2017 AMERICAN TRAILS INTERNATIONAL TRAILS SYMPOSIUM

-  of events will take place at the Dayton Convention Center. Online registration is expected to be available in the fall of  Professional TrailBuilders Association’s (PTBA) Sustainable Trails Workshop Series, Legacy Trail, Technical Track, and Outdoor Trade Show. The Symposium includes numer- ous educational sessions covering the broad range of trail issues; nationally and internationally prominent speakers; a state-of-the-art exhibit hall; informative and interactive mobile workshops; and much more. This will be an inspir- ing and educational conference as we come together as a trails community. We look forward to also partnering with the following

organizations:

• City of Dayton • Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Five Rivers MetroParks • Greene County Parks & Trails • Miami Conservancy District • Miami County Parks District • Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission • Ohio Department of Natural Resources

We also thank our major partners of the Symposium that include the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Ser- vice, and the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration.

Theme and Call for Presentations

 Connecting People, Places, and Possibilities.” Because Dayton is where the Wright brothers developed their pioneering aviation designs, of course we think of that great advance in transportation that opened up the skies.   just getting people from place to place. Trails are also the most intimate way to see nature’s hidden treasures and the easiest way to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles. The Call for Presentations is expected to be available in September. To help us develop an exciting and motivating program for the Symposium, we invite you to submit ideas for presentations in support of the Symposium’s theme. Attendees can also earn Continuing Education Units for completing many of the Symposium sessions. Additional  this year.

TRAILS TAKE FLIGHT: CONNECTING PEOPLE, PLACES, AND POSSIBILITIES A

The Professional TrailBuilders Association is again partnering with American Trails to present the Sustainable Trails Workshop Series. These hands-on workshops focus on the important skills and techniques involved in the sus- tainable design, planning, construction, and maintenance of trails for all types of users in all types of environments.

Opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors The Symposium will also feature an exhibit hall, which

is a great opportunity to view the latest in trails technology, equipment, planning, and programs. Learn about exhibi- tors’ products along the indoor trails and greenways sys- tem and talk with experts in trail construction and design. Attendees can also take part in the Outdoor Trade Show that will be held adjacent to the convention center and fea- tures trail building tools, technology, and techniques. This outdoor demonstration area will enable attendees to try various machines and equipment— and play in the dirt! Exhibitors receive discounts for early commitments and get to choose their booth location in the order their contract and payment is received!

2017 American Trails Awards

Every two years American Trails presents the National  tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals, and other leaders who are working for the betterment of trails both nationally and internationally in both rural and urban settings. The awards also recognize the contractors, corpo- rations, advocates, media, communities, and developers who are working to create healthier communities and more accessible public lands.

Awards Program, including the nomination packet, will be available soon. View the winners of the 2015 National & www.AmericanTrails.org/ awards/portland.

View the most current International Trails Symposium news: www.AmericanTrails.org/2017 8 SUMMER 2016 AmericanTrails.org