Developing Women in Routesetting | Foxman McCarthy-James, Brooklyn Boulders

Description: As the climbing industry expands and routesetting professionalizes, many gyms are seeking ways to address the lack of women on their routesetting crews. This session will examine some of the factors contributing to the shortage of women in routesetting, the impact of skewed gender ratios on gym communities, and some tools gyms can employ to attract and develop more female routesetters. About the Presenter: Foxman McCarthy-James is a routesetter with Brooklyn Boulders, and the founder and organizer of IMPACT Bouldering Competition, an all female-set competition open to competitors of all genders.

Deliberate Design | Aroldo Vitor Silva, Alma Climbing

Description: The question of 'is routesetting art? is it design?' is a conversation that is currently at the forefront of commercial routesetting. As important as this question has become, it is also important to dig further behind the layers of why this question is being asked to begin with. Deliberate Design doesn't aim to answer yes or no, it aims to ask why? By using a series of references from the world of art and design, we introduce this conversation by bringing new tools and ideas to the table. This is an opportunity to elevate the level of concepts and language we as routesetters use, with the goal of breaking from our subjective truths and working together toward objective ideals. By broadening our world, we can further progress the level inclusivity in our routesetting programs in an effort to prepare for an industry on the brink of expansion. This talk is intended for routesetters who want to explore the intersection of art, design, and routesetting. ​ About the Presenter: Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I have spent most of my life involved in art and athletics. Upon discovering climbing, I found myself curious and intrigued about routesetting very early on. Through that pursuit, routesetting became an ideal pairing of the two aspects of my life that have shaped me as a person and have now propelled me into the climbing gym industry.

Setting the Tone: Why Crew Culture Matters | Yusuf Daneshyar, Climb So iLL

Description: Routesetters are key players that design the climbing environment your members connect with. A properly curated environment motivates people to climb, train, and build connections with other members. Developing and maintaining your routesetting crew's culture provides routesetters with clear opportunities for professional growth, empowers them to shape your community's experience, and ultimately sets the tone for the climbing gym. This talk is for anyone who manages a setting crew and has the direct ability to shape and influence their gym's crew culture. About the Presenter: Yusuf Daneshyar is co-owner and operator of Climb So iLL. His career spans nearly a decade; in that time, Yusuf and his team have opened two commercial climbing facilities in the St. Louis area, founded a local climbing advocacy group (BETA FUND), and authored the guidebook for one of the Midwest region's most popular climbing destinations (Jackson Falls, Southern Illinois). Yusuf also maintains his position as an experienced routesetter and currently leads the company's routesetting operations.

Routesetting and Management Communication | Sarah Filler, The Spot & Kasia Pietras, MetroRock Climbing Centers

Description: This session will cover important topics that routesetting departments should be communicating to their management teams. The goal is to help open the communication between routesetters and upper management. We will discuss the reasoning behind why we (as a routesetting team) have specific requests and demonstrate approaches to highlight routesetting needs to management teams as something that will benefit their customers. This is after all, the product you're selling! About the Presenters: Sarah Filler has been setting for 12 years and is currently the Head Routesetter of The Spot gyms. Over the past few years she's spent time traveling to many climbing gyms setting both commercially and for competitions, as well as teaching gym-specific clinics with the Routesetting Institute. Kasia Pietras has been routesetting for the past 15 plus years. She is currently the Director of Routesetting at MetroRock Climbing Centers and manages 5 different facilities and over 25 employees. She has been climbing since 1998. Climbing has been part of her life and always will be. She always loves to share everything that she has learned over the years with other passionate climbing folks.

El Cap Routesetting: Q&A with the experts shaping the future of routesetting for the world's largest climbing gym operator | Moderator: Justen Sjong, El Cap

Description: The routesetting department at El Cap employs close to 100 routesetters in 16 gyms across the country. Their mission is to design a curated climbing experience rooted in empathy that meets the known and unknown needs of their community while fostering a routesetting culture of wellness, discovery, and the endless pursuit of mastery.​ The panel will answer crowd-sourced questions to provide insight into the current state of routesetting, and where it's going. This panel discussion will: - Explore the evolution of routesetting - Share pain points in aligning multiple brands under one operating style - Discuss El Cap's view of what the future holds for routesetting and the climbing industry About the Moderator: Justen Sjong has been working in the industry as a routesetter & climbing coach for 26 years. Our industry has taken tremendous strides to evolve the member experience and he participated in that learning process first hand. His experience comes from the evolution of being a 'trade' setter to becoming a Director of Setting for 16+ locations. About the Panelists: Ward Byrum is El Cap's Director of Routesetting for the East Region gyms. He has been a champion of the professionalization of routesetting for years. With a BFA in Design, Ward looks to the design world for ways to improve the routesetting product of El Cap. He believes empathy for the end user, defining style characteristics, and presentation of product are core to enhancing the climber experience. Brandon Conaway stepped into the industry as a routesetter nearly eight years ago at a small university climbing wall. He seems to have entered the profession when it was on the verge of a tipping point. Today, he is in a position to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. He currently oversees all routesetting operations for six facilities as El Cap Holdings' west region Director of Routesetting. Ryan Sewell got his start at Movement Boulder sweeping the floors when it was just a construction site as an eager 19-year-old, just looking to make it in the climbing mecca of Boulder. Growing up climbing in the great state of Texas, routesetting became Ryan’s hobby by age 14 and not long after, his career. As a USA Climbing Level 5 Routesetter, multiple time National Chief Routesetter, nine-time USA Climbing National Team member, 5.14d and V14 rock climber, and avid traveler, Ryan is dedicated to providing a high level climbing experience that is intentionally designed for the community. Outside of routesetting, Ryan is most likely found with his wife Jess and dog Maggie in one of two places —at the crag or engaged in a fierce game of fetch.

Developing Women in Routesetting | Foxman McCarthy-James, Brooklyn Boulders

Description: As the climbing industry expands and routesetting professionalizes, many gyms are seeking ways to address the lack of women on their routesetting crews. This session will examine some of the factors contributing to the shortage of women in routesetting, the impact of skewed gender ratios on gym communities, and some tools gyms can employ to attract and develop more female routesetters. About the Presenter: Foxman McCarthy-James is a routesetter with Brooklyn Boulders, and the founder and organizer of IMPACT Bouldering Competition, an all female-set competition open to competitors of all genders.

