Annual Summit

Location: TBD

Welcome to AMC’s 149th Annual Summit! Please check-in at the registration table and enjoy a cup of coffee before we kick off a full day of programming.

Location: Ballroom

Current AMC members in good standing can vote for the 2025 AMC Board of Directors slate. The election slate and voting information will be emailed to current AMC members in advance of Summit. Members can vote electronically or in-person the morning of the Annual Summit. The Annual Business Meeting also includes a report from Board Chair, Yvette Austin, and AMC’s Treasurer, Kathy Campbell.

Climbing the Mountain Together: Integrating AMC Research & Marketing

Presenter: Gabriella Gurney, AMC Science Communicator
Location: Room 101

Join AMC Science Communicator Gabriella Gurney as she talks about bringing conservation and communication together to advance the organization’s scientific storytelling. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about working across disciplines and will have the opportunity to flex their skills through a collaborative exercise.

You Belong Here: Building Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

Presenter: Dave Edson, DEI Outdoors
Location: Room 103

Demonstration

Location: Room 104

AMC Properties of the Future

Presenter: Helmut Ruekert, AMC VP of Lodging and Hospitality
Location: Room 105/106

Visitor tastes and preferences are constantly changing, especially in the leisure and recreation sectors. Hospitality operations need to adjust their offerings and upgrade their facilities to remain relevant for today's customers. This session will explore consumer trends and guest requests, and how AMC facilities can continue to offer an attractive experience to meet the needs and wants of future visitors.

Going All Out about AMC's Action Plan

Presenter: AMC Management Team
Location: Room 108/109

Join members of the AMC Management Team for a presentation about All Out, AMC's strategic plan for 2025-2030: what it is, what it means for you, and what it means for connecting people to the outdoors.

Expanding AMC's Lodging Audience with Online Travel Agencies

Presenter: James Wrigley, AMC Director of Sales and Occupancy
Location: Room 113

AMC looks for ways to introduce new audiences to its unique set of lodging properties. Enter online travel agencies, or OTAs. These are websites like VRBO, Expedia, and Bookings.com. These platforms offer opportunities—and risks—for AMC in its effort to introduce more people to AMC and our work to connect people to the outdoors. Come join this session to learn more!

Bay Circuit Trail in Bloom

Presenter: Amber Stearns, AMC Bay Circuit Trail Coordinator
Location: Room 114

The Bay Circuit Trail (BCT) is a 230-mile multi-use trail surrounding greater Boston. It has been called the “outer-emerald necklace” and links protected green spaces throughout eastern Massachusetts. A year into her role as BCT Coordinator, Amber Stearns prioritizes engagement and development on the BCT. She works with like-minded partners, generations of volunteers, and an inspiring staff at the Appalachian Mountain Club to bring awareness and new community to this close-to home trail. Join Amber to learn about and discuss how the BCT can play a bigger role in the outdoor recreation of eastern Massachusetts.

Advocacy for the Outdoors: AMC's State and Federal Conservation Funding Campaigns at Work

Presenter: Amy Lindholm, AMC Director of Federal Affairs & Conservation Funding
Location: Room 101

Everyone can make a difference for the outdoors that we love. AMC leads the way by gathering partners and working together on state, regional, and national conservation funding initiatives to protect our land and water, our clean air and climate, and more recreation opportunities for all. Come join us and learn how these issues affect your own backyard, including Land and Water Conservation Fund projects across our region that target diverse needs from working forests to urban parks, the Maine Trails Bond, landscape-level restoration funding in the Connecticut River watershed, expanding efforts in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands, and the programs supporting critical maintenance and stewardship work. AMC's track record of bipartisan success in Congress and statehouses is driven by the advocacy of our members, so get informed about how to use your voice for the outdoors!

Trails for All: AMC's Universally Accessible Trail Design, Construction, and Advocacy

Presenter: Rae Ettenger, AMC New England Conservation Policy Specialist
Location: Room 103

Are you passionate about making sure people of all ages and abilities can be outdoors? Join AMC’s trails and policy staff to hear about the process for designing and building universally accessible trails. Let’s work together to advocate for more trails that are accessible for all.

The Appalachian Mountain Club Library & Archives: All the Things

Presenter: Becky Fullerton, AMC Archivist
Location: Room 104

What’s happening in the AMC Library & Archives? To mark twenty years in the role, AMC Archivist Becky Fullerton hosts an open session answering your questions about AMC’s history, how it’s preserved and shared, and the highlights of two decades of historical stewardship for the organization.

Outdoors Connecter Super Users

Presenter: TK
Location: Room 105/106

Adventure and Resilience: Supporting Families Through Cancer with Social Emotional Learning

Presenter: Mason Burke, On Belay Inc.
Location: Room 108/109

Discover how outdoor adventure and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) come together to support kids impacted by a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. Join us to explore how On Belay creates joyous, meaningful experiences that build resilience, foster connection, and inspire hope through activities like rock climbing and surfing. Whether you’re an outdoor educator or passionate about supporting families in challenging times, this session will leave you inspired with tools to make a difference.

Leading Responsibly: Five Mindsets of Emotionally Resilient Leaders

Presenter: Laura Rodriguez, Restoring C.A.R.E.
Location: Room 113

Whether a leader by title or a leader by nature, everyone has a role to play in being the change we want to see in the world. If you are a changemaker ready to more actively embody your values of joy, equity, and inclusion; if you seek to elevate your leadership for meaningful experiences; and if you want to contribute to a more care-centered world, this thought provoking and interactive session is for you.

Light Pollution and its Effect on Birds, Wildlife, and Human Health

Presenter: Craig Repasz, Lights Out Connecticut
Location: Room 114

Light pollution wreaks havoc on our night sky. Artificial light emitted by our homes, buildings, streetlights, bridges, and other structures can confuse and disorient birds and other wildlife. There are nearly one billion bird deaths related to light pollution in North America each year. Light pollution also impacts human health. In fact, the American Medical Association has described light pollution as a carcinogen. Learn what AMC is doing to combat the issue, including facilitating the designation of the Maine Woods as a Dark Sky Park.

Location: Ballroom

Enjoy a hearty lunch with the AMC community, and join CEO and President Nicole Zussman in celebrating this year’s volunteer award winners!

Climate Action in Policy and Practice: The Federal Policy Landscape and AMC's Net Zero by 2050 Goal

Presenter: Amy Lindholm, AMC Director of Federal Affairs & Conservation Funding; Jen Natzyak, AMC Director of Sustainability
Location: Room 101

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) stands as the most transformative climate legislation in U.S. history. With billions of dollars flowing to states, businesses, non-profits, and individual Americans, it is fueling a clean energy revolution—advancing electrification, energy efficiency, renewable energy projects, and modernizing transportation infrastructure. Land conservation plays a vital role as a climate solution, and the Appalachian Mountain Club fought for the inclusion of major forest conservation investment in the IRA. In 2019, AMC aligned with the scientific consensus on global warming and the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations by committing to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Net Zero Strategic Plan share many principles with the IRA, and we’re driving change by enhancing energy efficiency in our buildings and vehicle fleets, transitioning to electrified systems, and scaling up solar energy installations. This engaging session will delve into the sweeping impacts of the IRA, key federal conservation priorities in a changing political climate, and AMC’s progress toward net zero. Join us as we envision what’s next in the fight for a sustainable future—and the pivotal role you can play in shaping it.

AMC's Work in Supporting Indigenous Sovereignty, Land Access, and Land Return Across the Northeast

Presenter: Kristin Peet, AMC Lands Planner
Location: Room 103

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) stands as the most transformative climate legislation in U.S. history. With billions of dollars flowing to states, businesses, non-profits, and individual Americans, it is fueling a clean energy revolution—advancing electrification, energy efficiency, renewable energy projects, and modernizing transportation infrastructure. Land conservation plays a vital role as a climate solution, and the Appalachian Mountain Club fought for the inclusion of major forest conservation investment in the IRA. In 2019, AMC aligned with the scientific consensus on global warming and the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations by committing to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Net Zero Strategic Plan share many principles with the IRA, and we’re driving change by enhancing energy efficiency in our buildings and vehicle fleets, transitioning to electrified systems, and scaling up solar energy installations. This engaging session will delve into the sweeping impacts of the IRA, key federal conservation priorities in a changing political climate, and AMC’s progress toward net zero. Join us as we envision what’s next in the fight for a sustainable future—and the pivotal role you can play in shaping it.

