2020 CWA Summit
Pre-Conference workshops
Pre-conference workshops are supplemental opportunities for hands-on, in-depth learning from expert faculty. From developing training programs to raising capital for your start-up gym, pre-conference workshops address key topics to help you deepen your skill sets as owners, operators, managers, coaches, and routesetters.

EXPLORE THE

Click the session title to review details for each pre-conference workshop that will be offered at this year's event.
LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT/OPERATIONS
Gender Equity: Skills for Transgender Inclusion
Facilitated by: Lila Leatherman
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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
More Members Forever: Get People in the Door and Keep Them There
Climbing Wall Instructor Provider Certification
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
* 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.
Womxn in Leadership Luncheon (Coming Soon!)
Facilitated by: Climbing Wall Association
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:
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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:
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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.
STARTUPS/BUSINESS FORMATION
Prevent Climbing Injuries: A Systematic Approach
Simple Climbing Testing Procedures and Programming for Teams and Individuals
Coaching Climbing Movement and Mindset
Climbing Movement - Case Studies & Teaching Strategies
A Hands-on Approach to Coaching Speed Climbing
Breath Work Facilitator Basics: Oxygen Load Your Fitness, Coaching, & Yoga Programs
LEGAL/RISK MANAGEMENT
Prevent Climbing Injuries: A Systematic Approach
Simple Climbing Testing Procedures and Programming for Teams and Individuals
Coaching Climbing Movement and Mindset
Climbing Movement - Case Studies & Teaching Strategies
A Hands-on Approach to Coaching Speed Climbing
Breath Work Facilitator Basics: Oxygen Load Your Fitness, Coaching, & Yoga Programs
COACHING/TRAINING
Prevent Climbing Injuries: A Systematic Approach
Simple Climbing Testing Procedures and Programming for Teams and Individuals
Coaching Climbing Movement and Mindset
Climbing Movement - Case Studies & Teaching Strategies
A Hands-on Approach to Coaching Speed Climbing
Breath Work Facilitator Basics: Oxygen Load Your Fitness, Coaching, & Yoga Programs
ROUTESETTING
Spontaneous Structures
Esthetics vs Functionality
CWA Work-at-Height Certification for Competent Persons
Day One: Monday, May 11, 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)
The goals of the program are to:
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.
CWA Work-at-Height Certification for Qualified Persons
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:
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Gender Equity: Skills for Transgender Inclusion
Facilitated by: Lila Leatherman
-
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
More Members Forever: Get People in the Door and Keep Them There
Climbing Wall Instructor Provider Certification
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
* 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.
Womxn in Leadership Luncheon (Coming Soon!)
Facilitated by: Climbing Wall Association
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.