Deliberate Design | Aroldo Vitor Silva, Alma Climbing

Description: The question of 'is routesetting art? is it design?' is a conversation that is currently at the forefront of commercial routesetting. As important as this question has become, it is also important to dig further behind the layers of why this question is being asked to begin with. Deliberate Design doesn't aim to answer yes or no, it aims to ask why? By using a series of references from the world of art and design, we introduce this conversation by bringing new tools and ideas to the table. This is an opportunity to elevate the level of concepts and language we as routesetters use, with the goal of breaking from our subjective truths and working together toward objective ideals. By broadening our world, we can further progress the level inclusivity in our routesetting programs in an effort to prepare for an industry on the brink of expansion. This talk is intended for routesetters who want to explore the intersection of art, design, and routesetting. ​ About the Presenter: Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I have spent most of my life involved in art and athletics. Upon discovering climbing, I found myself curious and intrigued about routesetting very early on. Through that pursuit, routesetting became an ideal pairing of the two aspects of my life that have shaped me as a person and have now propelled me into the climbing gym industry.

Setting the Tone: Why Crew Culture Matters | Yusuf Daneshyar, Climb So iLL

Description: Routesetters are key players that design the climbing environment your members connect with. A properly curated environment motivates people to climb, train, and build connections with other members. Developing and maintaining your routesetting crew's culture provides routesetters with clear opportunities for professional growth, empowers them to shape your community's experience, and ultimately sets the tone for the climbing gym. This talk is for anyone who manages a setting crew and has the direct ability to shape and influence their gym's crew culture. About the Presenter: Yusuf Daneshyar is co-owner and operator of Climb So iLL. His career spans nearly a decade; in that time, Yusuf and his team have opened two commercial climbing facilities in the St. Louis area, founded a local climbing advocacy group (BETA FUND), and authored the guidebook for one of the Midwest region's most popular climbing destinations (Jackson Falls, Southern Illinois). Yusuf also maintains his position as an experienced routesetter and currently leads the company's routesetting operations.

Routesetting and Management Communication | Sarah Filler, The Spot & Kasia Pietras, MetroRock Climbing Centers

Description: This session will cover important topics that routesetting departments should be communicating to their management teams. The goal is to help open the communication between routesetters and upper management. We will discuss the reasoning behind why we (as a routesetting team) have specific requests and demonstrate approaches to highlight routesetting needs to management teams as something that will benefit their customers. This is after all, the product you're selling! About the Presenters: Sarah Filler has been setting for 12 years and is currently the Head Routesetter of The Spot gyms. Over the past few years she's spent time traveling to many climbing gyms setting both commercially and for competitions, as well as teaching gym-specific clinics with the Routesetting Institute. Kasia Pietras has been routesetting for the past 15 plus years. She is currently the Director of Routesetting at MetroRock Climbing Centers and manages 5 different facilities and over 25 employees. She has been climbing since 1998. Climbing has been part of her life and always will be. She always loves to share everything that she has learned over the years with other passionate climbing folks.

El Cap Routesetting: Q&A with the experts shaping the future of routesetting for the world's largest climbing gym operator | Moderator: Justen Sjong, El Cap

Description: The routesetting department at El Cap employs close to 100 routesetters in 16 gyms across the country. Their mission is to design a curated climbing experience rooted in empathy that meets the known and unknown needs of their community while fostering a routesetting culture of wellness, discovery, and the endless pursuit of mastery.​ The panel will answer crowd-sourced questions to provide insight into the current state of routesetting, and where it's going. This panel discussion will: - Explore the evolution of routesetting - Share pain points in aligning multiple brands under one operating style - Discuss El Cap's view of what the future holds for routesetting and the climbing industry About the Moderator: Justen Sjong has been working in the industry as a routesetter & climbing coach for 26 years. Our industry has taken tremendous strides to evolve the member experience and he participated in that learning process first hand. His experience comes from the evolution of being a 'trade' setter to becoming a Director of Setting for 16+ locations. About the Panelists: Ward Byrum is El Cap's Director of Routesetting for the East Region gyms. He has been a champion of the professionalization of routesetting for years. With a BFA in Design, Ward looks to the design world for ways to improve the routesetting product of El Cap. He believes empathy for the end user, defining style characteristics, and presentation of product are core to enhancing the climber experience. Brandon Conaway stepped into the industry as a routesetter nearly eight years ago at a small university climbing wall. He seems to have entered the profession when it was on the verge of a tipping point. Today, he is in a position to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. He currently oversees all routesetting operations for six facilities as El Cap Holdings' west region Director of Routesetting. Ryan Sewell got his start at Movement Boulder sweeping the floors when it was just a construction site as an eager 19-year-old, just looking to make it in the climbing mecca of Boulder. Growing up climbing in the great state of Texas, routesetting became Ryan’s hobby by age 14 and not long after, his career. As a USA Climbing Level 5 Routesetter, multiple time National Chief Routesetter, nine-time USA Climbing National Team member, 5.14d and V14 rock climber, and avid traveler, Ryan is dedicated to providing a high level climbing experience that is intentionally designed for the community. Outside of routesetting, Ryan is most likely found with his wife Jess and dog Maggie in one of two places —at the crag or engaged in a fierce game of fetch.

Fight Forward: A Sexual Assault Survivor's Fight for Change | Christa Melde, Arizona Women's Climbing Coalition

Description: In this session, attendees will learn from first-hand experience how sexual assault threatens the safe expansion of the sport of climbing. Attendees will learn the prevalence of the problem through both scientific studies and personal storytelling. It is the goal of this session to provide simple and effective tools and procedures for climbing organizations and climbing gyms to use to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault in their own climbing spaces. About the Presenter: Christa is a climber of over 10 years, an industry professional of over 7, and a passionate advocate for women's issues in the outdoors. As a survivor of sexual assault and co-founder of the Arizona Women's Climbing Coalition, Christa seeks to cultivate safer and more empowering spaces for present climbers and future generations to come.

