Finding My Tribe: THE POMA 2025 Conference
As I write this, it’s August 26th. Just over two months ago—June 23rd through 25th—we packed our bags and headed to Maumee Bay, Ohio, for the 19th Annual Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference. It’s where creators, writers, and photographers of outdoor media from across the country gather once a year to test the latest gear, sharpen their skills, and capture content that tells stories worth sharing.
This wasn’t just a meetup. It was three days of hands-on, high-energy, heart-filling experience. And while every moment had its magic, I’m going to walk you through the parts that hit me the hardest.
Oh—and full disclosure: I was recently voted onto the POMA Board. But this write-up isn’t sponsored. I’m writing this because more creatives, brands, and passionate outdoorspeople should know the value of joining an organization like this. Alright, let’s rewind to Day One.
Day One: Camp Perry & Lakefront Firepower
We started off at Camp Perry in Port Clinton. This place is a shooter’s playground—rifle and pistol ranges with electronic targets, airgun ranges, and Lake Erie literally stretching behind the back berms. No exaggeration: RSOs would pause us mid-session as boats cruised behind our targets. Where else can you shoot precision drills while having the locals force a complete stop for cruising behind the berm in water? I was busy doing some video while Breezy moved around and took pictures. In addition to all the fun stuff we got to do and experience, we also got to experience Ohio on potentially the hottest day of the year. Lol, but seriously, this day was unbelievably hot.
We moved from firepower to flavor at Magee Marsh for dinner. Let me be clear: Magee Marsh isn’t just a meal spot—it’s an experience. The architecture, the preserved history, the vibe—it set the tone. The tacos were fire, as was the fried fish… and that was just Day One.
Day Two: The GUN-try Club
Day Two brought the conference to life. We started with the product showcase—rows of new gear, brands eager to connect, and conversations about creativity and how it can be applied were heard throughout the hall. You could feel the energy shift as people got their hands on new tech and started thinking up ways to bring it to their audiences. Most of the brands had tchotchkes of some sort. My favorite were the hats from Sellmark.
Then came the field trip to Lake Erie Arms. Let me put it this way: If Topgolf and a luxury hunting lodge had a baby, this would be it.
They call it a GUN-try Club—and that description is spot on. Indoor skeet shooting with game modes, low-light shooting lanes lit by glowing clays, and a lounge area that looks like something out of a cigar magazine. Amenities? Damn right…
The Caliber Club restaurant and bar
Two floors of VIP lounges
Sauna and steam rooms
A members-only humidor
Laser engraving, cerakote, gunsmithing
Even a public vault room (yes, a vault)
This was hands-down the most impressive indoor facility I’ve ever visited. I even ate a scorpion at dinner—yep, they serve that too, but I did so because my name gets placed on a wall for doing so. It’s not nearly as bad as it sounds, and not something you find at your local range. After all that, we returned to Maumee Bay for cocktails, networking, and a live auction.
Day Three: Sunrise on the Water & Final Salutes
I chose the Walleye Fishing charter for Day Three, which meant a 4:45 AM wake-up call. Coffee in hand, we were on the bus by 5:30 AM. Our group of five had slow fishing, but I did catch my first walleye—even if he was too small to keep. Meanwhile, other charters were pulling in fish left and right. That's the thing about the outdoors—you can't control it, but you sure can appreciate the ride. The scenery on the way out looked like a typical fishing town, but different. It was as flat as the eye can see. We could literally see Detroit from where we were positioned.
Other folks opted for kayaking tours, island trips, or fish hatchery visits. By noon, we were back at the Lodge for the Pinnacle Awards, watching seasoned veterans get recognized for their work and contributions. That’s the kind of recognition you work toward. The only downer? Dinner was a letdown—think 1990s banquet hall food. But if that’s the only complaint after three jam-packed days, I’ll take it.
The Takeaway: Get Plugged In
If you're in media and love the outdoors, consider connecting with organizations like POMA. Seriously. This isn't just a gathering—it’s a tribe. A space where you can sit shoulder to shoulder with people who are ready to pass the torch. A place where you’ll hear folks nerd out over gear, tech, and policy—stuff that shapes our access to the land and lifestyle we love.
Being in my 40s, I feel the shift happening. Life’s slowing down in the best way possible—making space for fishing, hiking, hunting, and being where the Wi-Fi isn’t. Organizations like POMA help you live deeper, not just louder.
So whether you're a creator, a brand, or just someone craving more outdoor connection—find your tribe. And live the life that’s waiting just off the beaten path. (To hear more stories, visit our podcast… Off the Beaten Path) Yes… This is my shameless plug.
About Cush
I love everything outdoors. I grew up in South Florida near the beach, as a city kid, that was our sense of the outdoors. With my newfound faith and fitness journey, I’m discovering the outdoors for an enriching life while experiencing nature. I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing professional, 2A advocate, Husband, and a father of 3.
Connect with me @Amazoncush
