The Wilderness Risk Management Conference: a Conference and a Community

An interview with Elyse Rylander, Wilderness Risk Management Steering Committee Chair

The 33rd annual Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) will be held this fall, October 20 – 22nd, in Portland, Oregon. 

If you haven’t attended yet, the WRMC was developed from the work of multiple outdoor programs who wanted to create a space to foster greater industry collaboration around risk management. Today the WRMC is a collaboration between NOLS, Outward Bound USA, the Student Conservation Association and the WRMC Steering Committee.

Since its beginning, the intention of the conference has been to encourage proactive risk management strategies in wilderness programming through open dialogue, reflection, and shared knowledge and learning. It is also an opportunity to gather with people who navigate similar challenges, unique to outdoor programs – people who appreciate the complexities of decision-making in dynamic environments and who work in programs where staff are entrusted to lead trips without direct oversight or observation in the field.

In preparation for the upcoming conference, we connected with Elyse Rylander, the current Steering Committee Chair, to hear some of her thoughts about the WRMC’s role and purpose. 

Elyse has worked in outdoor education and equity leadership for nearly two decades. She is currently the Director of DEI Partnerships at Nike and prior to that was the National Director of DEI at Outward Bound USA. She has been a member of the WRMC Steering Committee since 2019, and the Committee Chair since 2025.

Tell us a little about the history of the WRMC and what it is today.

The Wilderness Risk Management Conference has been bringing outdoor professionals together for more than three decades to learn from one another and advance the field of risk management. What started as a space to share lessons learned has evolved into one of the most important gatherings for people who lead, manage, teach, and work in outdoor programs. Today, the WRMC is much more than a conference; it’s a community of practitioners committed to making outdoor experiences safer, more inclusive, and more impactful while continuing to learn from both successes and challenges.

What is your story with the WRMC and what is your current role?
My story with the WRMC began in 2015 when I attended my first conference and facilitated a workshop focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion in outdoor programs. At the time, conversations about inclusion and belonging in the outdoors were gaining momentum, and I appreciated that the WRMC created a space where people could engage thoughtfully with both risk management and the human side of our work.

Since then, I’ve attended almost every WRMC and have had the opportunity to present on a variety of topics throughout the years. One of the things I value most about the conference is that it continually evolves alongside our field, creating opportunities to explore emerging issues, share lessons learned, and learn from colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives.

In 2019, I joined the WRMC Steering Committee, and last year became the Steering Committee’s Chair. In that time, I’ve helped review proposals and shape conference content. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute not just as an attendee and presenter, but also as someone helping to steward the conference’s learning experience. Looking back, it’s been exciting to see how both the conference and our profession have grown, and I’m grateful to have been part of that journey.

Who comes to the WRMC?

One of the things I love most about the WRMC is the diversity of perspectives represented. You’ll find outdoor educators, expedition leaders, camp directors, university program staff, search and rescue professionals, risk managers, nonprofit leaders, and many others. Some attendees are seasoned veterans with decades of experience, while others are newer professionals looking to build their knowledge and network. Everyone comes with a shared commitment to learning and improving how we support people in outdoor environments.

Why is the WRMC worthwhile and special?

The WRMC creates a rare opportunity for honest conversations about challenges, mistakes, emerging risks, and innovative solutions. The outdoor industry is constantly changing, and none of us have all the answers. What makes the WRMC special is the willingness of people to share what they’ve learned so others can benefit.

It is also one of the few places where you’ll find such a wide range of expertise gathered in one room. Whether you’re focused on field practices, program administration, mental health, crisis response, inclusion, legal issues, or staff training, you’ll find people who are eager to engage and learn together. The sense of community and shared purpose is what keeps so many people coming back year after year.

Are there any specific sessions or part of the conference you are especially excited about?

I’m especially excited about the conversations happening around mental, social, and emotional health, as well as the sessions focused on staff training and decision-making. The outdoor industry is increasingly recognizing that effective risk management isn’t only about physical safety, it’s also about supporting people, building resilient teams, and creating environments where participants and staff can thrive.

I’m also looking forward to the informal learning that happens in hallways, over coffee, and during networking events. Some of the most valuable insights come from conversations with colleagues who are tackling similar challenges in different settings.

The WRMC is in Portland, Oregon this year. This is the 5th time the conference has been in Portland—what do you find exciting about the conference being in Portland?

Portland feels like a natural fit for the WRMC. The Pacific Northwest has a deep connection to outdoor recreation, conservation, environmental stewardship, and outdoor education. It’s a region where people care deeply about getting outside and about how we do that responsibly.

I’m also excited because Portland is incredibly accessible to a wide variety of outdoor environments. It reminds us why this work matters. Within a relatively short distance, you can experience mountains, forests, rivers, coastlines, and urban parks. That connection to place brings additional energy and relevance to the conversations we’ll be having throughout the conference.

What keeps you coming back to the WRMC?

What keeps me coming back is the people. Every year I leave with new ideas, new relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. The conference reminds me that risk management isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s about supporting people, helping organizations learn, and ensuring that outdoor experiences remain transformative for future generations. That’s work worth investing in.

There are lots of ways to be involved with the conference! You can join as an attendee, come share as a speaker, show research you’ve been involved in as a poster presenter, and connect with other attendees as an exhibitor! 

Click here to explore the schedule and presenters for the 2026 WRMC, and register today! Get early bird pricing through August 31st.

NOLS has been a part of this annual educational conference since its beginning. We are proud to be a part of the WRMC history and community, and hope to connect with you there! 

Email [email protected] to learn more.