Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: May 31, 2026

America Outdoors Association (AOA) | https://www.americaoutdoors.org | P.O. Box 10847, Knoxville, TN 37939 | 865-558-3595

1. Introduction & Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the America Outdoors Association (AOA). By accessing or using our website at https://www.americaoutdoors.org, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and all applicable laws and regulations. AOA is a nonprofit trade association incorporated under applicable state and federal law, representing commercial outfitters, guide companies, adventure travel operators, and outdoor educators across the United States. These Terms govern your use of our website, your membership with AOA, participation in AOA events and programs, and your access to resources and communications we provide. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services. AOA reserves the right to update these Terms at any time; continued use of the website or maintenance of AOA membership following notice of any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Membership Terms & Eligibility
Membership in AOA is open to businesses and individuals that operate as commercial outfitters, guide services, adventure travel operators, outdoor educators, or related industry service providers, as well as affiliate and associate members who support the commercial outdoor recreation industry. AOA membership is subject to approval by AOA staff and, in certain cases, the AOA Board of Directors. AOA reserves the right to approve, deny, or decline to renew any membership application at its discretion, consistent with AOA’s bylaws and membership policies.

Members are independent businesses and do not act as agents, employees, partners, or representatives of AOA. Membership in AOA does not constitute an endorsement by AOA of any member’s specific business practices, services, or qualifications. AOA membership is non-transferable. Upon resignation, non-renewal, or revocation of membership, all rights to use AOA member designations, seals, logos, and member-only resources shall immediately cease.

3. Membership Dues & Fees
AOA membership dues are established or affirmed annually by the AOA Board of Directors and are based on membership category and, where applicable, business revenue or size. Dues are invoiced on an annual basis and are payable upon receipt of invoice. Failure to pay dues within 60 days of the invoice date may result in suspension of member benefits and, after 90 days, termination of membership.

Event registration fees, conference fees, sponsorship fees, and other program costs are separate from membership dues and are payable at the time of registration unless otherwise specified. All fees are stated in U.S. dollars. AOA processes payments through secure third-party payment processors and does not retain credit card information. AOA reserves the right to adjust its fee schedules with reasonable advance notice.

4. Event Registration, Changes & Cancellations
Registration for AOA conferences, webinars, workshops, and other events must be completed through the official AOA website or by written request to AOA’s office. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of full payment unless a payment arrangement has been expressly agreed upon in writing.

Cancellations submitted more than 30 days before a scheduled event will receive a full refund, less any applicable processing fees. Cancellations submitted within 30 days of the event date are non-refundable; however, registrations may be transferred to another representative of the same organization upon written notice to AOA. No-shows are not eligible for refunds. AOA reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule events due to circumstances beyond its control, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, venue unavailability, safety concerns, or insufficient enrollment. In such cases, registered participants will receive a full refund or a credit toward a future event at their option.

Requests to change event registrations or membership categories must be submitted in writing to AOA’s office. Changes requested more than 30 days in advance will be accommodated at no charge where operationally possible. Changes requested within 30 days of an event may be subject to an administrative fee. AOA reserves the right to modify event schedules, speakers, formats, or agendas and will provide reasonable advance notice of any significant changes.

5. Member Conduct & Code of Ethics
AOA members and event participants are expected to conduct themselves with the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, and respect in all dealings with AOA, fellow members, federal and state agency personnel, Congressional staff, the public, and the broader outdoor recreation community. Members must provide accurate and complete information to AOA at the time of membership application and promptly update AOA of any material changes to their business status, permits, or operations.

AOA prohibits discriminatory, harassing, threatening, or fraudulent conduct by members or event participants toward any person. AOA reserves the right to remove any individual from an event, suspend member benefits, or revoke membership for conduct that violates this code, AOA’s bylaws, or any applicable law. Members are independently responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to their businesses, including all required operating permits, licenses, and land management authorizations.

6. Website Use & Acceptable Use Policy
The AOA website at https://www.americaoutdoors.org is provided for informational and organizational purposes, including but not limited to membership information, policy resources, event registration, advocacy updates, and industry news. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the website for lawful purposes consistent with these Terms.

You agree not to: (a) use the website for any unlawful purpose; (b) attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the website, member database, or AOA systems; (c) use automated tools to scrape, harvest, or collect data from the website without AOA’s prior written consent; (d) transmit spam, malware, or other harmful content through any website feature; (e) misrepresent your identity or affiliation with AOA; or (f) use AOA’s member directory for commercial solicitation purposes unrelated to the outdoor recreation industry or AOA’s mission. AOA reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the website for any user who violates these provisions.

7. Disclaimer — No Legal, Regulatory, or Professional Advice
The content published on the AOA website, including legislative summaries, regulatory updates, policy analyses, agency guidance documents, and industry resources, is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, regulatory compliance guidance, or professional advice of any kind. AOA is a trade association, not a law firm, and no information provided through this website, in AOA publications, or through AOA communications creates an attorney-client relationship.

Members and website users are strongly encouraged to consult qualified legal counsel or other appropriate professionals regarding any specific legal, regulatory, permitting, or compliance questions relevant to their individual business operations. AOA makes reasonable efforts to ensure that information published on the website is accurate and current, but cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information, particularly given the dynamic nature of federal land management policy and legislative developments. AOA expressly disclaims liability for any action taken or not taken in reliance on content published on this website.

