Staff Spotlight: NWTF Convention and Sports Show

An event of this magnitude doesn’t come together overnight. The NWTF Convention and Sports Show is the result of year-round planning, meticulous organization and tireless effort. Behind the scenes, countless individuals dedicate themselves to ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend. 

Among the many passionate and hardworking staff members are Elisa Daly and Natalia Daniels. These women play a pivotal role in planning, organizing and executing one of the largest and most celebrated events for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the nation. 

Elisa Daly, Director of National Events and Membership 

Daly grew up immersed in nature and outdoor recreation — it was simply a way of life. She fondly recalls summers filled with fishing and camping alongside her family, swimming in ponds, rivers and creeks and helping pick vegetables on her family’s farm. Now, as an adult, Daly cherishes those formative experiences and the lessons they taught her. 

“When you get older, you really appreciate those times and the lessons,” Daly reflects. “As an adult, you think about water quality, hunting sustainability and what is required to preserve those for the future.” 

Today, Daly’s favorite place in nature is out on the water in the ocean. Daly and her husband love taking their boat to Edisto and trolling the creeks through the marsh.   

“We lived in Florida for 10 years, and my mother instilled a deep love of the ocean in me,” she said. “She says the ocean is where you can go and leave your worries. It makes everything better.” 

Daly started her career at the NWTF in 1990, working in accounting. Since then, she has worked managing membership marketing, a brief stint as the acting Director of Information Technology and currently the Director of National Events and Membership, which includes overall management of the national convention. 

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires meticulous planning, teamwork, and dedication. For Daly, seeing the convention come to life each year is deeply rewarding. 

“There is so much work that goes into the convention from the entire staff,” she said. “I think what sticks out the most is seeing it in person when we are on-site. To see all of the hard work, the long nights planning just unfold into something that is pretty spectacular.” 

The NWTF Convention is often described as the organization’s Super Bowl, and for good reason. It’s an opportunity to showcase everything the NWTF stands for and inspire attendees to get involved in conservation.  

“It gives you the chance to see everything we are and learn about everything we do,” Daly said. “If you can’t find something there that sparks a passion there, I’m not sure where you will.” 

Each year, the NWTF strives to make the Convention and Sports Show event better, and this year’s convention promises to be more exciting than ever, with new features designed to enhance the experience for attendees. 

“We are having a Women's Only  Brunch —  and yes, this is only for women,” Daly said. “We are also having a great area right outside of the Gaylord called the Outdoor Experience.  There will be exhibitors, live music, food trucks and more. It is going to be fantastic!” 

For Daly, the NWTF Convention is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community and shared purpose. 

“I think we’re a pretty special organization,” Daly said. “The convention really feels like a family reunion — it’s not just some tagline; it’s genuine.” 

When asked about her favorite part of the event, Daly doesn’t hesitate. 

“The people!” she exclaimed. “I love that I get to see so many friends and volunteers that have quite literally become like family.  Volunteers and co-workers from across the United States that you only see once a year and how genuinely happy everyone is to be together.” 

Over her 34-year career with the NWTF, Daly has witnessed significant changes, some of which posed challenges for the organization. However, they have come so far from where they started, and she is proud of where they are headed. Looking ahead, Daly is excited about the continued evolution of the convention. 

“I’ve loved seeing the convention grow from something predominantly attended by men into an event that’s so diverse and inclusive,” she said. “My hope is to see that inclusivity continue to grow.” 

For those interested in pursuing a career in conservation or the outdoors, Daly offers this advice: 

“If you have a passion for hunting or conserving our natural resources — or even if you think your passion does not quite fit, I can assure you, it does,” She said. “Conservation touches everything.” 

As Daly reflects on her journey, it’s clear her dedication to the NWTF and its mission is fueled by a deep love for the outdoors and a desire to conserve it for future generations. Under her guidance, the NWTF Convention and Sport Show continues to grow, bringing together conservationists, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in celebration of their shared passion. 

 Natalia Daniels, NWTF National Director of Corporate Relations and Licensing 

Growing up in a family that spent much of their time camping, Daniels’ love for the outdoors was sparked during countless trips to the mountains, lakes and beaches. While fishing and crabbing were cherished family traditions, hunting wasn’t part of her life until she joined the NWTF. 