Strategically Enabling New Demographics in the Climbing Industry | Jillian Yatsko, Mesa Rim Climbing Center

Description: As climbing becomes more of a mainstream sport, climbing gyms are looking for ways to get more people involved! From women's' only classes to adaptive climbing meetup groups we are slowly filling in the gaps for under-represented groups in climbing, but there is still a long way to go! Come learn what demographics are struggling with barriers of entry to climbing and what is being done around the world to help everyone send! We will be covering sustainable ways to get new communities involved in climbing from basic pricing structure to strategic NGO partnerships. About the Presenter: Jillian grew up as an athlete in the northeast pursuing everything from classical dance to downhill skiing to her ongoing passion of rock climbing. Jillian founded the first west coast adaptive climbing program at Mesa Rim in San Diego and began traveling the world promoting the importance of inclusion in sports. She has received multiple awards for her work in the global community including a Recognition of Service award from Rotary International. As the Founder and President of The Hazel Foundation for Athletics, you can often find her over-caffeinated in the climbing gym looking for ways to improve her world through sport and recreation.

Best Practices For Using The Latest Rock Gym Pro Features | Andy Laakmann, Rock Gym Pro

Description: In this session, Andy will give a demonstration of the latest Rock Gym Pro feature updates. Objectives of this presentation are to: - Ensure gym operators understand how to utilize the latest RGP features - Ensure gym operators are maximizing revenues at their facilities - Ensure gym operators are utilizing RGP best practices in order to be as efficient as possible in their operations Time will be provided at the end of the session for open Q&A. About the Presenter: Andy is the founder and lead developer of Rock Gym Pro with over 20+ years of software product development experience. Having launched RGP in 2008, he is intimately familiar with the multiple challenges climbing gyms face in their day to day operations.

Retirement and Bonus Plans for Employee and Owner Benefit | Jonathan Pearl, Perceptral Properties

Description: This presentation begins with an outline of the basic concepts available to business owners and gym management to provide tax-advantaged retirement benefits to employees and owners. We will move into more advanced concepts that go beyond the basics, including executive bonus plans, life insurance retirement plans (LIRPs), buy-sell agreements for partnerships, as well as employee stock option plans (ESOPs). Time will be allotted to answer questions and foster discussion regarding these concepts in greater detail as desired. About the Presenter: Jonathan received a PhD in Music & Cognitive Science in 2005. Subsequently, he founded and lead an R&D firm in Speech Synthesis. Previously, he had a landscaping business, performed and taught as an actor & singer across the US and Europe. He is a financial planner and advisor. He plans to open climbing gyms with his family, and wishes to share his investment, retirement, and insurance expertise with others who share his passion for climbing.

Gym Managers Roundtable

Description: To Be Announced If you would like to be considered as a potential moderator for this session, please contact Laura Allured at laura@climbingwallindustry.org for more information.

Developing Women in Routesetting | Foxman McCarthy-James, Brooklyn Boulders

Description: As the climbing industry expands and routesetting professionalizes, many gyms are seeking ways to address the lack of women on their routesetting crews. This session will examine some of the factors contributing to the shortage of women in routesetting, the impact of skewed gender ratios on gym communities, and some tools gyms can employ to attract and develop more female routesetters. About the Presenter: Foxman McCarthy-James is a routesetter with Brooklyn Boulders, and the founder and organizer of IMPACT Bouldering Competition, an all female-set competition open to competitors of all genders.

Deliberate Design | Aroldo Vitor Silva, Alma Climbing

Description: The question of 'is routesetting art? is it design?' is a conversation that is currently at the forefront of commercial routesetting. As important as this question has become, it is also important to dig further behind the layers of why this question is being asked to begin with. Deliberate Design doesn't aim to answer yes or no, it aims to ask why? By using a series of references from the world of art and design, we introduce this conversation by bringing new tools and ideas to the table. This is an opportunity to elevate the level of concepts and language we as routesetters use, with the goal of breaking from our subjective truths and working together toward objective ideals. By broadening our world, we can further progress the level inclusivity in our routesetting programs in an effort to prepare for an industry on the brink of expansion. This talk is intended for routesetters who want to explore the intersection of art, design, and routesetting. ​ About the Presenter: Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I have spent most of my life involved in art and athletics. Upon discovering climbing, I found myself curious and intrigued about routesetting very early on. Through that pursuit, routesetting became an ideal pairing of the two aspects of my life that have shaped me as a person and have now propelled me into the climbing gym industry.

Setting the Tone: Why Crew Culture Matters | Yusuf Daneshyar, Climb So iLL

Description: Routesetters are key players that design the climbing environment your members connect with. A properly curated environment motivates people to climb, train, and build connections with other members. Developing and maintaining your routesetting crew's culture provides routesetters with clear opportunities for professional growth, empowers them to shape your community's experience, and ultimately sets the tone for the climbing gym. This talk is for anyone who manages a setting crew and has the direct ability to shape and influence their gym's crew culture. About the Presenter: Yusuf Daneshyar is co-owner and operator of Climb So iLL. His career spans nearly a decade; in that time, Yusuf and his team have opened two commercial climbing facilities in the St. Louis area, founded a local climbing advocacy group (BETA FUND), and authored the guidebook for one of the Midwest region's most popular climbing destinations (Jackson Falls, Southern Illinois). Yusuf also maintains his position as an experienced routesetter and currently leads the company's routesetting operations.

Routesetting and Management Communication | Sarah Filler, The Spot & Kasia Pietras, MetroRock Climbing Centers

Description: This session will cover important topics that routesetting departments should be communicating to their management teams. The goal is to help open the communication between routesetters and upper management. We will discuss the reasoning behind why we (as a routesetting team) have specific requests and demonstrate approaches to highlight routesetting needs to management teams as something that will benefit their customers. This is after all, the product you're selling! About the Presenters: Sarah Filler has been setting for 12 years and is currently the Head Routesetter of The Spot gyms. Over the past few years she's spent time traveling to many climbing gyms setting both commercially and for competitions, as well as teaching gym-specific clinics with the Routesetting Institute. Kasia Pietras has been routesetting for the past 15 plus years. She is currently the Director of Routesetting at MetroRock Climbing Centers and manages 5 different facilities and over 25 employees. She has been climbing since 1998. Climbing has been part of her life and always will be. She always loves to share everything that she has learned over the years with other passionate climbing folks.

