For professionals that work in and around the climbing industry, the upcoming weeks in Salt Lake City are going to be pretty epic. Not only is the CWA Summit making a comeback after two years of pandemic-related cancellations, but two IFSC World Cup events will be taking place in SLC during the same period.
First of all, it’s not too late to join the festivities! Keep reading for pertinent links to registration and information.
2022 CWA Summit: May 16-20
For those new to this business we’ll share a little history. The Climbing Wall Association is our industry trade group. They were formed in 2003 with an initial focus of combining forces in this small industry to create a framework for defending our businesses when faced with litigation. From the beginning they have been a great risk management ally to climbing gym businesses. Since those humble beginnings they have expanded their focus in many new directions, and in 2007 they launched the CWA Summit. Previously always held in Colorado, the Summit has become the largest climbing industry gathering in North America.
This year’s Summit looks like it will be the biggest and best ever! There are essentially two components: (a) education through presentations and workshops, and (b) exhibits of products and services. Here are a bunch of links to key information:
- Register (walk-ins allowed)
- Full schedule
- Conference session schedule PDF
- Exhibitor list
- Download the event app
Interviews with select Summit presenters:
- The Importance of Cultivating Community with Eli Klarman and Cia Blackstock, New Orleans Boulder Lounge
- Differentiation: Case Study Of The Seattle Market with Chris Danielson, Thread Climbing
- What Is DEI & How It Helps You Grow with Rachel Hailey, DEI professional
- Routesetting Industry Data with Justin Wright, Edgeworks, and Foxman McCarthy-James, Alta
- Rethinking Event Sponsorship with Chloe Mandell, event planning fprofessional
- Training Program Design with Steve Bechtel, Climb Strong
- Creating A Culture Of Personal Responsibility with Lor Sabourin, The Warrior’s Way
2022 IFSC World Cups: May 20-29
World Cup climbing events in the U.S. have a long history. The first was held in Berkeley, California, in 1990 and was organized by legendary climber Jeff Lowe. Unfortunately, the event’s financial shortcomings left America without another World Cup for nearly two decades, until the first Bouldering World Cup in Vail, Colorado, in 2008. Since then, aside from a pandemic delay in 2020, the U.S. has consistently held an IFSC Bouldering World Cup event every year. In 2021, the event moved to Salt Lake City and expanded to two separate Bouldering and one Speed World Cup, and the country’s first Paraclimbing World Cup took place in Los Angeles. This year the action will all be in SLC, with the Paraclimbing at The Front SLC and two Bouldering and two Speed World Cups hosted at Pioneer Park.
As of this writing, tickets are still available for all events.
A recent press release from USA Climbing about the forthcoming World Cups states, “Team USA will field a strong team with 2021 IFSC World Cup SLC Bouldering champions Sean Bailey and Natalia Grossman returning along with Olympic Team members Colin Duffy and Brooke Raboutou. Paraclimbing medalists Benjamin Mayforth and Hannah McFadden and Speed Climbing medalists Noah Bratschi and Emma Hunt are ready to shine in Salt Lake City.”
Combined Schedule of Events
Here is a summary of the main CWA Summit and IFSC World Cup events we are aware of. In addition, many vendors and local gyms will be hosting their own festivities.
MONDAY, MAY 16 through WEDNESDAY, MAY 18
- All Day: Pre-Conference Workshops
- All Day: CBJ Grip Showcase
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18
- All Day: CBJ Grip Showcase
- 3:30-4:00 – Welcome Address
- 4:00-5:00 – Keynote Address by Kevin Jorgeson
- 5:00-8:00 – Exhibit Hall Open
- 8:30-late – After Party
THURSDAY, MAY 19
- All Day: CBJ Grip Showcase
- 9:00-11:30 – Conference Sessions (download schedule)
- 11:30-2:30 – Exhibit Hall Open
- 2:30-5:00 – Conference Sessions
- 5:00-7:30 – Exhibit Hall Open
- 8:00-late – After Party at The Front SLC
FRIDAY, MAY 20
- All Day: CBJ Grip Showcase
- 9:00-11:30 – Conference Sessions (download schedule)
- 11:30-2:30 – Exhibit Hall Open
- 12:15-3:15 – IFSC Speed Qualification at Pioneer Park
- 2:30-4:00 – Conference Sessions
- 4:10-5:30 – Closing Plenary
- 6:00-late – After Party at The Front South Main featuring CBJ Grip Showcase Awards
- 8:00 – IFSC Speed Finals at Pioneer Park
SATURDAY, MAY 21
- 9:00-1:30 – IFSC Bouldering Men’s Qualification at Pioneer Park
- 3:30-9:00 – IFSC Bouldering Women’s qualification at Pioneer Park
SUNDAY, MAY 22
- 11:00-1:15 – IFSC Bouldering Semi-Finals at Pioneer Park
- 6:00 – IFSC Bouldering Finals at Pioneer Park
TUESDAY, MAY 24
- 9:00-4:00 – IFSC Paraclimbing Qualification at The Front SLC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
- 12:00-4:00 – IFSC Paraclimbing Finals at The Front SLC
FRIDAY, MAY 27
- 12:15-3:15 – IFSC Speed Qualification at Pioneer Park
- 8:00 – IFSC Speed Finals at Pioneer Park
SATURDAY, MAY 28
- 9:00-1:30 – IFSC Bouldering Men’s Qualification at Pioneer Park
- 3:30-9:00 – IFSC Bouldering Women’s qualification at Pioneer Park
SUNDAY, MAY 29
- 11:00-1:15 – IFSC Bouldering Semi-Finals at Pioneer Park
- 6:00 – IFSC Bouldering Finals at Pioneer Park
Climbing Business Journal is an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. Here you will find the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting. Have an article idea? CBJ loves to hear from readers like you!
