Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga, Tennessee, will host over 250 outdoor journalists at the 2025 Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference from August 19 to 21. The event aims to enhance the local economy and promote Chattanooga’s outdoor recreational activities. Attendees will enjoy diverse activities, including fishing, rock climbing, hiking, and more, with local tourism groups organizing excursions to showcase the city’s attractions. Additionally, a community celebration featuring author Lorrie Moore is scheduled during the same period, further underscoring the city’s vibrant culture and commitment to literature and outdoor experiences.
Chattanooga to Host 2025 Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference
Chattanooga, Tennessee, will welcome more than 250 outdoor journalists and media professionals to the 2025 Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) Conference from August 19 to 21, 2025. The event is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy by injecting several hundred thousand dollars, while also promoting the city as a premier outdoor recreation destination.
The conference, which brings together writers, photographers, and other media professionals specializing in outdoor and adventure activities, will be headquartered at the historic Read House. This venue will serve as the hub for various workshops, presentations, and networking sessions, facilitating interaction among participants and showcasing the beauty of Chattanooga.
Chattanooga is recognized as a southeastern outdoor recreation hub, famed for its stunning landscapes and diverse adventure offerings. Attendees of the OWAA Conference will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as fishing on the Tennessee River with local guides from Scenic City Fishing Charters, while also indulging in rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and hang gliding.
The local tourism agencies, including the Chattanooga Tourism Co. and Outdoor Chattanooga, have coordinated various adventure excursions for participants. Excursions will feature attractions such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, and Lookout Mountain Flight Park. Outdoor Chattanooga is also set to offer paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking experiences to enrich the attendees’ visit.
In line with the conference, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is organizing tour opportunities to highlight the unique offerings of the region further. These experiences will contribute to longer-term impacts, including a wide spread of stories, videos, and social media posts promoting Chattanooga across multiple platforms.
The OWAA Conference 2025 follows a successful trend noted by publications such as Outside Magazine, which ranked Chattanooga among the “9 Beautiful Mountain Towns in the Southeast,” and TimeOut Magazine, which included the city in the “10 Pretty Mountain Views in the U.S. That Are a Must-Visit.”
In preparation for the upcoming events, the city has appointed April Furth as the new administrator of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors. Furth, who previously served as the director of community development in Vancouver, Washington, will play an essential role in managing and enhancing outdoor programs in the city.
Simultaneously, the Chattanooga State Humanities Department is hosting award-winning author Lorrie Moore during a community-wide celebration taking place from April 22 to 24, 2025. This event is part of the annual Writers@Work program that aims to celebrate literature by engaging prominent authors and the community. Throughout the program, which includes free events at renowned venues like the Chattanooga Aquarium and Hunter Museum of American Art, over 350 copies of Moore’s books were distributed to local book clubs, fostering a citywide “common read” initiative.
Admission to the Writers@Work events is free, but attendees must secure tickets online due to limited seating. The program receives support from various local organizations, reinforcing the community’s commitment to literature and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Chattanooga is gearing up to embrace the spotlight as it hosts the OWAA Conference, expected to bolster both the local economy and its reputation as an outdoor adventure hub. As the city welcomes journalists and adventure seekers alike, it reinforces its status as a must-visit destination in the southeastern United States.
FAQ
When will the 2025 OWAA Conference take place?
The conference is scheduled for August 19–21, 2025.
How many journalists are expected to attend the conference?
More than 250 outdoor journalists and media professionals are expected to participate.
What activities will be available for conference attendees?
Attendees can engage in various outdoor activities, including fishing, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and more.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 2025 Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference |
| Date | August 19–21, 2025 |
| Location | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Attendees | More than 250 outdoor journalists |
| Main Venues | Read House, local outdoor sites |
| Economic Impact | Several hundred thousand dollars |
| Highlighted Activities | Fishing, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking |
| Community Event | Writers@Work program featuring Lorrie Moore |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga to Host Outdoor Writers Association Conference
Chattanooga to Host 2025 OWAA Conference
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 9: Outdoor Storytellers Explore Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s New Parks and Outdoors
- The Tennessean: Charles Searcy Obituary
- Chattanooga Pulse: Writers’ Work Program with Lorrie Moore
- The Advocate: Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Google Search: Chattanooga Outdoor Writers Association
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Outdoor Activities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Google News: Chattanooga Events
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