El Cap Routesetting: Q&A with the experts shaping the future of routesetting for the world's largest climbing gym operator | Moderator: Justen Sjong, El Cap

Description: The routesetting department at El Cap employs close to 100 routesetters in 16 gyms across the country. Their mission is to design a curated climbing experience rooted in empathy that meets the known and unknown needs of their community while fostering a routesetting culture of wellness, discovery, and the endless pursuit of mastery.​ The panel will answer crowd-sourced questions to provide insight into the current state of routesetting, and where it's going. This panel discussion will: - Explore the evolution of routesetting - Share pain points in aligning multiple brands under one operating style - Discuss El Cap's view of what the future holds for routesetting and the climbing industry About the Moderator: Justen Sjong has been working in the industry as a routesetter & climbing coach for 26 years. Our industry has taken tremendous strides to evolve the member experience and he participated in that learning process first hand. His experience comes from the evolution of being a 'trade' setter to becoming a Director of Setting for 16+ locations. About the Panelists: Ward Byrum is El Cap's Director of Routesetting for the East Region gyms. He has been a champion of the professionalization of routesetting for years. With a BFA in Design, Ward looks to the design world for ways to improve the routesetting product of El Cap. He believes empathy for the end user, defining style characteristics, and presentation of product are core to enhancing the climber experience. Brandon Conaway stepped into the industry as a routesetter nearly eight years ago at a small university climbing wall. He seems to have entered the profession when it was on the verge of a tipping point. Today, he is in a position to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. He currently oversees all routesetting operations for six facilities as El Cap Holdings' west region Director of Routesetting. Ryan Sewell got his start at Movement Boulder sweeping the floors when it was just a construction site as an eager 19-year-old, just looking to make it in the climbing mecca of Boulder. Growing up climbing in the great state of Texas, routesetting became Ryan’s hobby by age 14 and not long after, his career. As a USA Climbing Level 5 Routesetter, multiple time National Chief Routesetter, nine-time USA Climbing National Team member, 5.14d and V14 rock climber, and avid traveler, Ryan is dedicated to providing a high level climbing experience that is intentionally designed for the community. Outside of routesetting, Ryan is most likely found with his wife Jess and dog Maggie in one of two places —at the crag or engaged in a fierce game of fetch.

Fight Forward: A Sexual Assault Survivor's Fight for Change | Christa Melde, Arizona Women's Climbing Coalition

Description: In this session, attendees will learn from first-hand experience how sexual assault threatens the safe expansion of the sport of climbing. Attendees will learn the prevalence of the problem through both scientific studies and personal storytelling. It is the goal of this session to provide simple and effective tools and procedures for climbing organizations and climbing gyms to use to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault in their own climbing spaces. About the Presenter: Christa is a climber of over 10 years, an industry professional of over 7, and a passionate advocate for women's issues in the outdoors. As a survivor of sexual assault and co-founder of the Arizona Women's Climbing Coalition, Christa seeks to cultivate safer and more empowering spaces for present climbers and future generations to come.

Strategically Enabling New Demographics in the Climbing Industry | Jillian Yatsko, Mesa Rim Climbing Center

Description: As climbing becomes more of a mainstream sport, climbing gyms are looking for ways to get more people involved! From women's' only classes to adaptive climbing meetup groups we are slowly filling in the gaps for under-represented groups in climbing, but there is still a long way to go! Come learn what demographics are struggling with barriers of entry to climbing and what is being done around the world to help everyone send! We will be covering sustainable ways to get new communities involved in climbing from basic pricing structure to strategic NGO partnerships. About the Presenter: Jillian grew up as an athlete in the northeast pursuing everything from classical dance to downhill skiing to her ongoing passion of rock climbing. Jillian founded the first west coast adaptive climbing program at Mesa Rim in San Diego and began traveling the world promoting the importance of inclusion in sports. She has received multiple awards for her work in the global community including a Recognition of Service award from Rotary International. As the Founder and President of The Hazel Foundation for Athletics, you can often find her over-caffeinated in the climbing gym looking for ways to improve her world through sport and recreation.

Best Practices For Using The Latest Rock Gym Pro Features | Andy Laakmann, Rock Gym Pro

Description: In this session, Andy will give a demonstration of the latest Rock Gym Pro feature updates. Objectives of this presentation are to: - Ensure gym operators understand how to utilize the latest RGP features - Ensure gym operators are maximizing revenues at their facilities - Ensure gym operators are utilizing RGP best practices in order to be as efficient as possible in their operations Time will be provided at the end of the session for open Q&A. About the Presenter: Andy is the founder and lead developer of Rock Gym Pro with over 20+ years of software product development experience. Having launched RGP in 2008, he is intimately familiar with the multiple challenges climbing gyms face in their day to day operations.

Retirement and Bonus Plans for Employee and Owner Benefit | Jonathan Pearl, Perceptral Properties

Description: This presentation begins with an outline of the basic concepts available to business owners and gym management to provide tax-advantaged retirement benefits to employees and owners. We will move into more advanced concepts that go beyond the basics, including executive bonus plans, life insurance retirement plans (LIRPs), buy-sell agreements for partnerships, as well as employee stock option plans (ESOPs). Time will be allotted to answer questions and foster discussion regarding these concepts in greater detail as desired. About the Presenter: Jonathan received a PhD in Music & Cognitive Science in 2005. Subsequently, he founded and lead an R&D firm in Speech Synthesis. Previously, he had a landscaping business, performed and taught as an actor & singer across the US and Europe. He is a financial planner and advisor. He plans to open climbing gyms with his family, and wishes to share his investment, retirement, and insurance expertise with others who share his passion for climbing.

Gym Managers Roundtable

Description: To Be Announced If you would like to be considered as a potential moderator for this session, please contact Laura Allured at laura@climbingwallindustry.org for more information.

