2022 National Outdoor Recreation Conference
September 12-15, 2022
Knoxville, Tennessee
"Outdoor Recreation: Solutions for Transformation"

The National Outdoor Recreation Conference, held annually by the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP), showcases innovative and creative approaches to nature-based outdoor recreation research, planning, and management.

Since 1983, SORP has been serving the outdoor recreation profession. It is the nation’s leading association of outdoor recreation and related professionals who strive to protect our natural and cultural resources while providing sustainable recreation access.

The National Outdoor Recreation Conference brings together recreation resource planners, land managers, organizational partners, researchers, consultants, innovators and leaders in outdoor recreation from across the the U.S. and North America. Average conference attendance is ~400, including over 50 presenters. In order to optimize networking opportunities as well as prioritize health and safety of attendees within the conference venue, we plan to cap attendance at 500.

NEW! Whova Website and App is available! 

Click on the link above for the conference website and a link to download the app. Check out plenary and concurrent sessions and speakers. Add your bio and contact info to connect with other attendees before and during the conference.

There are so many outstanding presentations and our partners at Tennessee State Parks, Knoxville Parks and Recreation, Knox County Parks and Recreation, and Legacy Parks have developed amazing field workshops to showcase outdoor recreation in East Tennessee.  

Download the Whova app For the conference program updates, speaker info, sponsor and exhibitor resources, and to connect with other attendees!

Get our official conference app

iOS Android

For Blackberry or Windows Phone, Click here

For feature details, visit Whova

Early Bird Conference Registration Open July 1 - August 15

Register now for the best rates! 

Full conference, member - $495

Full conference, non-member: $595

Full conference, student: $250

One-day registration: $250

Guest tickets to Awards Lunch, Poster Reception, Field Workshop, and Keynote Lunch also available 

Venue and Hotel Registration

Marriott Knoxville Downtown
525 Henley Street, Knoxville, Tennessee

Book your group rate for 2022 National Outdoor Recreation Conference

*Please email [email protected] if you are requesting the federal per diem rate. This rate is only available to current federal government employees.

Accessibility

The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals' goal is to make the conference as welcoming and accessible, as feasible, for all participants. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations please contact Rachel Franchina, [email protected] For more information about accessibility at the conference venue, Marriott Knoxville Downtown, visit this page.

COVID-19 Protocols

Safety and health are our utmost priority. We are closely monitoring the CDC's guidance. Full conference protocols can be found at: https://www.recpro.org/covid-protocols

Awards

Award recipients will be announced during the conference and honored at an Awards Lunch on Tuesday, September 13. 

The Project Excellence Award is presented annually at NORC to exemplary outdoor recreation projects. The award is presented to the collaborating agencies and organizations key to the success of the planning effort.  Selection criteria will include (a) unique or special circumstances, (b) problem-solving, (c) level of innovation and creativity, (e) impact or effect of project, and (f) collaborative team effort.

Past award recipients

The Individual Service Award is presented annually at NORC to up to three recipients who have made significant and lasting contributions to the outdoor recreation profession. The award may recognize one specific contribution or a series of contributions over one’s career.

Past award recipients

Sponsors

The National Outdoor Recreation Conference is only possible with the generous support of our sponsors and exhibitors! Contact Rachel Franchina is you're interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor: [email protected]

Rocky Top Sponsors

Great Smokies Sponsors

Agency and Local Partners

Exhibitors

Community