Gender Equity: Skills for Transgender Inclusion

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Facilitated by: Lila Leatherman Conference Track: Management and Operations Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $150 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: This workshop will help gym managers and staff understand and affirm transgender people in a climbing gym setting. This workshop will give attendees an understanding of foundational concepts around gender, as well as challenges faced by transgender people in climbing settings and in the world at large. Through gym-specific scenarios, participants will learn how to identify, avoid, and respond to anti-transgender bias. Topics covered include: pronouns, bathrooms, gender boxes on waivers and other forms, and fundamental skills for gym staff. Ultimately, this workshop seeks to help climbing gym managers learn how to welcome and affirm people of all genders. This workshop will be interactive and discussion-based, and will provide suggestions for future learning. Workshop Goals:

• Understand foundational concepts around gender and transgender identities
• Understand what a pronoun is, and how to use pronouns in gym and professional settings
• Be able to identify and respond to common scenarios of anti-transgender bias in a gym setting
• Understand how transgender identities affect people’s experience in a climbing gym and the world

About the Instructor: Lila Leatherman (they/them pronouns) is an educator and consultant based in Salt Lake City, and has been teaching for more than eight years. Lila is dedicated to making outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive, with a particular focus on queer and trans people. As the founder of Lamella, a gender equity consulting company, they work to increase empathy and advocacy with transgender identities. You can learn more about their work at LamellaConsulting.com. Sign Up Now →

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More Members Forever: Get People in the Door and Keep Them There

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Facilitated by: Kristin Horowitz, Ascent Ventures / The Pad Climbing Conference Track: Management and Operations Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $150 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: In this course, we will cover: The mindset for success and how to get the most out of this program The different touch points your clients/members will have with you and how you can optimize that for the best experience possible. Proven and effective ways to get more members in the door via online advertising, event attendance and more. Reactivating old clients with enticing offers that don't cost you a penny. Workshop Goals: Change mindset from leads to focusing on the front desk Provide actionable steps to better, effective marketing Help attendees set up a sales funnel Show attendees technology tools that can help save time while making money About the Instructor: Kristin Horowitz has been running climbing gyms and major human powered events for over twenty years. She is the marketing manager for both businesses and has a proven system for getting traffic in the door and getting new members signed up on day 1. Modified from existing gym programs offered at exorbitant prices, this method caters to the community feel and life-changing effects of climbing. Sign Up Now →

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Climbing Wall Instructor Provider Certification

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Facilitated by: Climbing Wall Association
Conference Track: Certifications

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2019, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM & Wednesday, May 13, 2019, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: TBD
Cost: $329 for conference attendees, $429 for others

Description: The CWI Provider Certification Program is designed to promote industry self-regulation and assist owner/operators of climbing facilities in training staff to a minimum, consistent standard of care. The curriculum can be easily integrated into existing staff training and professional development programs. The CWI Certification program may not cover all necessary topics required at a particular company, program or facility. However, the program should address the basic technical competencies for climbing wall instructors regardless of venue. The primary governing document for the program is the program policy manual which discusses the structure and functioning of the program and the responsibilities of the providers.

Any person meeting the pre-requisites to become a CWI certification program provider, and who maintains appropriate membership status, may stand as a candidate for certification to be a provider and is encouraged to apply. Eligibility is determined based upon review of an application, a current résumé or curriculum vitae, references, completion of a provider course, and willingness to complete an attestation and agreement. An interview may also be required.

Prerequisites for CWI Certification program provider include:
1. Current membership in the CWA 2. 21 years of age. 3. Current first aid and CPR (American Red Cross Basic - 5.5 to 6.5 hours, or equivalent). 4. A résumé or other document showing a minimum of 200 hours of work experience as a climbing instructor, showing expertise in indoor climbing settings. 5. Climbing ability: 5.9 top rope and 5.8 lead on artificial structures. 6. Current CWA Certified Climbing Wall Instructor.* (See Below) 7. Two non-related professional references, including contact information and phone number. 8. A signed agreement and attestation on file. 9. Proof of insurance.

