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It’s back—and better than ever! Join us for the 43rd Annual NYSOGA Winter Rendezvous, bringing together big ideas, great food, and even better company. We’ve lined up an outstanding conference at a truly phenomenal location, and to make it even sweeter, we’re subsidizing part of the meal costs—because good conversations deserve good food (and more time to enjoy both).🔥 New This Year: Friday Seminars for Active Guides
We’re kicking things off early with Friday sessions designed specifically for active, in-business guides who want practical tools they can use right away.
Friday Seminars Include:
• Marketing Like a Human in an AI-Obsessed World
Presented by Paul Wingfield, founder of Outfitter Marketing Pros. Paul has been a guide, run guiding businesses, and now focuses on marketing for the outdoor industry—and knows how to make you stand out without sounding like a robot.
• The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Trip Pricing
Presented by Zeb Smith, CPA and founder of Zebulon LLC. Learn how to price trips smarter, keep it simple, have fun, and actually make money doing what you love.
• Staying Rooted in the Field: Self-Care & Burnout Prevention for Outdoor Guides
Presented by Audrey Costa, LAC, NCC, Certified Nature-Informed Therapist, and NYS Licensed Hiking & Camping Guide. Because taking care of yourself is part of being a great guide.
• NYS DEC Hatchery Operations - Salmon River & Statewide Improvements
Presented by Thomas Kielbasinski, Salmon River Hatchery Manager. Get the latest updates straight from the source.
🧭 Saturday: Big Conversations & Real-World Tools
Saturday Seminars Include:
• Marketing & Operations Roundtable (90 minutes!)
Facilitated by Jamie Arnold (NYSOGA Region 7 Director) and Scott Locorini (NYSOGA President). With nearly 60 years of combined experience, this popular Q&A-style session is all about what actually works—and what doesn’t—when running a guide business.
• Crisis & Risk Planning for Guides
Presented by Margaret Kelso, Risk Management Director at Cornerstone Safety Group. Practical tools for solo guides and small operators who want peace of mind without unnecessary complexity.
🍽️ Special Saturday Lunch Speaker
We’re thrilled to welcome Laura DiBetta, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation from the NYS DEC, presenting:
“Improving and Expanding Access to Public Lands.”
Laura leads statewide initiatives like I BIRD NY, First Day Hikes, and Get Outdoors & Get Together Day—and brings a big-picture vision that directly impacts guides and outfitters.
🎉 And of Course…
You can also count on:
First Aid & CPR recertifications
The always-popular Guide Banquet
NYSOGA gear for sale
The Annual Meeting
Plenty of time to reconnect with old friends—and make new ones
Aspiring guides are covered, too. NYSOGA offers everything needed to qualify for a guide license—all in one place—including water safety training, First Aid and CPR, a guide exam review, and the opportunity to take the exam right on site.
We’re incredibly excited about this year’s Winter Rendezvous and can’t wait to share it with you.
Want to attend? Click the tickets button or visit https://pci.jotform.com/form/253055840607153
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tailwater Lodge (Altmar, NY), 52 Pulaski St, Altmar, NY 13302-3043, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.