AGLOW (Association of Great Lakes Outdoors Writers) Coming to LOW!

It has been a long time.  The last time Lake of the Woods Tourism hosted AGLOW was 2008.  A lot has changed in nine years.  The way we communicate, the use of mobile devices, videos and the speed in which we communicate.  The one thing that has not changed is the plethora of outdoor opportunities, namely, fishing and hunting, and of course, some people’s passion for the outdoors.

It just so happens the passion for the outdoors has led to careers for many attending the AGLOW Annual Conference headquartered out of Sportsman’s Lodge this upcoming week.  Around 175 outdoor media, execs from outdoor companies, guides, outdoor organization representatives, DNR, tourism professionals and others are coming together to gain story material, learn, network, meet and and in some cases, simply catch up.

Throughout the conference, participants will have the opportunity to catch walleyes and sturgeon, shoot grouse, ducks and geese, participate in educational seminars geared towards the profession or the outdoors.  The majority of the conference will take place at Sportsman’s Lodge on the banks of the Rainy River, a perfect venue with charter boats literally steps outside the resort.  Participants will literally be able to cast a line between meetings while watching the ducks and geese fly overhead, the emerald shiners running up the river and on a good night, listen to wolves howl and view the northern lights.

One of the nights, called the Ram Trucks Evening Away, participants will head to Baudette where there will be a tent all set up underneath the watchful eye of Willie Walleye.  This of course is Willie Walleye park on the banks of Baudette Bay.  The area is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts to enjoy a reception and dinner.

The Warroad Lost River Shooting Range will host the AGLOW shooting day.  Participants will have the opportunity to handle and shoot the latest firearms from handguns to shotguns to AR’s.  There will also be a variety ammunition to test, crossbows to shoot and professional education about firearms, ammunition, safety and becoming a better shooter.  These products will be on display from some of the best companies in the industry.

Outdoor companies and tourism professionals will have the chance to show off their products and destinations to a very influential crowd during the super breakout afternoon.  This is a great opportunity to see the latest outdoor gear, learn from the pros and also gain better understanding of some of the best areas for fishing and hunting in the Midwest.

AGLOW has an esteemed history, founded in 1956, making it one of the oldest outdoor communicators associations in the country. The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) started with a humble beginning. A handful of outdoor media professionals saw an association as a way for us to connect as writers to improve our craft and become better stewards of the outdoors by connecting with others in our industry.

Today, AGLOW has grown to over 400 members that comprise a dynamic organization of writers, editors, publishers, broadcasters, authors, lecturers, photographers, artists, electronic media specialists, bloggers, outdoors industry representatives, and tourism professionals, working together to promote the conservation and responsible use of our outdoor resources. As individual outdoor communicators, AGLOW educates and informs the masses through the written and spoken word and of course through video and digital.

AGLOW has done a nice job embracing new technologies and are continually striving to stay at the forefront of evolving technologies and trends in media. The organization touts itself as a family-oriented membership, and are always looking for people in the outdoor industry to join our fellowship and share all that we love about communicating about the great outdoors.

Lake of the Woods will be a hotbed for the outdoors this week, but then again, when is it not?

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find a guide, charter boat or lodging, check out our lodging page.