* If the candidate is not a current CWA Certified Climbing Wall Instructor, the candidate may complete an alternative qualification procedure documenting that the candidate meets the requirements of becoming a provider but showing a minimum of 400 hours of work experience as a climbing instructor. Exceptional and wide-ranging indoor climbing teaching experience, prior experience as an instructor or guide, or other certification will be considered as evidence of qualification. Sign Up Now →

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Womxn in Leadership Luncheon (Coming Soon!)

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Facilitated by: Climbing Wall Association Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Tentative Time: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: TBA

Description: Join fellow leaders in the indoor climbing industry for the first-ever Womxn in Leadership Luncheon! The purpose of this event is to provide women and non-binary femmes working in leadership in the indoor climbing industry an opportunity to build networks. The event will also serve as a starting point for the industry to discuss the ongoing career-development needs of marginalized genders.

Objectives:

• Provide a platform for womxn leaders to safely share and connect with others

• Discuss the potential for ongoing career-development programming for womxn in the industry

Pre-requisites: TBA

Agenda:

• Welcome & Lunch - Grab some delicious, healthy food, and settle in for a productive exeprience.

• Panel Discussion - Indoor climbing industry veterans will share their stories, including their paths to leadership, approaches to work/life/climbing balance, leadership styles, and management advice.

• Small Group Discussion - In small groups, use prompts to discuss possibilities for ongoing career-development programming in the industry.

• Next Step - Wrap up the event and determine a concrete next step.

This event is still being developed, and more information will be released soon! In the meantime, if you're interested in learning more, please contact Laura Allured at laura@climbingwallindustry.org.

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Climbing Gym Start Up: A Primer

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Facilitated by: Hilary Harris Conference Track: Startups & Business Formation Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $295 for conference attendees, $450 for others Description: Starting a climbing gym can be a daunting process. From concept to inception, there are multiple hurdles an aspiring gym owner must face. This workshop is geared towards anyone planning to open a climbing gym as well as for those considering building new facilities. It will equip you with an intuitive knowledge of financial and legal considerations and enable you to understand the market in which your gym will operate. The information gained will also empower you to communicate with financial stakeholders. You will leave with a more thorough understanding of what steps are involved with starting and operating a climbing gym with the tools to create a clear business plan. Bring your business plan if you have one, a proposed location for your project, and any other information you have regarding your project. Workshop Goals: Market Analysis, Capital Expenditures, Financing Options, Legal Structure, Gym Design/Build, Opening/Marketing, Gym Operations About the Instructor: Hilary Harris is the Founder of EVO Rock + Fitness. A licensed architect, retired professional climber and coach, and experienced gym owner, Hilary has been involved with all stages of business planning, design, construction, operations and expansion of climbing gyms in various markets across the US. Hilary has overseen strategic brand and business development in varying capacities for EVO since 2010. She also holds a Leading in Finance Certificate from Harvard Business School. Sign Up Now →

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Gender Equity: Skills for Transgender Inclusion

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Facilitated by: Lila Leatherman Conference Track: Management and Operations Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $150 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: This workshop will help gym managers and staff understand and affirm transgender people in a climbing gym setting. This workshop will give attendees an understanding of foundational concepts around gender, as well as challenges faced by transgender people in climbing settings and in the world at large. Through gym-specific scenarios, participants will learn how to identify, avoid, and respond to anti-transgender bias. Topics covered include: pronouns, bathrooms, gender boxes on waivers and other forms, and fundamental skills for gym staff. Ultimately, this workshop seeks to help climbing gym managers learn how to welcome and affirm people of all genders. This workshop will be interactive and discussion-based, and will provide suggestions for future learning. Workshop Goals:

• Understand foundational concepts around gender and transgender identities
• Understand what a pronoun is, and how to use pronouns in gym and professional settings
• Be able to identify and respond to common scenarios of anti-transgender bias in a gym setting
• Understand how transgender identities affect people’s experience in a climbing gym and the world

