North Bay wins bid to host Canada’s top writers

Ontario’s Near North
News Release

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June 6-9, 2007 the Outdoor Writers of Canada will celebrate their 50th anniversary at the Best Western hotel in North Bay .

“The OWC is an organization of professional outdoor communicators. Members include writers, artists, photographers, cinematographers, lecturers, broadcasters, consultants, government officials and premier outdoor product manufacturers,” says Site Chairman Chris Hockley. Some of the top outdoor communicators in the North America will take part in the OWC Annual National Conference. This conference is expected to meet and exceed previous conference attendance records.

"The OWC is excited about coming to North Bay for our 50th Anniversary,” said OWC Executive Director Bill Thompson. “The conference bid received from the Best Western Hotel North Bay and Ontario ’s Near North was one of the most professionally prepared that the OWC has ever received. Thompson continues, “ Ontario ’s Near North and the OTMPC have been very supportive OWC Corporate Members for years, but when they detailed their commitment to the conference, the decision was made easy for the OWC conference selection committee."

The conference will feature a number of craft improvement sessions and workshops presented by industry professionals that offer excellent opportunities to further delegate’s knowledge and hone their skills. It also provides a forum for the exchange of information, ideas, techniques and professional contacts. A number of the members will be participating in outdoor related pre and post-conference trips. Field trips on June 8 will give writers from across Canada and the USA a chance to experience Ontario ’s Near North and share their experiences with their audiences.

The OWC Annual Conference is also the event at which the National Writing Awards will be presented. Shimano is the major sponsor of the OWC National Communications Awards. Recognition includes the Ducks Unlimited Wetlands Appreciation Awards and the National Fishing Week Awards, which are sponsored by the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association. The Brock McRitchie award is for the depiction of youth in the outdoors.

Conference registration is available to non-members who wish to learn more about the organization or take a step towards creating an outdoor career of detailing their own outdoor adventures.

“The OWC conference committee would like to thank Ontario ’s Near North, the OTMPC and the Best Western hotel for all of their hard work and organization assistance,” says Hockley.

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