(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 03, 2012 ) CODY, Wyo.- The Dude Ranchers Association is preparing for the 86th Annual Dude Ranchers Association Convention. This cornerstone event of the dude ranching community will be held January 18-22, 2012 at Holiday Inn in Cody, Wyoming. Cody is home to the Dude RanchersÂ’ Educational Trust and Heritage Center.
The first Dude Ranchers Association Convention was held in 1926 with railroad and national park officials joining ranchers in attendance. Over 100 current member ranches and 150 associate members have been invited to attend this year. The 2012 Convention will will include discussions and topics affecting the dude ranch industry ranging from horse safety and education to marketing strategies and websites. Roundtable discussions will be hosted by Nancy Harrison from Adventure Media, Peter Askew of DudeRanch.com, Amanda Esch of Davis & Cannon, LLP, and Epic Processing.
This yearÂ’s guest speakers will be Kirk Weisler, former US Army Ranger and current Chief Morale Officer of the support industry, Patricia McCauley, President of InsideOut Solutions, Nancy Schretter, award-winning travel writer and Managing Editor of The Family Travel Network, and Dr. Ruth Sorenson an experienced wrangler and equine veterinarian who established the Equine Learning Center of America, LLC. More information about each speaker can be found on the Dude Ranchers AssociationÂ’s website at http://www.duderanch.org/our-convention.php. On January 18th, ranchers will have the opportunity to participate in a Horse Safety and Adaptive First Aid for the Trail program.
Just like on the ranch thereÂ’s fun mixed in with the work. During the evenings, convention-goers will enjoy a Hawaiian luau, Wild West night, DRA Hall of Fame presentation, Educational Trust Auction and dinner, and PresidentÂ’s Banquet at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Over two dozen vendors will be showcasing products and promotions from jewelry and apparel to insurance and photography throughout the convention.
The Dude RanchersÂ’ Educational Trust was started in 1988 by Mark and Amy Grubbs, former co-executive directors of the DRA and dude ranch owners. Funds from the trust are used to provide scholarships for students interested in pursuing degrees related to the dude ranching industry. In 2002 the Heritage Center was opened in Cody thanks to the efforts of DRA board members Sarah Stevenson and Russell True. The Heritage Center is an extension of the trust and furthers its mission of preserving and sharing the history of western dude ranching.
To learn more about the 2012 Dude Ranchers Association Convention or to register visit http://www.duderanch.org/our-convention.php or contact Dude Ranchers Association Executive Director Colleen Hodson at Colleen@duderanch.org.
Dude Ranchers Association
CONTACT: Colleen Hodson
TEL: 1-866-399-2339
EMAIL: Colleen@duderanch.org
WEB: www.duderanch.org
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