About the Instructor: Lila Leatherman (they/them pronouns) is an educator and consultant based in Salt Lake City, and has been teaching for more than eight years. Lila is dedicated to making outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive, with a particular focus on queer and trans people. As the founder of Lamella, a gender equity consulting company, they work to increase empathy and advocacy with transgender identities. You can learn more about their work at LamellaConsulting.com. Sign Up Now →

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More Members Forever: Get People in the Door and Keep Them There

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Facilitated by: Kristin Horowitz, Ascent Ventures / The Pad Climbing Conference Track: Management and Operations Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $150 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: In this course, we will cover: The mindset for success and how to get the most out of this program The different touch points your clients/members will have with you and how you can optimize that for the best experience possible. Proven and effective ways to get more members in the door via online advertising, event attendance and more. Reactivating old clients with enticing offers that don't cost you a penny. Workshop Goals: Change mindset from leads to focusing on the front desk Provide actionable steps to better, effective marketing Help attendees set up a sales funnel Show attendees technology tools that can help save time while making money About the Instructor: Kristin Horowitz has been running climbing gyms and major human powered events for over twenty years. She is the marketing manager for both businesses and has a proven system for getting traffic in the door and getting new members signed up on day 1. Modified from existing gym programs offered at exorbitant prices, this method caters to the community feel and life-changing effects of climbing. Sign Up Now →

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Climbing Wall Instructor Provider Certification

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Facilitated by: Climbing Wall Association
Conference Track: Certifications

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2019, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM & Wednesday, May 13, 2019, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: TBD
Cost: $329 for conference attendees, $429 for others

Description: The CWI Provider Certification Program is designed to promote industry self-regulation and assist owner/operators of climbing facilities in training staff to a minimum, consistent standard of care. The curriculum can be easily integrated into existing staff training and professional development programs. The CWI Certification program may not cover all necessary topics required at a particular company, program or facility. However, the program should address the basic technical competencies for climbing wall instructors regardless of venue. The primary governing document for the program is the program policy manual which discusses the structure and functioning of the program and the responsibilities of the providers.

Any person meeting the pre-requisites to become a CWI certification program provider, and who maintains appropriate membership status, may stand as a candidate for certification to be a provider and is encouraged to apply. Eligibility is determined based upon review of an application, a current résumé or curriculum vitae, references, completion of a provider course, and willingness to complete an attestation and agreement. An interview may also be required.

Prerequisites for CWI Certification program provider include:
1. Current membership in the CWA 2. 21 years of age. 3. Current first aid and CPR (American Red Cross Basic - 5.5 to 6.5 hours, or equivalent). 4. A résumé or other document showing a minimum of 200 hours of work experience as a climbing instructor, showing expertise in indoor climbing settings. 5. Climbing ability: 5.9 top rope and 5.8 lead on artificial structures. 6. Current CWA Certified Climbing Wall Instructor.* (See Below) 7. Two non-related professional references, including contact information and phone number. 8. A signed agreement and attestation on file. 9. Proof of insurance.

* If the candidate is not a current CWA Certified Climbing Wall Instructor, the candidate may complete an alternative qualification procedure documenting that the candidate meets the requirements of becoming a provider but showing a minimum of 400 hours of work experience as a climbing instructor. Exceptional and wide-ranging indoor climbing teaching experience, prior experience as an instructor or guide, or other certification will be considered as evidence of qualification. Sign Up Now →

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Womxn in Leadership Luncheon (Coming Soon!)

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Facilitated by: Climbing Wall Association Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Tentative Time: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: TBA

Description: Join fellow leaders in the indoor climbing industry for the first-ever Womxn in Leadership Luncheon! The purpose of this event is to provide women and non-binary femmes working in leadership in the indoor climbing industry an opportunity to build networks. The event will also serve as a starting point for the industry to discuss the ongoing career-development needs of marginalized genders.

