The 2022 NOHVCC Annual Conference and Mobile Workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee last week (August 18-20) offered many a first chance in quite a while to get together in person to collaborate and strategize on how best to implement ideas and to overcome hurdles related to OHV recreation. As usual, the invited presenters, panelists and guests did a great job of teeing up issues and sharing best practices. Just as much, or more, was accomplished by motivated participants who engaged with one another to create relationships and trade ideas.
Duane Taylor, Executive Director, NOHVCC, said, “There are so many people to thank. Our sponsors – special thanks to Polaris who served as our Extreme Terrain sponsor. Several Polaris representatives participated in the Conference and helped make it a success. It is also important to note that the Mobile Workshop was presented by Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative at a Destination Yamaha facility – Windrock Park, which served as a fantastic host for the Workshop. Finally, several long-time contributors helped make the events possible – the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Right Rider Access Fund, Federal Highway Administration and Kawasaki.”
Of course, the Workshop and Conference would not be possible without the help of volunteers. Taylor said, “Dan Kleen and the Iowa Off-Highway Vehicle Association offered tremendous support at the Workshop and our Canadian friends were heavily engaged as well, and I would like to publicly thank Wayne Daub for his leadership. Finally, several NOHVCC Directors shared their knowledge as presenters and all the Directors should be commended for their willingness to volunteer their time and effort to help NOHVCC meet its mission of creating a positive future for OHV recreation.”
The Mobile Workshop Presented by Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative kicked off events on Thursday, August 18. Participants gathered at Windrock Park where they had an opportunity to participate in a guided ride of the facility in ROVs to get a sense of what a 73,000-acre private OHV park has to offer. They also had a chance to tour the cabins and yurts on site, and hopefully generate ideas they can take home to their riding areas. No time was wasted as attendees also met with representatives from Sure Grip to learn about how more people, including those with disabilities, can have the opportunity to enjoy the sport we love. Finally, small groups had an opportunity to discuss emerging issues facing the OHV community.
The Conference moved indoors for Friday and Saturday where participants were treated to a suite of presentations and panels that addressed many of the difficult issues faced by OHV recreation as well as success stories and best practices. Taylor said, “I am delighted by the talented presenters NOHVCC staff was able to recruit. We heard from industry, agencies, NOHVCC Directors, OHV organizations, and other invited guests. I feel confident that participants were able to take something from each of the presentations and it was good to see everyone so engaged during question-and-answer sessions.” To get a sense of the types of presentations offered – click here for a conference agenda.
Taylor continued, “the true value of the Conference can’t be measured and won’t be felt until participants return home and share what they learned, take advantage of new relationships created, and implement tools acquired. We hope this Conference served as a chance for people to get enthused for the year ahead and we look forward to hosting everyone again in Utah in 2023!”
Mobile Workshop Photo Gallery:
Conference Photo Gallery:
