Annual Summit

Location: Outside the Tiffany Ballroom

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

Location: Tiffany 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

This workshop will provide practical tools and frameworks to foster a more inclusive outdoor community. Through facilitated discussion and personal reflection, participants will explore the "Stages of Belonging" model, gain a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers to inclusion, and explore strategies for overcoming them. Learn more about your specific role in the community and how to "pack your bag" for success. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a better understanding of their strengths and skills and how to use them to foster belonging and inclusion in their communities.

Outdoors Connector Demo

Presenter: Justin Bailey, AMC Senior Volunteer Manager
Location: Room 104

The AMC has officially replaced the Activities Database with the Outdoors Connector! Come see what our new tool has to offer.

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

Presenter: Scott Redfern, AMC Conservation Committee
Location: Room 105/106

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.

Going All Out about AMC's Action Plan

Presenter: Nicole Zussman, CEO and President; Jennifer Norris, Chief Development Officer; Pamela Brown, Director of Communications
Location: Room 108/109

Join President & CEO Nicole Zussman for a presentation about All Out, AMC's action 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 Connector 201: Advanced Features and Functions

Presenter: Justin Bailey, AMC Senior Volunteer Manager &  Ben Vaccaro, AMC Technical Product Manager
Location: Room 105/106

Join us for a showcase and walk-through of some of the newer 'advanced' features included in the recent launch of AMC's Outdoors Connector activity management and outdoor leadership platform. Intended for volunteers, participants, and any community members interested in leading outdoor activities--this session will focus on a live demo and discussion around how roster management, reporting, and online payment processing functionality (and more!) work in the new system.

Tap Into Community Science with iNaturalist

Presenter: Morgan Southgate, AMC Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Location: Room 108/109

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!

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.

Bikepacking: Learn About This Exciting Form of Bicycle Touring

Presenter: Karen Mackin, AMC Worcester Chapter
Location: Room 114

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.

Location: Tiffany Ballroom

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

Critical Landscapes for People and the Outdoors

Presenter: Heather Clish, AMC VP of Conservation & Recreation Advocacy
Location: Room 101

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.

Gender Inclusiveness in Wilderness Medicine

Presenter: Colleen McHugh, Senior Manager, 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.

AMC 150 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.

The Pathway to Becoming a Leader for AMC Adventure Travel

Presenter: Beth Zimmer, AMC Adventure Travel Training and Leadership Chair
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, Past Chapter Chair, 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.

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

Presenter: Mason Burke, On Belay Inc.
Location: Room 114

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.

Chapter Chair Orientation

Presenter: Meighan Matthews, AMC Volunteer Relations Manager
Location: Room 115

This session will cover the resources AMC has to help you with stepping on as a new Chapter Executive Committee member. From AMC’s overall structure, to finding resources on Sharepoint, to how your volunteer relations manager and other staff can help you fulfill your Chapter’s goals, we hope to make the transition into this role as smooth as possible by outlining the support available.

AMC Properties of the Future

Presenter: Helmut Ruekert, AMC VP of Lodging and Hospitality
Location: Room 101

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.

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

Presenter: Kristin Peet, AMC Land Department Planner
Location: Room 103

Learn how AMC is fostering relationships with the Indigenous communities across our region and how we are executing that work in a tangible way. Examples include an Indigenous site survey of the New England Scenic Trail, working on policy guidance to uphold Indigenous sovereignty, a significant land return in Maine, a gear library with the Pequot Nation in Connecticut, cultural use permits in the Maine Woods Initiative with the Wabanaki, and various relicensing and conservation partnerships with multiple tribes in the region.

Outdoors Connector Roadmap

Presenter: Desiree Dugas, AMC Senior Technical Project Manager &  Ben Vaccaro, AMC Technical Product Manager
Location: Room 104

What's in the fast follow and what does the timeline look like for the Outdoors Connector? With your help, we launched the Outdoors Connector activities platform in January 2025. This session will review how we will prioritize, plan, and roll-out the next set of system enhancements and continuous feature improvements.

Supercharge Your Environmental Message with Creative Storytelling

Presenter: Jenny O'Connell, AMC Content Developer
Location: Room 105/106

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, Hike Leader & Webmaster, 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.

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 113

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.

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.

20s-30s Panel

Presenter: Luke Chapdelaine, Zenya Molnar, Corey Mott, Jamie Cullinane & Kate Benson, AMC Volunteers
Location: Room 103

Join representatives from the 20s & 30s affinity group across four AMC chapters for a panel discussion on all things 20s & 30s! The panel will feature a discussion with 20s & 30s chairs, leaders, and past chairs from the Boston, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Worcester Chapters about how we build an inclusive outdoors community and what we are doing to expand the program. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the AMC 20s & 30s group is welcome to join the session-- whether you are looking to join our activities or would like to discover how to expand this affinity group in your chapter!

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

Presenter: Craig Repasz, Lights Out Connecticut
Location: Room 104

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.

AMC Technology Roadmap

Presenter: Crystal Mandler, AMC VP of Technology & Joe Wodjula, AMC Director of Enterprise Applications
Location: Room 105/106

What’s coming in 2025 – 2027? AMC is at the beginning of an exciting journey to transform, modernize, and scale our technology to better serve the needs of our volunteers, members, staff, guests, and other constituents. Come learn what’s on our roadmap for 2025 and beyond.

Experience the Connecticut River

Presenter: Joe Roman, AMC Backcountry Resource Manager
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, AMC Volunteers
Location: Room 113

We’ll be exploring challenging interpersonal and logistical situations that have come up during outdoor activities. You’ll get to role-play scenarios and help others navigate through these tough times. It’s going to be a fun and challenging experience, so come prepared to be brave and dive deep into the role-plays.

Joy In the Outdoors: Zine Writing Workshop

Presenter: Celia Binder, AMC Training Coordinator for the Center for Outdoor Leadership & Learning
Location: Room 115

In this workshop participants will learn about and create a zine: a self-published, non-commercial booklet made from a single page of paper! Picture creating a tiny, DIY book. The zine will be a reflection on the joys you find outdoors. We will show step-by-step how to make a zine and share what we make in small groups. No artistic skills required.

Location: TBD

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