Objectives:

• Provide a platform for womxn leaders to safely share and connect with others

• Discuss the potential for ongoing career-development programming for womxn in the industry

Pre-requisites: TBA

Agenda:

• Welcome & Lunch - Grab some delicious, healthy food, and settle in for a productive exeprience.

• Panel Discussion - Indoor climbing industry veterans will share their stories, including their paths to leadership, approaches to work/life/climbing balance, leadership styles, and management advice.

• Small Group Discussion - In small groups, use prompts to discuss possibilities for ongoing career-development programming in the industry.

• Next Step - Wrap up the event and determine a concrete next step.

This event is still being developed, and more information will be released soon! In the meantime, if you're interested in learning more, please contact Laura Allured at laura@climbingwallindustry.org.

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Prevent Climbing Injuries: A Systematic Approach

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Facilitated by: Jared Vagy, The Climbing Doctor Conference Track: Coaching/Training Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $150 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: This workshop is for any climber who has struggled with injury themselves, with their teams or with their gym membership. You will learn how to assess and treat the most common rock climbing injuries. Based on your findings, you will utilize a systematic approach to prevent and rehabilitate the injury. Additionally, you will be given a free copy of the book ""Climb Injury-Free"" and complimentary team membership access to the Rock Rehab Program with detailed injury prevention protocols to treat the most common climbing injuries. Workshop Goals: Learn how to assess the most common rock climbing injuries. Utilize a systematic approach to prevent and rehabilitate the injury. Integrate the latest research into your team practices Use detailed protocols to prevent and treat the most common climbing injuries on your team About the Instructor: Dr. Jared Vagy is a climber and doctor of physical therapy (DPT). He is also a professor at the University of Southern California, the number- one-ranked doctor of physical therapy program in the country. He lectures internationally on the topic of preventing climbing injury. Dr. Jared Vagy has published numerous articles as well as two books on the topic. His most recent book, ""Climb Injury-Free"" is an Amazon #1 best seller in the rock climbing category. As a DPT in clinical practice, he has completed an additional one-year residency program in orthopedics and a one-year fellowship program in movement science, totaling 9 years of concentrated study. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Sign Up Now →

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Simple Climbing Testing Procedures and Programming for Teams and Individuals

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Facilitated by: Steve Bechtel, CLIMB STRONG and Tyler Nelson, Camp4 Performance Conference Track: Coaching/Training Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $325 for conference attendees, $475 for others Description: In this session, Tyler Nelson and Steve Bechtel team up to teach four of the top performance tests for rock climbers and boulderers. Participants will learn about testing procedures, technology, and technique. Additionally, the session will cover what the test numbers might mean, how to improve limiting factors in an athlete's performance, and how to build a training program to pull it all together. |This workshop will feature full participation from the audience, and each person will have the opportunity to take part in the tests if they would like. Workshop Goals: - To highlight the most effective and informative climbing-specific testing modes. - To help coaches understand what the numbers mean and how to improve them. - To bridge the gap between testing and performance by giving coaches a clear framework on how to address test results in training plans. About the Instructors: Steve is the founder of Climb Strong. A climber of 30+ years, Steve's established over 350 new routes across the globe, from grade VI big wall climbs to 25-foot routes on his home crags near Lander, Wyoming. An exercise science graduate of the University of Wyoming, Steve has been studying climbing training methods since his teens. Steve opened Elemental Performance + Fitness in 2002 - a gym in Lander, built around the training needs of high-level climbers. Tyler Nelson operates a chiropractic sports medicine clinic and strength & conditioning business in Salt Lake City. While earning his doctoral degree, he completed a dual program masters degree in exercise science at the University Of Missouri. Tyler is employed through two colleges in Utah. He is certified as a CSCS, and spends any extra time in his life with kids, or climbing in Zion National Park. His expertise in human physiology and a cutting-edge knowledge of strength and conditioning techniques will help us understand training for climbing in the 21st century. Sign Up Now →

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Coaching Climbing Movement and Mindset

