2019 OWO Conference – Rossford, Ohio
Hampton Inn & Suites
9753 Clark St.
Rossford, OH 43460

Agenda is not finalized and may be subject to change

Scott Carpenter, Matt Markey and John Hageman have been working with Rossford Convention and Visitor Bureau Executive Director Beth Genson and leaders of Toledo-area attractions to put together a compelling 2019 Annual Conference.

Thursday, May 2, 2019: Optional opportunity to ride along as Bass Pro Shops 3rd annual walleye tournament fishermen seek active schools if big fish prior to their weekend tournament- very early morning departure to late afternoon
Admission into the Toledo Zoo, from when the gates open through dinner, to be served in the recently renovated aquarium building, originally built in 1939. A tour of the 2015-renovated aquaria, followed by a review of the zoo’s extensive species conservation efforts will be presented by key zoological staff members, followed by a catered dinner there.

Friday, May 3, 2019: Bus tour, provided by the Metroparks of the Toledo Area
National Maritime Museum of the Great Lakes, including boarding a retired freighter, the S.S. Col James M. Schoonmaker.
Lunch at World Famous Tony Packo’s Restaurant, a Toledo staple since 1932, made famous by Toledo native Jamie Farr’s Corporal Klinger’s reminiscences on M.A.S.H.
Tours of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge via a dike-ride and Toledo Metropark’s Howard Marsh, opened in April 2018, to observe ‘birders’ in action and see bald eagles and other species
Welcoming remarks from Black Swamp Bird Observatory Director Kimberly Kaufmann to participants of the 10th “Biggest Week in American Birding” festival at Maumee Bay State Park
Supporting members “Meet and Greet” at hotel
BBQ and fish fry picnic dinner for OWO and the Bass Pro Shops walleye tournament contestants, provided by Rossford Convention and Visitors Bureau
Optional limousine shuttle to Hollywood Casino for OWO members and spouses
Saturday May 4, 2019: Past OWO Presidents meeting
Annual Business meeting for member writers
Lunch at Bass Pro Shop, followed by seminars, vendor displays, tour, shopping
ODNR Updates/Craft Improvement Sessions
Observe final day of Bass Pro Shop walleye tournament weigh-in
7:00-10:00pm: Annual Excellence in Craft, scholarship, record fish award banquet and auction/raffle

Sunday May 5, 2019: Presentation by 2020 Conference Host during the end of breakfast
Optional trips on your own: Visit other Toledo Metroparks, observe or participate in Maumee River fishing, Birding, Kayaking float trip, etc.
Spice activities suggestions – Visit Village of Grand Rapids, Carruth Studio in Waterville, Toledo Museum of Art, etc.

Guest Policy

It is the policy of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio (OWO) to cover the meal costs of honored guests at our banquet ceremony and auction. These guests include scholarship recipients and their parents, record fish holder and one guest, and Bruce Dawson-Jim Morris Memorial Award winner.  Since our conference and banquet is a members-only event, invited guests are entitled to the banquet only. All other events are for OWO members.

Thank You, Mike Mainhart

President OWO, 2019