2026 Winter Rendezvous Seminars and Speakers
March 26–29, 2026
Tailwater Lodge | Altmar, NY
NYS DEC Hatchery Operations – Salmon River & Statewide Improvements
Friday, 3/27 – 10:30–11:30am
Presented by: Geofrey Eckerlin, NYSDEC Assistant Superintendent of Fish Culture, with Thomas Kielbasinski, NYSDEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery Manager.
Get an inside look into the daily operations at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery—DEC’s largest hatchery—along with its goals, impacts, and challenges. This session will also highlight DEC’s $100 million fish hatchery capital improvement plan and explain how these investments will benefit anglers and licensed fishing guides statewide.
About Geof Eckerlin: Geof serves as Assistant Superintendent of Fish Culture for the NYS Hatchery System, supporting a staff of 80 across the state. Since 2011, he has helped ensure the delivery of healthy fish into New York waters while balancing a life filled with family, outdoor pursuits, and hands-on stewardship.
About Tom Kielbasinski: A 35-year veteran of NYS Fisheries, Tom has participated in hundreds of egg collections statewide and has managed the Salmon River Fish Hatchery since 2015. He oversees the production of Chinook, Coho, Steelhead, and Brown Trout stocked into Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
Staying Rooted in the Field: Self-Care & Burnout Prevention for Outdoor Guides
Friday, 3/27 – 1:00–2:00pm
Presented by: Audrey Costa, LAC, NCC, Certified Nature-Informed Therapist & NYS Licensed Hiking and Camping Guide
This experiential workshop offers field-tested strategies to help outdoor guides manage stress, prevent burnout, and stay regulated in high-demand environments. Topics include nervous system regulation, nutrition and hydration for decision-making, de-escalation techniques, and sustainable self-care practices using an adapted 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework.
About Audrey Costa: Audrey blends lived experience with professional expertise in mental health counseling, peer recovery, wellness, and nutrition coaching. She is deeply committed to helping guides and outdoor professionals sustain long, healthy careers.
Marketing Like a Human in an AI-Obsessed World
Friday, 3/27 – 2:15–3:15pm (LIVE VIRTUAL)
Presented by: Paul Wingfield, Founder – Outfitter Marketing Pros
This practical session shows guides and outfitters how to use AI for efficiency—without losing authenticity. Learn a simple omnichannel framework covering organic social, SEO, Google Ads, and retargeting, while keeping humans in charge of voice, trust, and conversions.
About Paul Wingfield: Paul founded Outfitter Marketing Pros to help outfitters and tour operators build consistent, booked calendars while preserving what makes their businesses unique.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Trip Pricing
Friday, 3/27 – 3:30–4:30pm (LIVE VIRTUAL)
Presented by: Zebulon “Zeb” Smith, Founder – Zebulon LLC
This session breaks down pricing models for guides, focusing on Needs-Based Pricing versus traditional cost-plus approaches. Learn how thoughtful pricing supports sustainability, better pay, and long-term profitability while navigating inflation and market pressures.
About Zeb Smith: Zeb is a CPA, speaker, and industry thought leader who helps outdoor businesses grow healthier bottom lines through smarter financial strategy.
Marketing & Operations Roundtable
Saturday, 3/28 – 9:00–10:15am
Presented by: Scott Locorini, NYSOGA President, with Jamie Arnold, NYSOGA Region 7 Director
This interactive roundtable invites guides and aspiring guides to discuss real-world operations and marketing challenges—from insurance and waivers to websites, social media, advertising, and SEO. Bring your questions, ideas, and solutions.
About the Facilitators: Scott Locorini brings decades of experience owning and operating guiding businesses worldwide. Jamie Arnold is a professional guide and owner of Outdoor Opportunities Guide Service with over 30 years in the field.
Crisis & Risk Planning for Guides
Saturday, 3/28 – 10:30am–12:00pm
Presented by: Margaret Kelso, Risk Management Director – Cornerstone Safety Group
This guide-centered session provides a practical crisis response framework—Plan, Brief, Respond, Recover. Participants will build a one-page Trip Risk Plan and walk through realistic scenarios designed to improve communication, delegation, and recovery.
About Margaret Kelso: Margaret brings extensive experience in wilderness risk management, experiential education, and outdoor program leadership, serving nationally in accreditation and best-practice roles.
NYSDEC – Improving and Expanding Access to Public Lands
Saturday, 3/28 – 12:50–1:40pm (Luncheon)
Presented by: Laura DiBetta, Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation – NYSDEC
Laura will discuss opportunities and challenges on DEC lands and waters, statewide initiatives connecting people with the outdoors, and how licensed guides can benefit from and support these efforts.
About Laura DiBetta: Laura leads major statewide outdoor initiatives including I BIRD NY, First Day Hikes, and Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, bringing a big-picture vision that directly impacts guides and outfitters.