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Facilitated by: Heather Reynolds Conference Track: Coaching/Training Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: TBD Cost: $175 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: This workshop is designed to assist climbing coaches and program instructors to develop new skills and ideas to share with clients. Attendees will be introduced to a method of progressively teaching movement and understanding how routesetting influences movement style. You will review and practice the value of an eye for movement habits that can negatively impact performance. You will practice activities that will increase the potential movement patterns that will assist in develop new movement patterns and encourage a growth mindset. The exploration of movement will cover areas of setting, injury prevention, risk management and coaching. Participants will be asked to climb and try new things. Level of current climbing is not important, we will work from where you are. Workshop Goals: · Learn new approaches to teaching movement · Practice efficient and inefficient movement patterns · Link strength and mobility to movement patterns · Learn how to trick clients into a growth mindset · Tie movement into activities to force the development of new movement patterns · To bridge the gap between testing and performance by giving coaches a clear framework on how to address test results in training plans. About the Instructor: Heather blends her knowledge of movement, physiology, strength and mobility, and education to develop a multitude of successful climbing programs designed to engage new-to-climbers and experienced climbers of all ages. Coaching hundreds of climbers each year to connect and reconnect with their potential and inspire their climbing, helping them improve their performance. Heather has created and shares simple activities to help climbers develop. www.heatherdr.com Sign Up Now →

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Climbing Movement - Case Studies & Teaching Strategies

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Facilitated by: Taylor Reed Conference Track: Coaching/Training Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: TBD Cost: $175 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: Climbing has been called a skill-based sport, but what do we mean by that? Can a skill be mastered? What are the "skills"? Do they go away? How does one skill compensate for another? More importantly, how do we teach it? What kind of analytical "lenses" can you use to make a statement about a climber's movement? What do you need to know to make your time or you're your time with your athlete worthwhile? In this workshop, we'll shift from classroom to the playground as we review science-informed approaches to movement, see how they fit with climbing, and look at case studies of climbers and their technical compensation patterns. We'll also take this information directly to the climbing wall and apply a hands-on approach to analyzing the climbers in the situation and providing teaching direction. Workshop Goals: · Give an overview of research behind two approaches to movement - motor learning and the constraints led approach, and the research behind them. · Synthesize the approaches to climbing both in a classroom setting and apply it practically. · Review case studies of climbing behavior and technique and provide a venue to explore those techniques within the context of one or both movement approaches. About the Instructor: Taylor received his Masters (MA) in international affairs in 2010 and promptly went to Washington, DC to focus on security- and disaster-related policy. He contracted with the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to build national- and organizational-level strategies and analyze thousands of policies. Taylor began coaching in 2005 and balanced coaching with his analysis career all the way up until 2018, when he joined the climbing world full time. Sign Up Now →

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A Hands-on Approach to Coaching Speed Climbing

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Facilitated by: Chi Harris, Multnomah Athletic Club Conference Track: Coaching/Training Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: TBD Cost: $150 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: Have you ever looked at the Speed Climbing Wall in your gym and wondered what it takes to get to the top? Or maybe you've recently started coaching climbing and are curious about how to prepare athletes for speed climbing competitions. The best way to learn how to coach athletes on the IFSC Speed Route is to spend some time on it yourself. Join Chi Harris in this half-day workshop for a hands-on approach to coaching Speed Climbing. We'll start by talking about the fundamentals that govern how we move on the Speed Wall. Next, we'll put on our shoes and harnesses for a few hours of hands-on learning, where we'll break down the route into manageable pieces and learn some of the most efficient beta for each section. Then, we'll look at the role that video-review can play in helping your clients improve on the Speed Route. Finally, we'll wrap things up by putting together some full-length speed runs and answering any lingering questions. Workshop Goals: · Teach the fundamentals of speed climbing · how to climb the IFSC Speed Route · specific techniques to improve your athletes' times · how to use video-review apps for improved coaching. About the Instructor: Chi Harris is a coach for the Multnomah Athletic Club Climbing Team based out of Portland, Oregon. While maintaining a focus on developing the whole athlete, he has worked with athletes across all three disciplines of climbing-from local competitions all the way up to Youth World Championships-during his 9 years as a coach. Chi volunteers on the USA Climbing coaches committee and has been selected as a member of the Youth US Team Coaching Staff twice. Sign Up Now →

