Roanoke, Virginia – October 31-November 3, 2017

Submitted by: Ashley Pujda, Recreational Sports Club

The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education holds an annual conference for the professional advancement of students and professionals in the outdoor industry. Many conference topics reflect collegiate outdoor recreation as well as non-profit organizations. This year, keynote speaker Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro, discussed helping women of color re-connect with the natural world. Participants had the opportunity to attend seminars that focused on topics such as: diversity in outdoor recreation sustainability, how to run an effective program, and gain technical skills. The primary benefit received at the conference, was being able to network with other collegiate students to learn and bring things back to SHSU's outdoor rec program. According to Ashley Pujda, Rec Sports Club Treasurer, “I was able to network with potential future employers.”