Demonstration

Presenter: TK
Location: Room 104

The Pathway to Becoming a Leader for AMC Adventure Travel

Presenter: Beth Zimmer
Location: Room 105/106

AMC Adventure Travel (AT) offers domestic and international trips throughout the year. Experienced volunteer leaders create, plan, and lead each excursion. In this session by AT Training and Leadership Chair Beth Zimmer, AMC activity volunteers can learn more about the Adventure Travel Program and how to become a leader in this program.

Building Participant Engagement at the Chapter Level

Presenter: Paul Brooks, AMC Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter
Location: Room 108/109

This workshop will provide strategies to increase participant engagement at the chapter level, leading to more leaders, higher retention rates, and a growing membership. You'll learn about making the outdoors fun, “just-right” activities, building the conservation commitment, and creating a welcoming culture. As an exercise you'll craft your personal elevator pitch for joining AMC.

Volunteer Camps and Cabins - AMC's Best Kept Secret

Presenter: Nicky Pizzo, AMC Volunteer Led Camps and Cabins Manager
Location: Room 113

From a remote backcountry cabin to weeklong family camps, the VCCs have something for everyone. Join volunteers from the VCCs and learn how you can join as a guest or be involved as a volunteer.

Tap Into Community Science with iNaturalist

Presenter: Morgan Southgate, AMC Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Location: Room 114

Interested in contributing to the study of how climate change affects mountain plants? Join members of the AMC Research Team for an introduction to iNaturalist, an online community science platform. We’ll explain in detail how to use iNaturalist to create observations of plants and animals, focusing on how to contribute data to the Flowers and Fauna along the Appalachian Trail Corridor project that we use to study plant responses to climate change. We’ll also introduce a set of plant species that are central to our research, many of which you’re likely to see the next time you take a hike anywhere in the region!

Green Minds Think Alike: Strengthening AMC's Conservation Boots on the Ground

Presenter: Scott Redfern, AMC Conservation Committee
Location: Room 101

Join us for an interactive workshop hosted by AMC’s Club-wide Conservation Committee and experience the heart of the CCC’s mission to preserve the natural landscapes we cherish. The workshop will explore ways to recruit, inspire, and sustain conservation volunteers, ensuring their efforts have a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Learn about best practices for member engagement. Share your own success stories during fun brainstorming sessions to expand conservation programs and enhance collaboration with AMC’s volunteer network and external partners. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to conservation efforts, this session will provide opportunities to share your wisdom, gather fresh ideas to energize your programs, and deepen your connection to AMC’s mission.

Gender Inclusiveness in Wilderness Medicine

Presenter: Colleen McHugh, AMC Center for Outdoor Learning & Leadership
Location: Room 103

A medical emergency in the backcountry is stressful for all patients. That stress can be heightened for the gender-diverse community because of the pervasive discrimination in health care. As first responders in remote settings, WFA and WFR practitioners can play a critical role in both establishing an inclusive environment for transgender and nonbinary patients on scene, and as advocates during the transfer of care to emergency medical services. Through best practices, expanded knowledge, and language awareness, wilderness medicine practitioners can contribute to supporting positive patient outcomes and creating an outdoor community where all can belong.

150th Relay Event: Learn More!

Presenter: Mark Zakutansky, AMC Director of Conservation Policy Engagement
Location: Room 104

Join us as we introduce the AMC 150 relay, an epic outdoor adventure celebrating the Appalachian Mountain Club's 150th anniversary in 2026. This unique relay will span a continuous route from Washington, D.C., to our AMC lodges in Maine, engaging AMC trip leaders and communities along the way. Participants will take on biking, hiking, camping, and paddling legs, each led by AMC volunteer trip leaders. We'll explore how AMC leaders can adopt sections of the relay route, and participants will learn more about the public events and celebrations being planned at AMC lodges. This session is a valuable opportunity for leaders to be part of this milestone journey and help connect AMC members and outdoor enthusiasts across the Northeast.