Fight Forward: A Sexual Assault Survivor's Fight for Change | Christa Melde, Arizona Women's Climbing Coalition

Description: In this session, attendees will learn from first-hand experience how sexual assault threatens the safe expansion of the sport of climbing. Attendees will learn the prevalence of the problem through both scientific studies and personal storytelling. It is the goal of this session to provide simple and effective tools and procedures for climbing organizations and climbing gyms to use to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault in their own climbing spaces. About the Presenter: Christa is a climber of over 10 years, an industry professional of over 7, and a passionate advocate for women's issues in the outdoors. As a survivor of sexual assault and co-founder of the Arizona Women's Climbing Coalition, Christa seeks to cultivate safer and more empowering spaces for present climbers and future generations to come.

Strategically Enabling New Demographics in the Climbing Industry | Jillian Yatsko, Mesa Rim Climbing Center

Description: As climbing becomes more of a mainstream sport, climbing gyms are looking for ways to get more people involved! From women's' only classes to adaptive climbing meetup groups we are slowly filling in the gaps for under-represented groups in climbing, but there is still a long way to go! Come learn what demographics are struggling with barriers of entry to climbing and what is being done around the world to help everyone send! We will be covering sustainable ways to get new communities involved in climbing from basic pricing structure to strategic NGO partnerships. About the Presenter: Jillian grew up as an athlete in the northeast pursuing everything from classical dance to downhill skiing to her ongoing passion of rock climbing. Jillian founded the first west coast adaptive climbing program at Mesa Rim in San Diego and began traveling the world promoting the importance of inclusion in sports. She has received multiple awards for her work in the global community including a Recognition of Service award from Rotary International. As the Founder and President of The Hazel Foundation for Athletics, you can often find her over-caffeinated in the climbing gym looking for ways to improve her world through sport and recreation.

Best Practices For Using The Latest Rock Gym Pro Features | Andy Laakmann, Rock Gym Pro

Description: In this session, Andy will give a demonstration of the latest Rock Gym Pro feature updates. Objectives of this presentation are to: - Ensure gym operators understand how to utilize the latest RGP features - Ensure gym operators are maximizing revenues at their facilities - Ensure gym operators are utilizing RGP best practices in order to be as efficient as possible in their operations Time will be provided at the end of the session for open Q&A. About the Presenter: Andy is the founder and lead developer of Rock Gym Pro with over 20+ years of software product development experience. Having launched RGP in 2008, he is intimately familiar with the multiple challenges climbing gyms face in their day to day operations.

Retirement and Bonus Plans for Employee and Owner Benefit | Jonathan Pearl, Perceptral Properties

Description: This presentation begins with an outline of the basic concepts available to business owners and gym management to provide tax-advantaged retirement benefits to employees and owners. We will move into more advanced concepts that go beyond the basics, including executive bonus plans, life insurance retirement plans (LIRPs), buy-sell agreements for partnerships, as well as employee stock option plans (ESOPs). Time will be allotted to answer questions and foster discussion regarding these concepts in greater detail as desired. About the Presenter: Jonathan received a PhD in Music & Cognitive Science in 2005. Subsequently, he founded and lead an R&D firm in Speech Synthesis. Previously, he had a landscaping business, performed and taught as an actor & singer across the US and Europe. He is a financial planner and advisor. He plans to open climbing gyms with his family, and wishes to share his investment, retirement, and insurance expertise with others who share his passion for climbing.

Gym Managers Roundtable

Description: To Be Announced If you would like to be considered as a potential moderator for this session, please contact Laura Allured at laura@climbingwallindustry.org for more information.

Developing Women in Routesetting | Foxman McCarthy-James, Brooklyn Boulders

Description: As the climbing industry expands and routesetting professionalizes, many gyms are seeking ways to address the lack of women on their routesetting crews. This session will examine some of the factors contributing to the shortage of women in routesetting, the impact of skewed gender ratios on gym communities, and some tools gyms can employ to attract and develop more female routesetters. About the Presenter: Foxman McCarthy-James is a routesetter with Brooklyn Boulders, and the founder and organizer of IMPACT Bouldering Competition, an all female-set competition open to competitors of all genders.

Deliberate Design | Aroldo Vitor Silva, Alma Climbing

Description: The question of 'is routesetting art? is it design?' is a conversation that is currently at the forefront of commercial routesetting. As important as this question has become, it is also important to dig further behind the layers of why this question is being asked to begin with. Deliberate Design doesn't aim to answer yes or no, it aims to ask why? By using a series of references from the world of art and design, we introduce this conversation by bringing new tools and ideas to the table. This is an opportunity to elevate the level of concepts and language we as routesetters use, with the goal of breaking from our subjective truths and working together toward objective ideals. By broadening our world, we can further progress the level inclusivity in our routesetting programs in an effort to prepare for an industry on the brink of expansion. This talk is intended for routesetters who want to explore the intersection of art, design, and routesetting. ​ About the Presenter: Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I have spent most of my life involved in art and athletics. Upon discovering climbing, I found myself curious and intrigued about routesetting very early on. Through that pursuit, routesetting became an ideal pairing of the two aspects of my life that have shaped me as a person and have now propelled me into the climbing gym industry.

Setting the Tone: Why Crew Culture Matters | Yusuf Daneshyar, Climb So iLL

Description: Routesetters are key players that design the climbing environment your members connect with. A properly curated environment motivates people to climb, train, and build connections with other members. Developing and maintaining your routesetting crew's culture provides routesetters with clear opportunities for professional growth, empowers them to shape your community's experience, and ultimately sets the tone for the climbing gym. This talk is for anyone who manages a setting crew and has the direct ability to shape and influence their gym's crew culture. About the Presenter: Yusuf Daneshyar is co-owner and operator of Climb So iLL. His career spans nearly a decade; in that time, Yusuf and his team have opened two commercial climbing facilities in the St. Louis area, founded a local climbing advocacy group (BETA FUND), and authored the guidebook for one of the Midwest region's most popular climbing destinations (Jackson Falls, Southern Illinois). Yusuf also maintains his position as an experienced routesetter and currently leads the company's routesetting operations.