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Breath Work Facilitator Basics: Oxygen Load Your Fitness, Coaching, & Yoga Programs

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Facilitated by: Michael Hooten and Gabor Boczonadi Conference Track: Coaching/Training Date: Saturday, May 13, 2020 Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: TBD Cost: $215 for conference attendees, $350 for others Description: Breath work is an emerging interest in fitness and lifestyle trends ranging from yoga studios to fitness facilities, and now just trickling into climbing programs. Amidst the growing popularity of breath work in health and performance circles, proper facilitation is critical to success when capturing an audience, promoting these adaptable techniques, and making them accessible to participants. Health-conscious lifestyle and culture in a gym expands community offerings and draws investment of routine practice and participation in fitness and climbing programs. Discover how breath facilitation is a simple addition to your mind-body-movement programming that can engage new as well as experienced climbers. The workshop will review various forms of popular breathwork, emerging trends, a brief history, health and performance benefits, and techniques for application. Hands-on experiential facilitation will give participants a chance to observe and participate in facilitated techniques. Workshop and roundtable sharing will provide the opportunity to develop a plan of program implementation. Finally, small group peer facilitation will allow participants the option to practice facilitator technique and debrief/critique takeaways to better understand successful implementation. Workshop Goals: · Introduction to Breath Work: What is it? Trends. Applications. Health & Performance Benefits. · History, Technique Overview, & Philosophical Approach to Instructing & Facilitating · Experiential Education: learn by participating in breath practice · Workshop & Round Table (for programming at your facility) · Small group peer instruction practice (to thoroughly understand program integration) About the Instructors: Michael first started climbing while leading outdoor trips all over the southeastern U.S. in 2009 for a university recreation program. He is a casual climber who loves being in nature and geeks out about safety and technical skills. On his professional journey he has managed a climbing gym, multiple outdoor programs, and facilitated various professional development workshops. With a curious heart, he has annoyed many a person simply by uttering the word, ""why?"" The upside is he loves all questions and will encourage any learner to experience things for themselves in a safe manner to truly understand concepts at hand. With a foundation of basic meditation and breath practice from childhood, Michael became a formal student of various martial arts, yoga, and meditation as a teenager. As he continued to extend the combination of breath and movement into areas such as weightlifting, rowing, backpacking, and climbing, Michael discovered the power and universal application of the thing that keeps us all alive - the breath. Michael is an instructor of breath and movement with 10 years of teaching experience in settings with youth, adults, mental health, physical fitness, and holistic wellness. Michael is a certified qigong breath work instructor, a registered yoga teacher (RYT200), and certified professional life coach. Gabor is an advanced registered yoga teacher (RYT200 & RYT 500) and the founder of breathlete.com. Gabor's been practicing yoga since 2012 and now considers it an all encompassing lifestyle with a strong, dedicated daily practice. He has been teaching yoga around the Denver Area since 2016 working with a wide range of people including athletes, youth, corporate clients, prison population and the general public. He's been part of the UG yoga & fitness team since 2018. His approach to teaching emphasizes the linking of breath with movement and he continuously experiments with different breathing techniques in his own personal practice. As a former professional athlete and coach with 25 years of experience, he has an intimate understanding of movement, body mechanics and the positive effects of breath on health, performance and stress levels. When not teaching yoga or coaching Breath Work, he works as an outdoor educator and Level 2 high ropes course facilitator for the City of Denver guiding youth and adults through various mental and physical challenges in the Rocky Mountain foothills. He lives in west Denver with his rescue pup and wife. Together they enjoy rock climbing, snow sports, mountain biking, and hiking. Sign Up Now →

