Second Largest WRMC Embraces New Workshops, Mitigates Risk
With beautiful Pikes Peak as a backdrop, 347 people gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs for three days to talk risk management. Among the mix were seasoned speakers, industry professionals, exhibitors from various organizations, and of course, the WRMC Staff who were hard at work ensuring the attendees were having the best conference experience yet.
Tod Schimelpfenig receives the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award For Exceptional Leadership, Service, and Innovation in Wilderness Risk Management
Shana Tarter, the chair of the WRMC steering committee, commented on the challenges and successes of the conference on which she and her team worked so diligently.
“The greatest challenge in developing an educational agenda for the Wilderness Risk Management Conference is to effectively meet the varied needs of our attendees. We strive to serve those new to the industry and the grizzled veterans. I believe the 2010 Wilderness Risk Management Conference struck an excellent balance. With the introduction of a “Core” workshop track we were able to help our newer attendees prioritize the fundamental workshops. Additionally, we intentionally added new workshops and pushed return speakers to branch out into new topic areas to continue the learning for our more experience attendees. I am incredibly pleased by the caliber of this year’s workshop and truly feel there was something for everyone.”
It was easy to recognize the attendees as they rushed around the conference center donning their outdoors-inspired garb. Many asked where they could get their climbing and hiking fixes. Not a strange request with this crowd.
Doug Mahon, the program director from University of Colorado-Boulder and also a speaker on managing urban youth said, “The topics were timely and presentations were effective. I especially appreciated Paul Nicolazzo’s Pre-conference workshop: Effective Outdoor Program Design & Management. I personally had a great time reconnecting with folks I have not seen in a while and enjoyed making new friends, as well as presenting myself. I look forward to next year in Boston as I believe this conference is important to the industry…”
A successful conference always includes inspiring and engaging keynote speakers, and with Mike Gauthier and Maggie Fox, this year lived up to expectations. The lively exhibit hall transformed into a reception and cocktail hour on Thursday evening, and on closing night a dining room laden with candles and plates of fresh caught trout, steamed veggies, and chocolate lava cake.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the recipient of the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award For Exceptional Leadership, Service, and Innovation in Wilderness Risk Management, which went to Tod Schimelpfenig of WMI. This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the outdoor education community, adventure and service organizations, and to programs and businesses that utilize wild places for their activities. Tod spoke of his personal and professional contributions and experiences in risk management in the outdoor industry, and shared a bittersweet moment on how much he cherishes his colleagues in the field.
Overall, Colorado Springs 2010 was filled with moments of learning, instruction, reuniting, and was another great step forward for wilderness risk managers. See you next year in Boston!
