Upcoming Events
Attend an Event
Join us for our upcoming Cornerstone Safety Group Events! Expert-hosted events, trainings, and webinars are a crucial part of Cornerstone’s mission to offer accessible, actionable expertise for organizations like yours. We host two types of events: Community Networking Meetings and Educational Webinars/Trainings.
At all events, we ask that members and visitors follow our Cornerstone Event Norms.
Want even more robust access to materials, insight, and customized services? Become a Member today.
Community Meetings
To further the Cornerstone mission, and at no cost to Members or non-Members, we invite CEOs, business owners, and risk management leaders to join our weekly discussions and networking meetings. In these one-hour sessions, our extensive network comes together to discuss the most relevant topics in our industry, problem-solve shared challenges, and support each other through difficult times. There is no better opportunity to learn, share and innovate year-round. Register below for access to our community conversations.
Upcoming Meetings
Open Community Calls
Both Cornerstone paid members and general community members are welcome to register for an attend these calls. Upon registration below, you’ll be automatically added to these calls.
January 2 - 3pm ET/12pm PT
January 30 - 3pm ET/12pm PT
February 27 - 3pm ET/12pm PT
Member-Only Community Calls
Cornerstone paid members only. Members, upon registration below, you will be added to this call, in addition to our Open Community Calls.
January 16 - 3pm ET/12pm PT
February 13 - 3pm ET/12pm PT
March 13 - 3pm ET/12pm PT
Educational Webinars and Training Events
Navigating Nature’s Risks: Using Innovative Tools for Safer Outdoor Programs
Join Cornerstone Safety Group and guest speaker Luc Mehl, award-winning educator and backcountry expert, for an information-packed webinar on assessing and managing field risks for programs operating outdoors and in remote environments. Designed for leaders and team members at all levels of travel and experiential education companies, this session will provide an overview of ways to use tools to track and monitor weather, regional events, and air quality metrics—empowering your entire team to identify and address potential hazards before they impact your programs.
Drawing from his extensive experience in Alaska’s wild landscapes and expertise in environmental data, Luc will guide you through:
Leveraging Windy.com to evaluate environmental risks and make informed decisions.
Using Windy.com’s weather stations and global models to assess past, present, and future weather patterns.
Interpreting severe weather warnings for droughts, fires, and extreme conditions.
This webinar will empower you with actionable strategies and cutting-edge tools to enhance communication, improve preparedness, and protect your team, participants, and outdoor programs.
In-Person Events
Catch us at… America Outdoors Conference 2024
Join us at the America Outdoors Conference & Outfitter Expo, the premier national event for outdoor recreation providers and enthusiasts! This 3.5-day gathering is tailored for owners and managers of outdoor organizations, offering a wealth of educational sessions, roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and a dynamic trade show.
Stop by our booth in the exhibitor hall!
Dave will be presenting on behalf of the Risk Management team - check out his session!
Past Webinars and Trainings
Hosted by: Maureen MacConnell, Mental Health Director & Teresa Jennings, Mental Health Advisor at Cornerstone Safety Group
Managing Difficult Conversations in the Travel Industry
From one-on-one discussions to team dynamics and policy-level dialogues, this session will provide practical tools to foster empathy, resilience, and constructive communication in medium-intensity scenarios. We’ll cover:
Empathy in Action: Build environments that encourage positive risk-taking.
One-on-One Techniques: Master foundational skills for empathy and clarity.
Policy-Level Strategies: Explore ways to handle larger conversations about policies or sociopolitical stressors with respect and accountability.
Real-Life Scenarios: Practice applying these skills.
Hosted by: Stuart Slay, Risk Management Advisor, and Dave Dennis, Executive Director at Cornerstone Safety Group
Mapping out a Risk Management Schedule
for 2025
As travel operators, staying ahead of potential risks and crises is paramount. In this session, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on what you should be doing and when throughout the year. Walk through the calendar of a typical year, identifying key milestones for planning specific trainings, practicing scenarios, and refining documentation.
Hosted by: Maureen MacConnell, Director of Mental Health, and Teresa Jennings, Mental Health Advisor at Cornerstone Safety Group
Supporting Adult Mental Health on Travel Programs
Navigate the complexities of group dynamics as they relate to mental health, learning best practices for allowing participants to manage their mental health while traveling. Discover effective strategies for setting the tone around mental health within your group, fostering an environment of understanding and support.