Supercharge Your Environmental Message with Creative Storytelling

Presenter: Jenny O'Connell, AMC Content Developer
Location: Room 106/106

What is the role of storytelling in addressing the most pressing environmental issues of our time? How do you craft a story that inspires people to action? Whatever message you're trying to get across, in this session you'll learn how to put the art of creative writing to use as a powerful tool for engaging your audience. Through a guided exploration of narrative storytelling techniques and creative writing craft, you'll learn how to choose a tight angle, write a compelling hook, establish stakes, appeal to readers' humanity through character, and drop your reader bodily into a story using sensory description. This is an interactive seminar with a listening exercise, discussion, slides, and writing prompts. Please bring a notebook and pen!

Creating Unforgettable Family Adventures: Lessons from Forest Schools

Presenter: Roger Horton, AMC New York-New Jersey Chapter
Location: Room 108/109

Do you remember the feeling of exploring a nearby meadow or forest as a child? The focus of this interactive session is encouraging children’s curiosity and exploration. This is about being in the outdoors, not as a physical challenge, not as a science lesson, and not as an adult-directed activity. Informed by Forest Schools that encourage imagination and deep engagement with the outdoors, this approach can inform your AMC family hike or camping trip.

Critical Landscapes for People and the Outdoors

Presenter: Heather Clish, AMC VP of Conservation & Recreation Advocacy
Location: Room 113

Come learn about what makes the core critical landscapes of AMC's so important for people and the outdoors, our role as an AMC community, and how you can get involved in protection and enjoyment of these areas.

In Your Neighborhood: The Joy of Local Activities

Presenter: Lisa Schott, AMC Leadership Training Manager
Location: Room 114

Let’s face it: Major wilderness adventures don't always fit into our day-to-day lives. This roundtable discussion will explore ideas and tips for local activities to get you outdoors with like-minded folks a bit closer to home.

Nature & Economy Go Hand in Hand: State Offices of Outdoor Recreation & AMC

Presenter: Eliza Townsend, AMC Maine Conservation Policy Director
Location: Room 101

The outdoor recreation economy grew three times faster in 2021 than the U.S. economy as a whole. As more states invest in the health of their residents, we’re seeing more State Offices of Outdoor Recreation being created. In AMC’s region four states have taken steps to help grow their outdoor recreation industry and protect recreation resources while building awareness of conservation priorities along the way. Join AMC’s conservation staff and invited guests as they discuss the growing number of State Offices of Outdoor Recreation across AMC’s region and how best we can utilize these resources to further AMC’s conservation mission.

20s-30s Panel

Presenter: Chantal Roche, AMC Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion
Location: Room 103

A cross-chapter gathering for members of AMC’s 20s and 30s Committees.

Bikepacking: Learn About This Exciting Form of Bicycle Touring

Presenter: Karen Mackin, AMC Worcester Chapter
Location: Room 104

In this session you will learn some of the unique requirements for off-pavement bicycle touring (aka bikepacking). We’ll talk about choosing a bike for your adventure and discuss essential gear, as well as cover how to strap it all on your bike. Additionally, you will receive information on where to find established routes and resources that will help you plan your own adventure on two wheels. Throughout the session you’ll hear a few stories from previous AMC bikepacking adventures.

AMC Tech Roadmap

Presenter: Crystal Mandler, AMC VP of Technology
Location: Room 105/106

Learn about what’s coming down the pike in terms of tech improvements for AMC.

Experience the Connecticut River

Presenter: Mark Zakutansky, AMC Director of Conservation Policy Engagement
Location: Room 108/109

We will chat about everything the Connecticut River has to offer for paddlers of all experience levels. Whether you’re out for a day or paddling from source to sea, join this session to plan your next adventure.

What Would You Do?: Real Life Scenarios from the Outdoors

Presenter: Crystal Williams, Gregory Kanhai
Location: Room 113

We will have a panel of people with lived experience who have encountered difficult situations during outdoors activities, and we'll ask you to roleplay how you would help them through it. This session will be interactive, challenging, and worth it. Bring your brave self and be willing to dive deep!

Mountain Medicine & Rescue: Navigating the Latest Trends

Presenter: Dr. Thomas Trimarco
Location: Room 114

An attending emergency department physician, Dr. Trimarco is the emergency medical services director for Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.—the North Country’s only level 1 trauma center. He also serves as the medical director for the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team and, since 2018, as AMC’s medical advisor.

Location: TBD

Unwind from a full day of learning with drinks and light refreshments. Toast the AMC community for another Summit on the books!