Routesetting and Management Communication | Sarah Filler, The Spot & Kasia Pietras, MetroRock Climbing Centers

Description: This session will cover important topics that routesetting departments should be communicating to their management teams. The goal is to help open the communication between routesetters and upper management. We will discuss the reasoning behind why we (as a routesetting team) have specific requests and demonstrate approaches to highlight routesetting needs to management teams as something that will benefit their customers. This is after all, the product you're selling! About the Presenters: Sarah Filler has been setting for 12 years and is currently the Head Routesetter of The Spot gyms. Over the past few years she's spent time traveling to many climbing gyms setting both commercially and for competitions, as well as teaching gym-specific clinics with the Routesetting Institute. Kasia Pietras has been routesetting for the past 15 plus years. She is currently the Director of Routesetting at MetroRock Climbing Centers and manages 5 different facilities and over 25 employees. She has been climbing since 1998. Climbing has been part of her life and always will be. She always loves to share everything that she has learned over the years with other passionate climbing folks.

El Cap Routesetting: Q&A with the experts shaping the future of routesetting for the world's largest climbing gym operator | Moderator: Justen Sjong, El Cap

Description: The routesetting department at El Cap employs close to 100 routesetters in 16 gyms across the country. Their mission is to design a curated climbing experience rooted in empathy that meets the known and unknown needs of their community while fostering a routesetting culture of wellness, discovery, and the endless pursuit of mastery.​ The panel will answer crowd-sourced questions to provide insight into the current state of routesetting, and where it's going. This panel discussion will: - Explore the evolution of routesetting - Share pain points in aligning multiple brands under one operating style - Discuss El Cap's view of what the future holds for routesetting and the climbing industry About the Moderator: Justen Sjong has been working in the industry as a routesetter & climbing coach for 26 years. Our industry has taken tremendous strides to evolve the member experience and he participated in that learning process first hand. His experience comes from the evolution of being a 'trade' setter to becoming a Director of Setting for 16+ locations. About the Panelists: Ward Byrum is El Cap's Director of Routesetting for the East Region gyms. He has been a champion of the professionalization of routesetting for years. With a BFA in Design, Ward looks to the design world for ways to improve the routesetting product of El Cap. He believes empathy for the end user, defining style characteristics, and presentation of product are core to enhancing the climber experience. Brandon Conaway stepped into the industry as a routesetter nearly eight years ago at a small university climbing wall. He seems to have entered the profession when it was on the verge of a tipping point. Today, he is in a position to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. He currently oversees all routesetting operations for six facilities as El Cap Holdings' west region Director of Routesetting. Ryan Sewell got his start at Movement Boulder sweeping the floors when it was just a construction site as an eager 19-year-old, just looking to make it in the climbing mecca of Boulder. Growing up climbing in the great state of Texas, routesetting became Ryan’s hobby by age 14 and not long after, his career. As a USA Climbing Level 5 Routesetter, multiple time National Chief Routesetter, nine-time USA Climbing National Team member, 5.14d and V14 rock climber, and avid traveler, Ryan is dedicated to providing a high level climbing experience that is intentionally designed for the community. Outside of routesetting, Ryan is most likely found with his wife Jess and dog Maggie in one of two places —at the crag or engaged in a fierce game of fetch.

Developing Women in Routesetting | Foxman McCarthy-James, Brooklyn Boulders

Description: As the climbing industry expands and routesetting professionalizes, many gyms are seeking ways to address the lack of women on their routesetting crews. This session will examine some of the factors contributing to the shortage of women in routesetting, the impact of skewed gender ratios on gym communities, and some tools gyms can employ to attract and develop more female routesetters. About the Presenter: Foxman McCarthy-James is a routesetter with Brooklyn Boulders, and the founder and organizer of IMPACT Bouldering Competition, an all female-set competition open to competitors of all genders.

Deliberate Design | Aroldo Vitor Silva, Alma Climbing

Description: The question of 'is routesetting art? is it design?' is a conversation that is currently at the forefront of commercial routesetting. As important as this question has become, it is also important to dig further behind the layers of why this question is being asked to begin with. Deliberate Design doesn't aim to answer yes or no, it aims to ask why? By using a series of references from the world of art and design, we introduce this conversation by bringing new tools and ideas to the table. This is an opportunity to elevate the level of concepts and language we as routesetters use, with the goal of breaking from our subjective truths and working together toward objective ideals. By broadening our world, we can further progress the level inclusivity in our routesetting programs in an effort to prepare for an industry on the brink of expansion. This talk is intended for routesetters who want to explore the intersection of art, design, and routesetting. ​ About the Presenter: Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I have spent most of my life involved in art and athletics. Upon discovering climbing, I found myself curious and intrigued about routesetting very early on. Through that pursuit, routesetting became an ideal pairing of the two aspects of my life that have shaped me as a person and have now propelled me into the climbing gym industry.

Setting the Tone: Why Crew Culture Matters | Yusuf Daneshyar, Climb So iLL

Description: Routesetters are key players that design the climbing environment your members connect with. A properly curated environment motivates people to climb, train, and build connections with other members. Developing and maintaining your routesetting crew's culture provides routesetters with clear opportunities for professional growth, empowers them to shape your community's experience, and ultimately sets the tone for the climbing gym. This talk is for anyone who manages a setting crew and has the direct ability to shape and influence their gym's crew culture. About the Presenter: Yusuf Daneshyar is co-owner and operator of Climb So iLL. His career spans nearly a decade; in that time, Yusuf and his team have opened two commercial climbing facilities in the St. Louis area, founded a local climbing advocacy group (BETA FUND), and authored the guidebook for one of the Midwest region's most popular climbing destinations (Jackson Falls, Southern Illinois). Yusuf also maintains his position as an experienced routesetter and currently leads the company's routesetting operations.

