2026 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Main Conference: Tuesday October 20 - Thursday, October 22, 2026

Preconference: Monday October 19 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026

*Schedule subject to change.

Tim Barker

Tim serves as the Director of Operations & Safety at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. He helped build a strategic partnership between Outward Bound Costa Rica and HIOBS, co-founded the Sundog Outdoor Leadership Initiative, and serves on the Colorado College’s Ritt Kellogg Memorial Fund Advisory Committee. With a background in outdoor education and commercial boat operations, Tim is passionate about transformative learning in remote environments.

Company The Hurricane Island Outward Bound School
Position Director of Operations & Safety
Location Maine

Jenn Layman

Jenn Layman brings over 20 years of youth development, conservation, and partnership experience to the role of Chief Partnership & Strategy Office at American Conservation Experience (ACE). She is passionate about systematically dismantling barriers to participation and enjoyment of the outdoors while also building inclusive and safe outdoor programming for youth and young adults. Outside of work, Jenn enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking with her family; volunteers with several environmental and youth-focused organizations; and is never without a good book or three.

Company American Conservation Experience
Position Chief Partnership & Strategy Officer
Location Pittsburgh, PA

JM

Jason Martin

Company American Alpine Institute
Position Director of Operations
Location Bellingham, WA

Keshet Miller

Company NOLS
Position WRMC Manager

Michael Nesbitt

Mike is an owner of Naturalists at Large and has worked in outdoor education for over 25 years. With a background in adventure education and natural history, he has spent his career with Naturalists at Large, contributing in roles ranging from field instruction and program development to operations and organizational leadership. Over time, his role has evolved to include more of the business and operational side of the work. He enjoys solving practical problems and exploring tools that improve operations, communication, preparedness, and overall program experience.

Company Naturalists at Large
Position Owner/Managing Director
Location Ventura, California