August 17, 2023 – Knoxville, TN – America Outdoors, the nation’s one-stop resource for outdoor recreation providers and the industry leaders in public policy, is proud to announce a new award category that will be presented during the 2023 America Outdoors Conference, to be held December 5-8 in Phoenix, Arizona. The inaugural Innovator Award will be presented in addition to the George and Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award during the awards ceremony on December 7.
“We are proud to announce the addition of the America Outdoors Innovator Award category as the perfect complement to the George and Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award,” says Aaron Bannon, Executive Director at America Outdoors. “Outfitters are continuously innovating to expand the reach and the role of outdoor recreation in America’s great outdoors for all who seek it out, and we look forward to elevating and celebrating their efforts.”
This new award was designed in response to creative initiatives in land and water stewardship along with mental health awareness and outdoor access. Unlike the George and Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award, which is given to individuals who’ve shown exceptional achievement and commitment to outdoor recreation throughout a long career, the Innovator Award can be presented at any time during someone’s career.
To nominate an individual for either award, please consider filling out this form before the September 15 deadline. Nominees are voted on by their peers through a survey sent out to all active America Outdoors members before the executive committee makes the final decision.
For more information on America Outdoors, the upcoming conference, or the award process, please contact Kade Gewanter at [email protected].
About America Outdoors
America Outdoors is a community of outdoor adventure businesses and organizations who have joined together to promote and support the outdoor recreation industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration. AO has been working on behalf of the outdoor industry for over 30 years. For more information, please visit our website www.americaoutdoors.org.