Routesetting and Management Communication | Sarah Filler, The Spot & Kasia Pietras, MetroRock Climbing Centers

Description: This session will cover important topics that routesetting departments should be communicating to their management teams. The goal is to help open the communication between routesetters and upper management. We will discuss the reasoning behind why we (as a routesetting team) have specific requests and demonstrate approaches to highlight routesetting needs to management teams as something that will benefit their customers. This is after all, the product you're selling! About the Presenters: Sarah Filler has been setting for 12 years and is currently the Head Routesetter of The Spot gyms. Over the past few years she's spent time traveling to many climbing gyms setting both commercially and for competitions, as well as teaching gym-specific clinics with the Routesetting Institute. Kasia Pietras has been routesetting for the past 15 plus years. She is currently the Director of Routesetting at MetroRock Climbing Centers and manages 5 different facilities and over 25 employees. She has been climbing since 1998. Climbing has been part of her life and always will be. She always loves to share everything that she has learned over the years with other passionate climbing folks.

El Cap Routesetting: Q&A with the experts shaping the future of routesetting for the world's largest climbing gym operator | Moderator: Justen Sjong, El Cap

Description: The routesetting department at El Cap employs close to 100 routesetters in 16 gyms across the country. Their mission is to design a curated climbing experience rooted in empathy that meets the known and unknown needs of their community while fostering a routesetting culture of wellness, discovery, and the endless pursuit of mastery.​ The panel will answer crowd-sourced questions to provide insight into the current state of routesetting, and where it's going. This panel discussion will: - Explore the evolution of routesetting - Share pain points in aligning multiple brands under one operating style - Discuss El Cap's view of what the future holds for routesetting and the climbing industry About the Moderator: Justen Sjong has been working in the industry as a routesetter & climbing coach for 26 years. Our industry has taken tremendous strides to evolve the member experience and he participated in that learning process first hand. His experience comes from the evolution of being a 'trade' setter to becoming a Director of Setting for 16+ locations. About the Panelists: Ward Byrum is El Cap's Director of Routesetting for the East Region gyms. He has been a champion of the professionalization of routesetting for years. With a BFA in Design, Ward looks to the design world for ways to improve the routesetting product of El Cap. He believes empathy for the end user, defining style characteristics, and presentation of product are core to enhancing the climber experience. Brandon Conaway stepped into the industry as a routesetter nearly eight years ago at a small university climbing wall. He seems to have entered the profession when it was on the verge of a tipping point. Today, he is in a position to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. He currently oversees all routesetting operations for six facilities as El Cap Holdings' west region Director of Routesetting. Ryan Sewell got his start at Movement Boulder sweeping the floors when it was just a construction site as an eager 19-year-old, just looking to make it in the climbing mecca of Boulder. Growing up climbing in the great state of Texas, routesetting became Ryan’s hobby by age 14 and not long after, his career. As a USA Climbing Level 5 Routesetter, multiple time National Chief Routesetter, nine-time USA Climbing National Team member, 5.14d and V14 rock climber, and avid traveler, Ryan is dedicated to providing a high level climbing experience that is intentionally designed for the community. Outside of routesetting, Ryan is most likely found with his wife Jess and dog Maggie in one of two places —at the crag or engaged in a fierce game of fetch.

Creative Climbing Activities | Pat Brehm & Bix Firer, The Headwall Group

Description: In this session participants will learn new climbing activities that train participants in technical climbing skills and social skills by participating in them as they are led by experienced facilitators. All the activities in the session can be used to bring new life to participants' youth or adult programs. The activities will also act as a model for participant's to invent their own creative activities for their programs. This session will be hands on, engaging and fun for everyone who joins. ​ ​ About the Presenters: Patrick Brehm (BA Marquette University) has worked in several capacities of youth advocacy, developing and delivering curriculum based in social-emotional learning, experiential education, and special education. He has passionately brought high-level, energetic facilitation and training to diverse communities of youth and adults in Milwaukee and Denver through various non-profits, schools, and community-oriented businesses. As a dedicated rock climbing instructor, Pat is passionate about sharing a unique perspective, encouraging groups and individuals to use rock climbing and other adventures to find connection and balance within oneself, community, and natural environment. When Pat is not teaching, you can find him climbing. Bix Firer (MA University of Chicago, BA University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) has worked in experiential and adventure education with national non-profits and school districts in Chicago, Milwaukee, Colorado, and Alaska since 2007. . Bix is currently the Director of Outdoor Programs at the College of Idaho and consults with youth serving programs and climbing gyms with The Headwall Group. His passion is facilitating challenging and fun experiences that help the next generation of facilitators approach themselves and each other with excitement, empathy, and a sense of adventure. While not working, Bix can be found exploring the rivers and mountains of Idaho by his own power.

Enhancing Your One on One Coaching Program | Brian Soileau, New Orleans Boulder Lounge

Description: Learn how to enhance your one on one coaching and training sales through stronger relationships between your trainers, management staff, and members. Make sure your trainers are approachable, your personal coaching programs are sellable and interesting, and find ways to link your trainers and members in meaningful ways.​ About the Presenter: Brian was employed in the traditional fitness industry in multiple roles including sports & wellness director and assistant executive director, supervising fitness, youth sports, aquatics, database management, membership and marketing for 12 years. Brian also worked for as a fitness business consultant with JCC Association of North America for four years, serving as the sports & wellness and membership consultant. He provided staff training in sales, program development, customer service, data and database management, and member engagement. He is currently the Director of Operations for the New Orleans Boulder Lounge.