8. Intellectual Property & Trademark Use
All content on the AOA website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, photographs, data compilations, policy documents, and publications, is the property of AOA or its content providers and is protected by United States copyright law. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, transmit, or republish any content from the AOA website for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of AOA.

The name “America Outdoors Association,” the acronym “AOA,” and all related logos, marks, and member seals are trademarks and service marks of AOA. Current AOA members may use the AOA member mark in accordance with AOA’s current member branding guidelines. Use of AOA’s name, marks, or logos in any way that implies AOA endorsement of a specific product, service, political position, or business practice — without AOA’s prior written authorization — is expressly prohibited. Former members may not continue to use AOA member marks or represent active AOA membership after their membership has lapsed, been revoked, or terminated.

9. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, AOA, its officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, and volunteers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from: (a) your use of, or inability to use, the AOA website; (b) any errors or omissions in website content; (c) your participation in any AOA event, program, or activity; (d) the acts or omissions of any AOA member organization or its personnel; or (e) unauthorized access to or alteration of your transmissions or data.

AOA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or suitability of any information on this website for any particular purpose. AOA is not liable for any reliance placed on such information by you or any third party. AOA’s total liability for any claim arising under these Terms shall not exceed the amount paid by the claimant to AOA in membership dues or event fees in the twelve months preceding the claim. Nothing in these Terms shall limit AOA’s liability for fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct, or in any other manner that cannot lawfully be limited.

10. Member Insurance Obligations
AOA member organizations are independent businesses solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all insurance coverage required by their operating permits, land management authorizations, state licensing requirements, and sound business practice. This includes but is not limited to commercial general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, auto liability, and workers’ compensation coverage as applicable. AOA membership does not provide, supplement, or substitute for any insurance coverage required of member organizations.

AOA makes no representations regarding the adequacy of any particular insurance policy and is not responsible for any losses that a member sustains in connection with their operations. For individuals traveling to AOA-sponsored events and conferences, AOA strongly encourages obtaining travel insurance covering trip cancellation, interruption, and medical emergencies. AOA’s liability to event attendees is limited as set forth in Section 9 of these Terms.

11. Third-Party Links & Member Directory
The AOA website may contain links to third-party websites, including federal agency portals, Congressional resources, state association websites, and industry partners. These links are provided for convenience only. AOA does not endorse, control, or take responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or accuracy of any third-party website. Accessing third-party sites through links on the AOA website is at your own risk.

AOA may maintain a member directory on its website. Inclusion in the AOA member directory does not constitute AOA’s endorsement of any member’s specific services, guiding qualifications, safety record, or business practices. Members are solely responsible for the accuracy of the information displayed in their directory listings and must promptly notify AOA of any changes. AOA reserves the right to remove or modify any member listing that contains inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate content.

12. Use of Photos & Media
AOA may photograph, record video, or produce other media at conferences, events, and other programs for use in association publications, the AOA website, email communications, social media channels, and marketing materials. By registering for and attending an AOA event, you grant AOA a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use your name, likeness, image, and voice in such materials. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify AOA staff in advance of or at the event, and AOA will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

AOA members and event attendees may take photographs or videos at AOA events for personal or organizational use. However, AOA-branded content, logos, event materials, and publications may not be used for commercial purposes without AOA’s prior written permission. Any content shared publicly about AOA events must accurately represent the association and its mission. AOA reserves the right to request removal of any content that misrepresents AOA, its members, or its programs.

13. Privacy Policy
AOA collects personal information from website users, members, and event registrants, including names, business names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and payment information. This information is used solely for the purposes of processing membership applications and dues, event registrations, delivering member communications, and administering AOA programs. AOA does not sell, rent, or share member personal information with unaffiliated third parties for commercial purposes without consent, except as required by law or as necessary to process transactions through our authorized service providers.

AOA uses reasonable technical and administrative measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. By using the AOA website or submitting information to AOA, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this section. AOA’s full Privacy Policy, which provides additional detail regarding data collection, use, and your rights, is available at https://www.americaoutdoors.org. If you have questions about how AOA handles your personal information, please contact us at 865-558-3595 or through the contact information in Section 16.

14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute arising out of or relating to your use of the AOA website, your AOA membership, or your participation in AOA events or programs, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The parties agree that any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Knox County, Tennessee, and each party hereby irrevocably consents to personal jurisdiction and venue in those courts.

AOA encourages members and participants to resolve disputes informally by contacting AOA staff directly. For disputes that cannot be resolved informally, AOA may, at its discretion, offer mediation before initiating formal legal proceedings. Nothing in these Terms prevents AOA from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property, confidential information, or other rights.

15. Amendments to These Terms
AOA reserves the right to amend, update, or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. When material changes are made, AOA will update the Effective Date at the top of this document and, where practicable, provide notice to members via email or through the AOA website. Your continued use of the AOA website or maintenance of AOA membership after the effective date of any updated Terms constitutes your acceptance of those changes. AOA encourages you to review these Terms periodically to stay informed of any updates. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you should discontinue use of the website and, if applicable, contact AOA regarding your membership.

16. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms and Conditions, your AOA membership, event registration, or any other matter, please contact AOA through any of the following:

America Outdoors Association (AOA)
P.O. Box 10847, Knoxville, TN 37939
Phone: 865-558-3595
Website: https://www.americaoutdoors.org

AOA staff are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. We strive to respond to all inquiries within two business days. For urgent matters related to an upcoming event, please call our office directly.