Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Speak at 2008 OIA Rendezvous

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is pleased to announce that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., one of the country’s top environmental lawyers and advocates, is slated to speak at the upcoming 2008 OIA Rendezvous. The 2008 OIA Rendezvous will be held September 30 – October 2, 2008, in Boston, MA.

The annual leadership and learning conference draws nearly three hundred top-level outdoor industry professionals to one location for seminars, speakers, and active outdoor recreation excursions that promote the growth and success of the outdoor industry.

“Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a natural speaker choice for Rendezvous. He is an expert in environmental issues and we are thrilled to learn from him,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President of OIA. “As we look ahead, we continually look for opportunities to bring outstanding speakers to our events.”

Mr. Kennedy serves as senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper, and president of Waterkeeper Alliance. He was named one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” for his success in helping Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. The group’s achievement helped spawn more than 160 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe.

He is also a clinical professor and supervising attorney at Pace University School of Law’s Environmental Litigation Clinic and is co-host of Ring of Fire on Air America Radio. Earlier in his career, he served as assistant district attorney in New York City.

Among Mr. Kennedy’s published books are the New York Times bestseller Crimes Against Nature (2004); The Riverkeepers (1997); and Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr: A Biography (1977). His articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, The Nation, Outside magazine, the Village Voice, and many other publications. His award-winning articles have been included in anthologies of America’s best crime writing, best political writing, and best science writing.

Mr. Kennedy is a licensed master falconer, and as often as possible he pursues a life-long enthusiasm for white-water paddling.

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About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. A wide spectrum of leading manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers of outdoor recreation equipment and services, as well as other related business entities make up OIA member base. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, cutting edge market research, member cost saving benefits and outreach initiatives to grow participation in outdoor activities and promote healthier lifestyles. Outdoor Industry Association is the exclusive endorser of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow. For more information go to http://www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.