Niagara AGLOW: Niagara Falls USA to host 2026 Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers annual conference

Outdoor communicators from across US & Canada will experience Niagara County’s world-class fisheries, outdoor recreation & attractions

Destination Niagara USA press release & photo

Destination Niagara USA is pleased to announce that Niagara Falls USA will host the 2027 annual conference of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) from Oct. 11-15. The conference will bring approximately 125 outdoor communicators from across the U.S. and Canada to Niagara County for several days of professional programming, destination exploration and outdoor experiences.

Conference meetings and sessions will be hosted at the Niagara Crossing Hotel, while offsite activities will showcase the region’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Planned experiences include tours of Niagara Falls State Park and Old Fort Niagara, along with fishing excursions on Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.

Attendees will also have opportunities to experience the area’s attractions, hospitality and culinary offerings.

“We will have about 125 of the best outdoor communicators in the world attending our conference at the Niagara Crossing Hotel in Lewiston, New York,” said Kevin Paulson, executive director of AGLOW. “These individuals come from all over the United States and Canada and primarily write about fishing, hunting and the outdoors across the country. We chose Niagara for our annual conference because of the quality of fishing on the Niagara River and the big lakes.”

The conference presents an opportunity to introduce influential outdoor writers, broadcasters, photographers and other communicators to the natural assets that distinguish Niagara County as an outdoor recreation destination. Their coverage has the potential to inspire future visitation and raise awareness of the region’s fishing, waterways, parks and outdoor adventures.

“Hosting the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Conference in Niagara Falls is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the incredible outdoor recreation experiences that make our destination unique,” said Frank Campbell, director of outdoor promotions for Destination Niagara USA. “Fishing is a significant part of Niagara County’s tourism economy, generating an estimated $58.55 million in annual visitor spending. Bringing outdoor writers from across the country to Niagara County allows us to put our world-class fishing, waterways, parks and outdoor adventures directly in front of the people who tell these stories to millions of potential travelers. We look forward to welcoming AGLOW members and giving them an authentic experience of all that Niagara County has to offer.”

Niagara County offers access to three renowned fisheries: Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. From world-class freshwater fishing to scenic waterfronts, state parks and historic sites, the region provides a wide range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

“Most places are lucky to have one world-class fishery. The Niagara Falls area has three right in its backyard: Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. Add in plenty of good places to stay and eat, and it’s easy to see why we’re excited to bring our conference to Lewiston this year,” said incoming AGLOW President Joe Henry. “Frank Campbell, director of outdoor promotions with Destination Niagara USA, has done a great job putting the Niagara Falls area on the map as a sportfishing destination. AGLOW members from across the U.S. and Canada know its reputation, and they’ve been looking forward to this conference for a long time.”

The 2026 AGLOW Conference is expected to generate meaningful economic benefits for Niagara County, supporting local hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses. Beyond its immediate economic contribution, the conference also provides an opportunity to showcase Niagara Falls USA and Niagara County to outdoor enthusiasts across North America, with the potential to inspire future visitation through editorial coverage, social media and other storytelling.

The mission of Destination Niagara USA is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara Falls USA communities by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsusa.com.