The Happy Camper: It’s Show Time

February 29, 2016

Head to one of these locations to catch Kevin Callan's spring speaking tour:

Credit: Kevin Callan

It’s that time of the year again.

Outdoors shows and adventure travel symposiums are popping up everywhere. They’re gathering places for outdoor companies to show-off their latest and greatest gear, and people to wander past ShamWow demonstrations and taste samples of dried meats, all in hopes of getting enthused about heading back into the woods for another season.

I call them Star Trek Conventions for Canoeists. Except the attendees are wearing Tilley hats and various shades of camouflage rather than dressing up as Spock. I’ve been attending and speaking at the majority of them for close to 30 years. The camp gear has changed, but the people haven’t. They’re like-minded outdoorsy types walking around in a dreamlike state, just waiting for the ice to melt off the lakes. They’re a great bunch to hang around and chat with and I’m looking forward to another few months of presenting at them.

Here is my speaking tour schedule so far. Hope to see you at one of these shows:

Quiet Water Symposium (East Lansing, Michigan)

March 4 to 6

http://www.quietwatersymposium.org/

Canoecopia (Madison, Wisconsin)

March 11 to 13

http://www.canoecopia.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001

Ottawa Outdoor Show

March 18 to 20

http://www.adventureottawa.ca/

Trailhead Kingston

March 24