Thank you for choosing to participate in the Adventure Safety Conference hosted by Viristar. To assist in providing a safe, inclusive, and productive environment, this Code of Conduct establishes minimum expectations for all participants, including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, staff, contractors, volunteers and other guests (collectively “participants”) at any conference activities, whether in person or virtual (“event”).
Participation in any conference activity, including all associated events such as pre-conference events, post-conference events and the Opening Reception, constitutes your agreement to abide by this Code. This Code of Conduct supplements other applicable policies and may be updated at any time. All provisions are intended to comply with applicable law and to support a professional learning environment based on safety, respect and collaboration.
Participants are expected to:
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
This list is not exhaustive. Participants should use sound judgment and follow guidance from organizers to help maintain a safe and professional environment.
There is zero tolerance for prohibited conduct. Participants asked to stop inappropriate behavior must comply immediately.
Conference organizers may take corrective action at their discretion, including:
All enforcement decisions are final.
Report concerns or violations promptly to conference staff or organizers on site. Reports are taken seriously and handled with discretion.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact venue security or local law enforcement immediately.
The Adventure Safety Conference brings together professionals dedicated to advancing safety and excellence in the adventure sector. Maintaining a respectful, inclusive and professional environment is essential to achieving these goals.
Thank you for helping ensure a safe, welcoming and productive conference for all participants.
Jeff A. Baierlein (he/him) has been working professionally since 1987 with outdoor education, environmental education, adventure education and experiential education organizations in the USA and around the world. He led remote wilderness expeditions, worked as a naturalist-educator, served as an Emergency Medical Technician with ambulance services, led search and rescue missions, and was appointed to the Washington State Governor’s Council on Environmental Education.
Prior to founding Viristar, Jeff served as Executive Director of both the Boojum Institute for Experiential Education and the Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Center. His writing and lectures have been translated into Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian, Marathi, and Chinese.
Communications Manager
Kaelan Young (she/her) brings her passion for the outdoors and a rich background in outdoor and experiential education to her role as Communications Manager at Viristar. With a degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Kaelan has woven her experiences as an elementary educator, outdoor educator, and her expertise in marketing and operations for outdoor education organizations into her professional journey.
She previously served as Marketing Manager for the largest forest school in the USA, where she led strategic communications, brand development, and community engagement initiatives. Prior to working with Viristar, she also served as Director of Operations for an outdoor learning nonprofit in Idaho, overseeing program development, staff coordination, and organizational strategy, ensuring high-quality and impactful experiences for learners of all ages.