Society of American Travel Writers Western Chapter Meeting

Agenda at a Glance

Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8, 2023

• Pre-tours
   

Sunday, July 9, 2023

• Pre-tours
• Board meeting
• Welcome Reception at First Americans Museum

Monday, July 10, 2023

• Breakfast
• Professional Development Session One
  • One Place, Many Nations｜Oklahoma is home to 39 distinct First American Nations. Only a few tribal Nations were indigenous to what is now Oklahoma. All others were removed from homelands across the U.S. to Indian Territory. Learn about the cultural diversity, history and contributions of the First Americans in Oklahoma.
  • Route 66: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow｜Oklahoma boasts 400 drivable miles of Route 66 – more than any other state – and Oklahoma City serves as a center point along this stretch of famous highway. This session will cover some of the area’s iconic points of interest, as well as ways Oklahoma is gearing up for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.
  • DMO Roundtable｜Come prepared with questions to discuss with other DMO public relations professionals.
• Professional Development Session Two
  • One Place, Many Nations｜Oklahoma is home to 39 distinct First American Nations. Only a few tribal Nations were indigenous to what is now Oklahoma. All others were removed from homelands across the U.S. to Indian Territory. Learn about the cultural diversity, history and contributions of the First Americans in Oklahoma.
  • Photo Analysis｜In this session, widely published, award-winning SATW photographers will critique photos submitted by chapter members, offering feedback on what works and what doesn’t in each image. All submissions will be anonymous. Join us to hear suggestions for adjusting and improving your approach to shooting the scene as well as tips for improving those shots in your post-processing work. This is a critique session, not a showcase for your best shots. You’re strongly urged to submit photos that need help. All members, regardless of whether they submit photos for critique, are welcome to attend this session. So start selecting up to 7 photos now, and look for an email coming soon with a complete description of this session and instructions on where to send your photos.  
• Writing Awards Presentation
• Lunch and Oklahoma City keynote speaker
  • Twenty-eight years ago, Oklahoma City faced an act of domestic terrorism, which killed 168 innocent men, women and children. It was a time of confusion, fear and heartbreak. To get through this devastating time, people clung to one emotion – hope. It was hope that gave family members, survivors, first responders and community members the strength to come together within months of the bombing to begin conversations on how to design a place where those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever would always be remembered. The conversations were not always easy. Those involved in the Memorial process had to learn to listen to other perspectives, share their personal opinions and practice civility all while working through their own grief and vulnerability. The Memorial created Better Conversations as a way for individuals to come together and discuss sensitive or controversial topics in a civil manner. This keynote features Kari Watkins, OKC Memorial & Museum President & CEO, using the Better Conversations framework to lead a discussion with former students of Clara Luper regarding this OKC icon’s Civil Rights work and how it continues to shape our community and nation moving forward. 
• Professional Development Session Three
  • Music Scene in OKC｜From the Flaming Lips to Garth Brooks to Wanda Jackson, Oklahoma City has a diverse and thriving music scene. Respected Oklahoma music historian Dr. Hugh Foley will share about the intersection of Oklahoma music and culture. Dr. Foley is a professor at Rogers State University, an author and a founding board member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
  • What's New & What's Coming in OKC｜Oklahoma City is on the rise and has many new attractions recently opened or coming soon. Hear from a panel of tourism partners about their attraction updates and news to watch for in the coming months that is sure to inspire storylines both now and for years to come.
• Media Marketplace
• Dine Around 
  • Mahogany
  • Ludivine
  • Cheevers

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

• Breakfast
• Core Meeting Tours｜Choose a morning and afternoon tour. Lunch will be provided at the end of the morning tours.
  • ½ Day Tours (morning)
    • Art and Park - Myriad Gardens, Scissortail Park, Oklahoma City Museum of Art
    • RIVERSPORT
  • Lunch at the Oklahoma City Zoo
  • ½ Day Tours (afternoon)
    • Experience the West - National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
    • A Moment in Time - Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
    • Hit the Bricks! - Bricktown Water Taxi, Banjo Museum and Painted Door Gift Boutique
• ​Closing dinner reception at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum  

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

• Grab and Go breakfast
• Depart for post-tours or home