Virginia Adventure Education Conference

VAAEC is an annual one-day event that provides accessible and inexpensive networking and professional development for students and professionals in the outdoor leadership field. The VAAEC includes an opening playnote session, a keynote address,  workshop sessions, delicious lunch, giveaways, a conference item, and exhilarating closing Outdoor Adventure Games. Attendance at VAAEC continues to grow every year, and we expect over 150 students and professionals at this year's event including representation from dozens of Virginia colleges and universities.

By Adventure People, for Adventure People

This conference is self-organized each year by a dedicated volunteer team of professionals and students. Next year's event team will be gathering for a few moments at the start of lunch, be sure to stop in to find out how you can help or even join the 2021 Volunteer Planning Team. Contact us between now and then at VaAdventureEd@gmail.com

Growing Virginia's Adventure Ed. Programs

Industry professionals and students will present topics covering industry best practices, adaptive involvement strategies, risk management techniques, emerging industry gear and technology, and the future of adventure education and tourism in Virginia.

Past participating colleges and universities include Brevard College, Ferrum College, George Mason University, James Madison University, Liberty University, Lord Fairfax Community College, Old Dominion University, Radford University, Shenandoah University, University of Lynchburg, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Western Community College.

Workshops

Presentations are themed around risk management, outdoor leadership, personal outdoor experiences, and so much more. We seek for both students and professionals to present workshops during the conference, and we would love to hear from all backgrounds. Your proposal will be reviewed by the VAAEC Committee for approval, and they will contact you directly with their decision. Students will present for 20-30 minutes, professionals will present for one hour.

Past topics have included ​Climbing, Mountain Biking, Adventure Races, Hiking and Backpacking, Summer Camps, College Recreation, Canoeing and Kayaking, Guiding Services and Outfitters, Municipal Recreation Programs, Outdoor Adventure Branding, and Tourism.

Vendors and Sponsors

We seek donations of outdoor adventure gear and cool swag for college students. Examples of awesome past donations include: sit-on-top kayak; stand-up paddleboard & paddle; mountain bikes; helmets (biking, climbing, paddling); climbing ropes; climbing harness; backpacks and backpacking supplies; tents; sleeping pads; cook stoves w/ fuel; water filters; paddling lifejackets; canoe paddles; kayak paddles; Go-Pro camera and other adventure tech; headlamps; apparel of all kinds; gift certificates to gear shops and outfitters; and quality used adventure gear. Donations valued at $75 and up gets your logo onto the event banner and this web site, your company info/literature/stickers into every participant packet, and it elevates your company into the heights of adventure coolness.
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For questions about donating gear and prizes and/or being an event Vendor, Susan Herndon-Powell, 540-853-5360, Jenna Stacy, 540-992-2940; or Lester Zook, 540-433-1637. ​Email your high resolution logo in .eps or .png format to VaAdventureEd@gmail.com