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Spontaneous Structures

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Facilitated by: Aroldo Vitor Silva, Alma Climbing Conference Track: Route Setting Date: Wednesday May 13, 2020 Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: TBD Cost: $100 for conference attendees, $295 for others Description: As route setters we've worked tirelessly in developing systems that have made us efficient, but as creatives we've often neglected our needs to play and explore. Spontaneous Structures is designed to break the mold of day-to-day route setting with ideas that can push the exploration and the creativity of your route setting team without negatively impacting the needs of your facility. Workshop Goals: · Introduce new techniques that break the mold of day-to-day route setting with different "warm up" activities used to generate creativity. · To give route setting teams the tools to then explore their creativity in a low stress environment. About the Instructor: 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 by route setting very early on. Through that pursuit, route setting became an ideal pairing of the two aspects of my life that have shaped me as a person and propelled me into the climbing gym industry. I am currently the Head Route Setter for Earth Treks Englewood, and hold a B.F.A in Sculpture & Extended Media. Sign Up Now →

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Esthetics vs Functionality

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Facilitated by: Kasia Pietras, MetroRock and Sarah Filler, Routesetting Institute Conference Track: Routesetting Date: Wednesday May 13, 2020 Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: TBD Cost: $250 for conference attendees, $350 for others Description: We will discuss the benefit of focusing on esthetics and functionality as individual concepts. We will then discuss them as two working elements of a boulder problem. We will identify the difference between commercial setting vs competition setting and when esthetics or functionality should be more important. We will have a few setting challenges that focus on both topics. Workshop Goals: · esthetics of boulders · functionality of boulders · picking holds to accommodate both · esthetics vs functionality About the Instructors: 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. 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. Sign Up Now →

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CWA Work-at-Height Certification for Competent Persons

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Lead Instructor: Climbing Wall Association Location: TBD
Day One: Monday, May 11, 2020, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Day Two: Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Day Three: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $850.00 (CWA members), $995.00 (non-members) Description: The Climbing Wall Association has developed a Work-at-Height Competent-level training and assessment program for commercial climbing wall operations. This course is intended for technicians working at height in a commercial climbing facility. Participants of this training will have existing duties in their job functions, such as: hazard assessment; implementing your employer’s managed fall protection program; supervising authorized persons; performing rescues according to the employer’s rescue plan; and training of authorized climbing wall workers. The course will combine instruction and evaluation in the selection and use of specialized equipment, use of various access methods for work-at-height, rescue procedures and policies and procedures a climbing facility must have. Please review the standard, the student manual and the competent person assessment form here within 72 hours of your registration for this course.

The goals of the program are to: To educate owners and managers about legal requirements for Work-at-Height. Provide candidates with guidance regarding an employer’s comprehensive fall-protection program. Provide a means of promoting consistency and quality assurance for managed work at height programs. Improve the level of competency of employees working-at-height in climbing facilities. Evaluate the technical skills of employees working-at-height. To prepare workers in the event of a work safety audit by a regulatory agency. Certification participants will demonstrate their ability to conduct a basic hazard assessment, and demonstrate techniques for ascending, descending, positioning, self-belay, and rescue while working at height on a climbing wall. We will discuss the selection and use of appropriate PPE and various access methods and the application of certain work at height techniques used in industry to the climbing wall environment. Successful candidates should be able to implement a comprehensive work-at-height fall protection program. You are welcome to bring your own climbing equipment – provided it is in good condition, it is inspected, and you have an inspection log – however, we will be providing equipment for this course. Pre-Requisites for Work-at-Height for Competent Persons: 1. You will be at least 18 years of age by the conclusion of the course.
2. You can demonstrate proficient belay technique.
3. You can lead climb 5.9 on artificial terrain.
4. You have, or are provided with, appropriate equipment in good condition.
5. You can demonstrate proper care, use, and inspection of Personal Protective Equipment.
6. You can ascend a rope.
7. You have knowledge of the regulatory requirements of the code of local adoption.
8. The candidate has the physical ability to successfully complete the assessment. Sign Up Now →

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CWA Work-at-Height Certification for Qualified Persons

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Facilitated by: Climbing Wall Association
Conference Track: Certifications