Daniels’ journey with the NWTF began after attending a Women in the Outdoors event in Edgefield, South Carolina, at the invitation of a former NWTF staff member. At the event, she had the opportunity to participate in a range of outdoor activities, like canoeing and shooting targets.  

“Not long after, I applied and started working on the magazine staff for the NWTF,” Daniels said. “I learned so much and I attribute that to igniting my passion for the NWTF’s mission.” 

Later, Daniels’ introduction to hunting came after co-workers took her son out on a turkey hunt. 

“Some co-workers took my son turkey hunting, and I went along,” Daniels said. “Later, they took me, and I was hooked. I look forward to spring each year to chase wild turkeys and in the fall for deer hunting on our family land.” 

Now, as NWTF’s national director of corporate relations and licensing, Daniels leads the corporate relations and membership marketing teams. Through this role, she helps cultivate partnerships with companies that align with NWTF’s mission, whether through financial support or helping NWTF reach new members through their platforms. Daniels also spearheads membership campaigns and fundraisers, such as the current King of Spring Sweepstakes, to help achieve the NWTF’s strategic goals. 

In addition to these duties, Daniels plays a significant role in organizing the annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, an event she considers a highlight of her year. She emphasizes the enormous amount of effort required to make the convention a success, working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

“There are so many details that must be in place to accomplish what we do on all aspects of convention,” Daniels said. “Our guests will never know all that goes into the planning, preparation and execution, and few will ever know when something doesn’t go according to plan.” 

Daniels credits the uniqueness of the NWTF convention to its scale and the variety of opportunities it offers attendees. From the sport show, which draws significant crowds and helps grow the NWTF’s membership base, to contests, seminars, auctions and entertainment — there’s something for everyone. 

“Our convention and sport show is the gold standard among conservation group conventions, and it’s because our staff put their heart and soul into it,” Daniels said. “We raise the bar for ourselves each year to make it even better than the last. We offer so many excellent events for attendees to engage.” 

The year-long effort leading up to each NWTF Convention and Sports Show culminates in the excitement of seeing the event come to life, with months of hard work transforming into a truly unforgettable experience. One of Daniels’ favorite moments is watching the quiet hotel evolve into a bustling hub of energy and activity. 

“The hotel is so quiet on Monday morning, but by Wednesday, the NWTF brings our unique footprint throughout the hotel,” Daniels said. “It’s great to spend time with our corporate partners, exhibitors, volunteers and members — it’s a family reunion.” 

This year, Daniels is especially excited about the new outdoor experience, that will for sure be a crowd favorite.  

 “We have tried to create this space for a few years, and it has come together for 2025,” Daniels said. “Once Bass Pro Shops committed to having their Tracker Off-Road Dirt Track, a test drive track for their UTVs and ATVs, we knew it would all come together.” 

Along with the exciting new features, the convention and sport show provides a valuable opportunity for NWTF staff and exhibitors to inspire deeper engagement in conservation efforts. 

“Convention is the first interaction some members have with NWTF and our staff,” Daniels said. “This year our conservation department will staff an ‘Ask-A-Biologist' booth in the Sport Show, which will give attendees a chance to learn even more from our staff.” 

Throughout her career, Daniels has navigated challenges and embraced change, consistently excelling in her roles and contributing to the growth of the NWTF. 

“I have loved each position I have been in at NWTF and feel very fortunate to represent NWTF with current and potential partners,” Daniels said. “For the future of the convention and sport show, I hope to see it maintain momentum and draw even more new and renewed members.” 

When offering advice to those aspiring to a career in conservation or the outdoors, Daniels emphasized the rewarding nature of the field. 

“It’s such a fulfilling industry in which to work; to make a career by helping people engage in outdoor pursuits provides a great sense of purpose,” Daniels said. “I’d say join conservation organizations like NWTF, DU, etc., and volunteer. You will meet like-minded people that way. Use connections to reach people currently working in the career track that interests you whether in accounting, communications, sales etc., and ask them about their own experience and for advice.” 

Daniels and Daly’s journeys with the NWTF exemplifies the life-changing power of the outdoors, and their efforts continue to inspire others to get involved in conservation.