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Thanks to our sponsors, speakers & attendees for helping to make it a success!

Please check out our MEDIA RELEASE: 2024 Media Alert for Virginia Green Travel Star Awards-Final.

Also check out the AWARD PICTURES found HERE & additional CONFERENCE PICS are HERE

Let’s Go!

Come spend a Day-In-The-Woods with us to learn more about the importance of outdoor recreation and sustainable tourism. And yes, we will be going for a HIKE!

Agenda

Printable Draft Agenda

April 17, 2024

8 – 9am

Registration, Breakfast and Exhibiting

9am

Welcome + State of Virginia Green Travel

The History of Virginia State Parks & Pocahontas State Park

Sustainability Projects in Virginia State Parks

Let’s Go Adventures

10:30-11:30am

Break-out sessions: Education
– Sustainable Tourism in Hospitality Education Programs
– Environmental Studies Projects that support Outdoor Recreation

11:30am-1:30pm

Interpretive hike, carpool, bus tours of Pocahontas State Park & Visitor Center, lunch & exhibits and outdoor adventure opportunities!

1:30-2:30pm

Discussion: Outdoor Recreational Opportunities & Tourism
– New State Trails Program Plan
– Public Access to State Lands & Recreation

3-4:15pm

Featured Speakers
– The Honorable Travis Voyles, the Virginia Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources
– KEYNOTE: Jessica Bowser, Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

4:30-5:45pm

Reception & the Virginia Green Travel Star Awards
Hosted by Rita McClenny, President & CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation & Jack Berry, Richmond Region Tourism

Adjourn

Keynote Speaker

Jessica Bowser

Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast
Former fourth-grade teacher and conservation advocate.

Jessica launched Virginia Outdoor Adventures because she wanted to provide a platform for Virginians of all backgrounds to tell their stories, to share their connection to the outdoors, and to build a local community where the outdoors are for everyone. She also wanted to tell these stories through a conservation lens to encourage others to be stewards of the outdoors. Jessica is passionate about featuring outdoor recreation and travel opportunities close to home, while also supporting local businesses, tourism, and economic development. Jessica is an avid hiker, cyclist, climber, backpacker, kayaker, photographer, and birder and has earned the Virginia State Parks “Master Hiker” designation.