In many ways and many areas of the Country life is beginning to return to normal. It is everyone’s hope that the vaccines for COVID-19 continue to make it possible for more and more activities (like Annual Conferences) to safely move forward. Unfortunately, the NOHVCC Board of Directors and staff have made the difficult decision to postpone our in-person Annual Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee until 2022. While it may have been possible to gather together this year there are simply too many hurdles to overcome for staff to put together a conference we could be proud of, and that attendees would benefit from and enjoy.
A major concern is that it may not be possible for many land managers to attend in-person as a result of travel restrictions. We also rely on managers to fill a significant portion of our agenda as presenters and their presence would have been limited. Further, limited attendance may have made the Conference prohibitively expensive to move forward.
The good news is that NOHVCC staff is preparing a virtual suite of presentations and opportunities to interact. While nothing beats getting together, sharing best practices, ideas and recharging for the upcoming year, we hope we can provide an opportunity to facilitate discussion and get everyone ready for 2022 and the likely return to normal for our Conference.
Dates For Virtual Conference
Mark your calendars – The NOHVCC Board of Directors will meet October 15-16 and will help staff host our virtual conference. While staff is busy developing ideas and presentations for the October dates, the content of the virtual Conference has yet to be determined – but stay tuned to this space as there will be frequent updates.
NOHVCC Elections
The NOHVCC Board of Directors has decided to move forward with virtual elections this year. We ask that all State Partners watch this space (and their email) closely as staff will reach out with specific instructions on how to proceed. There are several Director and Officer positions that will be voted upon. It is vitally important that State Partners have their voices heard about who should represent them on the Board. It is also important that those State Partners who wish to serve on the Board submit a nomination so that they can be considered by their peers. Again, stay tuned – a rundown of Directors up for reelection, open seats and nomination instructions will be published here in the coming days.
It is disappointing to all involved that the 2021 Conference cannot proceed as planned, but the NOHVCC Board of Directors and staff will do all we can to put on a great virtual conference to help ensure a positive future for OHV recreation.