At the OFFSEAS 2026 Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Viristar’s Director, Jeff Baierlein, delivered two workshops to outdoor and experiential professionals from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The first workshop, Crisis Communications for Adventure, Travel and Outdoor Programmes, examined good practices in crisis communications, with a particular focus on effective media relations. Participants explored how to navigate high-stakes media interactions, including preparing key messages, managing uncertainty, and responding under pressure.
The session also highlighted relevant resources and guidance tailored specifically to travel-based, adventure, and outdoor programs.
The second workshop, Psychological Risk Management, introduced core psychological risk management concepts. It defined psychological safety, examined its relationship to equity and inclusion, and outlined principles for fostering supportive environments.
Participants also had the opportunity to outline an action plan for their organization with respect to improving psychological risk management.
More than 65 participants from a range of countries took part in the sessions, contributing to thoughtful discussion and shared learning around risk management in experiential and outdoor programming.
Additional Resources for Risk Management
For those seeking further learning opportunities, Viristar provides valuable resources for outdoor and experiential educators.
The textbook “Risk Management for Outdoor Programs: A Guide to Safety in Outdoor Education, Recreation, and Adventure” offers essential safety information for outdoor and adventure professionals. Program managers, volunteers and group leaders can learn about general approaches and detailed systems for successfully anticipating and addressing outdoor program risks.
For those interested in an in-depth training, the Risk Management for Outdoor Programs online course provides comprehensive training on risk management for experiential and outdoor programs. Participants develop a systems-informed safety improvement plan tailored to their specific programs while learning about good practice standards in risk management.
Viristar also offers Adventure Safety Accreditation for outdoor and experiential learning program providers interested in understanding and meeting good practice standards for adventurous activities.