Event Sponsorship: From Strategy to Procurement to Delivery, How to Create Sustainable Partnerships | Chloe Mandell, Mandell Experiences LLC

Description: This session is a must for any manager or staff involved in events at your gym. Let’s face it, events cost money and sometimes it’s too much for your gym to foot the whole bill. Or maybe you’re just looking for some raffle prizes or ways to engage with the brands in your pro shop. Whatever the case may be, this session will give you all the tools you’ll need to approach sponsorship and sponsors with confidence. Chloe Mandell will cover everything from sponsorship strategy (including 5 simple questions to ask at the beginning of any event, and what sponsorship is like from the sponsor’s point of view), the 4 Steps to getting sponsors, and how to deliver on your sponsorship like a champ so they keep coming back. Join for a session packed with information that will serve you even outside of the context of events, and bring your questions for a robust Q&A session at the end. This session will:

1. Inform how to approach event sponsorship strategically – 5 simple questions to ask yourself at the beginning of any event
2. Inform how to conduct sponsorship “sales” – 4 steps to getting sponsors
3. Inform how to properly deliver on a sponsorship
4. Inform overall how to create and maintain sustainable event partnerships

Developing the Whole Person: Coach & Inter-Athlete Mentorship | Jessica Haynes, Hoosier Heights

Description: Coaching youth athletes is both a particularly complex and particularly important skill. It requires trainers to not only focus on developing strong athletes, but healthy, confident ones, and ones capable of independence, goal-setting, leadership, responsible decision-making, self-reflection, emotional regulation, mental fortitude, and more. The development of the whole person, rather than just the athlete, requires coaches to have a skillset beyond knowledge of training protocols, and this discussion will not only present those challenges but will present realistic, practical approaches to instilling service-mindedness and leadership skills in youth athletes and developing close, positive bonds between teammates and competitors that will last a lifetime. Objectives:

• Emphasize to coaches the importance of our role as mentors and developers of future community leaders, and the importance of instilling within our athletes a service-minded attitude toward their fellow teammates, competitors, and the community as a whole
• Provide coaches with practical tools for instilling service-mindedness and leadership skills in youth athletes and developing close, positive bonds between teammates and competitors
• Describe an exceptional and unique aspect of our program that has become the foundation of our Team culture and how we have utilized our inter-athlete mentorship program to help develop a service-minded attitude and leadership skills among our athletes

Creative Climbing Activities | Pat Brehm & Bix Firer, The Headwall Group

Description: In this session participants will learn new climbing activities that train participants in technical climbing skills and social skills by participating in them as they are led by experienced facilitators. All the activities in the session can be used to bring new life to participants' youth or adult programs. The activities will also act as a model for participant's to invent their own creative activities for their programs. This session will be hands on, engaging and fun for everyone who joins. ​ ​ About the Presenters: Patrick Brehm (BA Marquette University) has worked in several capacities of youth advocacy, developing and delivering curriculum based in social-emotional learning, experiential education, and special education. He has passionately brought high-level, energetic facilitation and training to diverse communities of youth and adults in Milwaukee and Denver through various non-profits, schools, and community-oriented businesses. As a dedicated rock climbing instructor, Pat is passionate about sharing a unique perspective, encouraging groups and individuals to use rock climbing and other adventures to find connection and balance within oneself, community, and natural environment. When Pat is not teaching, you can find him climbing. Bix Firer (MA University of Chicago, BA University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) has worked in experiential and adventure education with national non-profits and school districts in Chicago, Milwaukee, Colorado, and Alaska since 2007. . Bix is currently the Director of Outdoor Programs at the College of Idaho and consults with youth serving programs and climbing gyms with The Headwall Group. His passion is facilitating challenging and fun experiences that help the next generation of facilitators approach themselves and each other with excitement, empathy, and a sense of adventure. While not working, Bix can be found exploring the rivers and mountains of Idaho by his own power.

Enhancing Your One on One Coaching Program | Brian Soileau, New Orleans Boulder Lounge

Description: Learn how to enhance your one on one coaching and training sales through stronger relationships between your trainers, management staff, and members. Make sure your trainers are approachable, your personal coaching programs are sellable and interesting, and find ways to link your trainers and members in meaningful ways.​ About the Presenter: Brian was employed in the traditional fitness industry in multiple roles including sports & wellness director and assistant executive director, supervising fitness, youth sports, aquatics, database management, membership and marketing for 12 years. Brian also worked for as a fitness business consultant with JCC Association of North America for four years, serving as the sports & wellness and membership consultant. He provided staff training in sales, program development, customer service, data and database management, and member engagement. He is currently the Director of Operations for the New Orleans Boulder Lounge.

Event Sponsorship: From Strategy to Procurement to Delivery, How to Create Sustainable Partnerships | Chloe Mandell, Mandell Experiences LLC

Description: This session is a must for any manager or staff involved in events at your gym. Let’s face it, events cost money and sometimes it’s too much for your gym to foot the whole bill. Or maybe you’re just looking for some raffle prizes or ways to engage with the brands in your pro shop. Whatever the case may be, this session will give you all the tools you’ll need to approach sponsorship and sponsors with confidence. Chloe Mandell will cover everything from sponsorship strategy (including 5 simple questions to ask at the beginning of any event, and what sponsorship is like from the sponsor’s point of view), the 4 Steps to getting sponsors, and how to deliver on your sponsorship like a champ so they keep coming back. Join for a session packed with information that will serve you even outside of the context of events, and bring your questions for a robust Q&A session at the end. This session will:

1. Inform how to approach event sponsorship strategically – 5 simple questions to ask yourself at the beginning of any event
2. Inform how to conduct sponsorship “sales” – 4 steps to getting sponsors
3. Inform how to properly deliver on a sponsorship
4. Inform overall how to create and maintain sustainable event partnerships

Developing the Whole Person: Coach & Inter-Athlete Mentorship | Jessica Haynes, Hoosier Heights

Description: Coaching youth athletes is both a particularly complex and particularly important skill. It requires trainers to not only focus on developing strong athletes, but healthy, confident ones, and ones capable of independence, goal-setting, leadership, responsible decision-making, self-reflection, emotional regulation, mental fortitude, and more. The development of the whole person, rather than just the athlete, requires coaches to have a skillset beyond knowledge of training protocols, and this discussion will not only present those challenges but will present realistic, practical approaches to instilling service-mindedness and leadership skills in youth athletes and developing close, positive bonds between teammates and competitors that will last a lifetime. Objectives:

• Emphasize to coaches the importance of our role as mentors and developers of future community leaders, and the importance of instilling within our athletes a service-minded attitude toward their fellow teammates, competitors, and the community as a whole
• Provide coaches with practical tools for instilling service-mindedness and leadership skills in youth athletes and developing close, positive bonds between teammates and competitors
• Describe an exceptional and unique aspect of our program that has become the foundation of our Team culture and how we have utilized our inter-athlete mentorship program to help develop a service-minded attitude and leadership skills among our athletes