Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) 2025 Conference

in 1969, CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite announced to the world that the federal government had named Chattanooga “the dirtiest city in America.” Thanks to heavy manufacturing, Chattanooga's air quality was so bad that drivers kept their headlights on even in mid-day, and smog discolored clothing. The mighty Tennessee River, which cuts through the city, fared just as poorly. The broadcast was an embarrassment and a wakeup call that became a rallying cry for transformation.

Barely a half-century later, Chattanooga collected a range of positive superlatives including being named “Best Outdoor Town” twice by Outside magazine. In April, Chattanooga became the first National Park City in North America, part of an international grassroots movements to make cities greener, healthier and wilder. This panel of community leaders will share the Chattanooga Story: how Chattanooga achieved its renaissance.

In an increasingly technology-driven culture, it IS possible to tell compelling stories about the transformational nature of outdoor pursuits while balancing these two dimensions. We'll talk about how to do that.

For travel journalists covering animal attractions, knowing how to assess ethical animal care is essential. This session will introduce the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare, a globally recognized framework for evaluating zoos, wildlife refuges, sanctuaries, and rescue centers. With a focus on North America—alongside global examples—you’ll learn how to spot ethical versus harmful practices, ask the right questions, and navigate the complexities of animal welfare beyond legal regulations. Whether you’re visiting big cat rescues, marine sanctuaries, or nature parks, this session will provide the tools to ensure your reporting highlights responsible and humane wildlife tourism.