Equip yourself with the knowledge of what to do in the event of a mental health crisis during your trip. Learn practical steps to handle such situations with care and professionalism, ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
Hosted by: Dave Dennis, Executive Director at Cornerstone Safety Group and Leah Corrigan, Managing Partner of Recreation Law
Understanding ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for Travel Programs
Attendees take part in an educational and interactive virtual event addressing the complex landscape of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to travel programs. This session will tackle common concerns and misconceptions surrounding ADA regulations for both domestic and international programs.
May 14, 2024
1:00pm Mountain Time (USA)
60 minutes
Hosted by: Dave Dennis, Executive Director of Cornerstone Safety Group and Megan Martins, Founder & CEO of Nova HCM
Sexual Assault Prevention & Response for Travel Organizations
Attendees will gain valuable insights into adopting a holistic approach towards addressing these incidents, emphasizing the importance of considering the needs of the whole person. By embodying principles of good stewardship, organizations not only safeguard their reputation but also cultivate a culture of empathy and support.
Drawing upon the recent Cornerstone Retreat, participants will have the opportunity to glean actionable takeaways to proactively prevent and appropriately respond to claims. Through engaging discussions and presentations, HR and risk management professionals will provide invaluable perspectives, empowering attendees to fortify their organization's resilience in the face of adversity.Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to enhance your organization's approach to sexual assault prevention and response.
2024 Leadership Retreat
3 days, April 22-25, 2024
Golden, Colorado, USA
2024 Leadership Retreat
April 22, 2024 - April 25, 2024
Golden, Colorado, USA
Let’s level up - in person!
Collaborate with other business owners and CEOs in travel and experiential education. At this three-day retreat in the foothills, we’re gathering senior leadership of Cornerstone member organizations to have honest, fruitful, and personal discussions that will help drive you, and your business, to the next level.
You’ll walk away from this Leadership Retreat with:
A connected group of peers who understand your challenges and will work alongside you to overcome barriers.
Clarity on how your leadership is impacting the rest of your team - and how to improve upon it.
Insights from top CEOs, financial experts, HR experts, and risk management experts to drive your business toward your most powerful goals.
A deeper understanding of yourself as a leader, how your organizational missions aligns with your personal goals, and how to make adjustments to ensure you’re driving toward the right goals for your business.
Ask-Me-Anything: Legal Basics and Beyond
April 9, 2024
12:00pm Mountain Time (USA)
45 minutes
In the ever-evolving landscape of the experiential education and travel industry, legal considerations play a crucial role in shaping your business's success. Join us for an exclusive Ask-Me-Anything session with our esteemed Legal Advisor, Doug Stevens, and his colleague (expert in employment law) Annie Stuller, from Caplan and Earnest.
Traveler Mental Health from Program Application to Re-Entry
Traveler Mental Health from Program Application to Re-Entry
March 6, 2024
12:00pm Mountain Time (USA)
60 minutes
In this session, Margaret and Teresa will cover an overview of mental health considerations and action steps from the start of a participant's journey to the end. This will include the application, initial engagement steps, landing in a program, throughout their stay, planning to head home, and their transition period back home and beyond. We will focus on programmatic pieces to set clients, staff, and guardians up for an experience that tends to their mental health needs.
Panel Discussion: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the Travel Industry
This enlightening panel discussion brings together three distinguished thought leaders and friends of Cornerstone Safety Group: Harry Alvarez, Jackie Broussard, and Biama Charles.
Through their extensive experience and commitment to driving positive change, our esteemed panelists will share best practices, strategies, and personal insights to foster inclusive cultures within our industry. From recruitment and leadership development to community engagement and program design, this discussion will explore how to infuse diversity and equity principles into every facet of your organization.
Ask-Me-Anything: Insurance Basics and Beyond with Mark Vermeal
As an industry leader in insurance, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. This interactive webinar is your chance to ask pertinent questions and gain valuable insights into insurance best practices within our dynamic industry.
Bring your insurance-related inquiries to the table and tap into the expertise of our seasoned advisor. Learn how to navigate insurance complexities, optimize your coverage, and safeguard your business against potential risks.
With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the experiential education and travel industry, Mark and his team at Fred C. Church is committed to providing you with tailored solutions that align with your specific needs and goals.