Since 2007 the Climbing Wall Association has hosted the CWA Summit, the largest climbing industry gathering in North America. Held in Colorado for many years, the in-person event moved to Salt Lake City in 2022—following a two-year gap due to the pandemic—and in 2023 the event will take place in Pittsburgh. Going forward, the plan is to keep moving the Summit around the country to help make it more accessible (the 2024 Summit is slated for Portland, Oregon).
There are two primary components of the Summit: (a) education through presentations and workshops, and (b) exhibits of products and services. This year the educational sessions are grouped by focus—Executives, Managers, Programming, Staff (Customer Journey), Start-Ups, Routesetting—and the new Coffee & Collaboration event will offer three days of networking for those that register. Below are links to all the key information:
- Register (walk-ins allowed)
- Full Schedule
- Exhibitor List
As the CWA Summit official media partner, CBJ will be keeping this page updated with news and details about the event.
2023 CWA Summit Announcements
- First Sessions Announced for 2023 CWA Summit
- Debut of Coffee & Collaboration Networking Experience At 2023 CWA Summit
- Kareemah Batts Named Keynote Speaker for 2023 CWA Summit
2023 CWA Summit Schedule
MONDAY MAY 15
- 8:00am to 4:00pm – Work at Height Competent Certification
TUESDAY MAY 16
- 8:00am to 4:00pm – Work at Height Competent Certification
- 8:00am to 5:00pm – CWI Provider Course
WEDNESDAY MAY 17
- 7:00am – Registration and badge pick-up opens
- 8:00am to 11:30am – Coffee & Conversations
- 8:00am to 4:00pm – Work at Height Competent Certification
- 12:00pm to 8:00pm – Expo Hall open
- 8:00pm – Opening night rooftop party
THURSDAY MAY 18
- 7:00am – Registration and badge pick-up opens
- 7:00am to 8:00am – Coffee & Conversations
- 9:00am to 11:30am – Learning & networking sessions
- 12:30pm to 2:30pm – Learning & networking sessions
- 3:30pm to 4:30pm – Keynote from Kareemah Batts
- 4:30pm to 8:00pm – Expo Hall open
- 8:00pm – Afterparty and Grip Showcase at Iron City Boulders
FRIDAY MAY 19
- 7:00am – Registration and badge pick-up opens
- 7:00am to 8:00am – Coffee & Conversations
- 9:00am to 12:00pm – Expo Hall open
- 12:15pm to 5:00pm – Learning & networking sessions
- 5:30pm – Closing party at ASCEND Point Breeze
CBJ Coverage of Past CWA Summits
- 2022: Observations From the CBJ Team on the Floor
- 2022: CWA Summit and SLC World Cup Week A to Z
- 2019: What You Missed At This Year’s CWA Summit
- 2019: 6 Products You Should Know About
- 2019: Exhibitor Roundup: 2019 CWA Summit
- 2018: CWA Summit Recap
- 2017: Summit Brings Excitement and Talk of Risk
- 2016: Summit Finds Industry at Turning Point
- 2015: CWA Summit 2015 Recap
- 2014: Keynote Exudes Optimism and Urges Professionalism
Climbing Business Journal is pleased to be the official media partner of the CWA Summit.
