2025 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Name: Strategic Communication: De-escalation Skills for Challenging Conversations
Start: 2025-10-02T08:30:00-0400
End: 2025-10-02T10:00:00-0400

Main Conference: Tuesday, September 30 - Thursday, October 2, 2025

Preconference: Monday September 29 - Tuesday, September 30, 2025

*Schedule subject to change.

Thursday October 2, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Oxford / Somerset

This session will cover practical communication strategies for effectively managing difficult conversations and de-escalating conflict. We will explore a range of effective communication techniques designed to empower individuals to handle difficult interactions with confidence and skill. We will cover and practice how to set up conversations for positive outcomes. Additionally, we will focus on methods for redirecting behavior through empathy and strategic, non-threatening language. And finally, we will present and practice implementing de-escalation techniques like early intervention, active listening, and rapport-building. Participants will leave this session equipped with tangible, actionable skills that can be immediately applied to prevent situations from escalating and to effectively manage them when they do arise.

Speakers

Karen Pick

National Director of Program Safety, American Conservation Experience

With over 30 years of experience teaching, guiding, and mentoring in the outdoors, Karen Pick brings a wealth of expertise to her role as National Director of Program Safety at American Conservation Experience (ACE). Her work there merges her strong background in risk management with... Read More →

Jenn Layman

Chief Program Officer, American Conservation Experience

Jenn Layman brings over 20 years of youth development, conservation, and partnership experience to the role of Chief Program Officer at American Conservation Experience (ACE). She is passionate about systematically dismantling barriers to participation and enjoyment of the outdoors... Read More →

Thursday October 2, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Oxford / Somerset Holiday Inn By the Bay:88 Spring St, Portland, ME 04119

Field Practices Staff Training Decision Making, Breakout Session

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2025 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Karen Pick

Jenn Layman

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