growth consistently rises to the top: having difficult conversations. This article gives 5 tips to do just that.

Rafting Use Trends 2018 Update

Since 1990 America Outdoors Association has been compiling use data for the same set of guided whitewater rafting rivers. Here are the trends through 2018.

Dude Ranch vs. Guest Ranch: What's the Difference?

How do you define a dude ranch? Is it dude ranch or guest ranch? Well, let Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch answer that for you!

6 Marketing Tips for the Outdoor Industry

These 6 marketing tips for the Outdoor Industry are essential for success in the outdoor recreation field in 2018. Be prepared for the busy season by employing these creative techniques and reminders to stay at the top mind for you current and future guests.

4 Keys Ways to Become a High Performer

Have you ever asked yourself the question, “What makes a high performer a high performer?” Psychology and organizational behavior research shows that success is less about your innate talents and strengths, and much more about what you DO behaviorally.

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