Date: 3 day course: Monday, May 11, 2020, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM & Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: TBD
Cost: $850 for conference attendees, $995 for others

Description: The Climbing Wall Association has developed a Work-at-Height Qualified Certification training and assessment program for commercial climbing wall operations. This certification will allow those who have successfully completed a recent CWA Work-at-Height Competent Person Certification to learn and demonstrate the skills necessary to “administer” a managed fall-protection program in a commercial climbing facility. As an indoor climbing facility owner, general manager, director of routesetting, maintenance manager, or another role that oversees work-at-height, your existing duties should include hazard assessment; developing and managing a fall protection program; selection and management of appropriate equipment, developing and managing a training program; and the supervision of all climbing wall workers. The goals of the program are: - To educate owners and managers about existing legal requirements for Work-at-Height. - Provide candidates with guidance regarding an employer’s comprehensive fall-protection program. - Provide a means of promoting consistency and quality assurance for managed work at height programs. - Improve the level of competency of employees’ working-at-height in climbing facilities. - Evaluate the technical skills of employees’ working-at-height in climbing facilities. - To prepare workers in the event of a work safety audit by a regulatory agency. - Certification participants will demonstrate their ability to conduct a basic hazard assessment, develop a basic fall protection plan, select appropriate equipment and access methods, and demonstrate techniques for rescue while working at height on a climbing wall. - Successful candidates should be able to implement a comprehensive work-at-height fall protection program. Pre-Requisites for Work-at-Height for Qualified Persons: The curriculum for the Work at Height program has evolved significantly in the past two years. Therefore, the recertification process will depend on the date of your last certification. If you received a Competent Person certification between November 2017 and today, you are eligible to take this course. If you were certified as a Competent or Qualified person before November 2017, you must enroll in and pass the Competent Person certification course before proceeding to the Qualified Person course. Please contact your course provider with questions. You are at least 18 years old. You can demonstrate proficient belay technique. You can lead climb at least 5.9 on artificial terrain. You have (or are provided with) appropriate equipment in good condition. You can demonstrate proper care, use, and inspection of PPE. You have two-years work-at-height experience routesetting, or equivalent experience. You have successfully completed the “Work at Height for Competent Persons” certification. You can build an equalized anchor. You can tie the following knots: figure eight, figure eight on a bight, Munter hitch, clove hitch, prusik, and an alpine butterfly. You can tie off a belay. You can ascend a rope. You can demonstrate the ability to haul material using a drop proof system. You have knowledge of the regulatory requirements you are subject to in your workplace. You understand the fall protection hierarchy and can apply that knowledge effectively. You can facilitate a prompt and efficient rescue on a climbing wall. Sign Up Now →

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Climbing Gym Start Up: A Primer

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Facilitated by: Hilary Harris Conference Track: Startups & Business Formation Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center Cost: $295 for conference attendees, $450 for others Description: Starting a climbing gym can be a daunting process. From concept to inception, there are multiple hurdles an aspiring gym owner must face. This workshop is geared towards anyone planning to open a climbing gym as well as for those considering building new facilities. It will equip you with an intuitive knowledge of financial and legal considerations and enable you to understand the market in which your gym will operate. The information gained will also empower you to communicate with financial stakeholders. You will leave with a more thorough understanding of what steps are involved with starting and operating a climbing gym with the tools to create a clear business plan. Bring your business plan if you have one, a proposed location for your project, and any other information you have regarding your project. Workshop Goals: Market Analysis, Capital Expenditures, Financing Options, Legal Structure, Gym Design/Build, Opening/Marketing, Gym Operations About the Instructor: Hilary Harris is the Founder of EVO Rock + Fitness. A licensed architect, retired professional climber and coach, and experienced gym owner, Hilary has been involved with all stages of business planning, design, construction, operations and expansion of climbing gyms in various markets across the US. Hilary has overseen strategic brand and business development in varying capacities for EVO since 2010. She also holds a Leading in Finance Certificate from Harvard Business School. Sign Up Now →

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