Exhibitor Bookings now LIVE!
We are excited to announce that we are now taking exhibitor bookings for the 2023 Conference & AGM.
This year the conference will be focusing on a theme of Growth by exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by walls around staffing, safety, financing and gaining and retaining new audiences.
More information about exhibiting can be found here, and the booking form is available here.
Please note, spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis, and may be affected by the purchase of sponsorship packages, a couple of which are still available.
If you are interested in sponsorship, more information is available here and bookings are here.
Spaces highlighted in red and pink are no longer available as they have been reserved by sponsors & partners.
This floor plan is a working document and is subject to change.
The Association of British Climbing Walls is taking steps to enhance diversity within the climbing industry by offering a number of free tickets to the 2024 Conference to those who are part of the global majority and disabled people.
The scheme is open to people of the global majority and disabled people who work or are aspiring to work in the climbing industry, as underrepresented groups which face substantial barriers to entry and career progression. By reducing the financial barrier to attending this national event, we aim to support the attendance of people of the global majority and disabled people.
At the ABC, our core remit is to support the professionalism, growth, safety and diversity of indoor climbing. Our goal is to ensure that our conference represents diverse perspectives and experiences, to enrich the development of the sector and lead to long-term, lasting change.
How to apply
The scheme is open to individuals with a link to the climbing industry, who identify as being a member of one of these underrepresented groups and would otherwise be self-funding their ticket.
To apply, please contact our EDI Manager El Temple, [email protected] with a short introduction to your current role or aspirations within the climbing industry.
If you can comfortably afford tickets to the ABC conference, please consider the needs of those who may benefit from this opportunity, as there are a limited number of tickets available.
The ABC has recently published the new Operational Guidelines Part 3: Safeguarding. This forms the newest part of the ABC Operational Guidelines, which are produced to support an excellent and consistent level of operational safety across the climbing industry.
In response to member feedback and growing demand within the industry, the ABC has worked with partners including the BMC, Mountaineering Ireland and Mountaineering Scotland to publish this set of guidance, which is informed by relevant legislation and expert organisations such as the NSPCC.
Safeguarding children and adults at risk is a fundamental part of running any climbing wall facility. Getting safeguarding right will enable wider participation and ensure safe access for everyone.
To meet ABC safeguarding standards, all members should follow these guidelines and have the relevant documents and processes in place, examples of which are provided for you within the guidelines and as separate downloads.
You will find all Operational Guidelines within the Member Downloads section of our website.
Your Questions Answered
You are invited to join Dean Straw, ABC Board Safeguarding Lead and members of the ABC team for a Safeguarding Guidance Q&A on 26th June, 10-11.30am (drop in).
We welcome all questions, clarifications and suggestions on the guidance and ways that we can develop it in future iterations. Please send any questions in advance to [email protected].
The next ABC Conference looks set to be another unmissable event in the climbing industry calendar as we announce some of the incredible speakers who will be joining us on stage in September!
Garnet Moore, Executive Director of the Climbing Wall Association, will be sharing insights from USA on professionalising the climbing industry.
Gavin Heverly, Founder and Principal of Rise Above Consulting will be talking through how to take strategic control of your revenue.
Finally, we’re thrilled that Molly Thomspon-Smith, pro climber for Team GB, will not only be joining us for a special panel discussing how to unlock the commercial potential of climbing competitions – she’ll also be taking the creative reins of our team climbing challenge and holds showcase at Depot Sheffield.
Molly says:
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to bring a more inclusive and collaborative style to competition climbing. I want everyone to experience the social buzz, challenge and unique atmosphere that make comp climbing different from your average visit to the wall!”
Learn more about our speakers, agenda programme and get your tickets here.
We can’t wait to get started!
The Association of British Climbing Walls’ annual conference will take place on the 19-20th September at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, with an exciting new team climbing event at Depot Sheffield on the evening of the 19th.
This year’s conference will focus on ‘Scaling Success’ – from running comps to cafes and everything in between!
We are pleased to announce a range of opportunities to showcase your brand to climbing wall owners, managers, route setters, instructors, marketeers and more.
BOOK AN EXHIBITION STAND
Our last few exhibition stands are available to book at £1050 for a 3x3m space.
To see what is included in the exhibition package and view the floor plan, please view the brochure here.
SHOWCASE YOUR HOLDS IN ACTION
Showcase your best holds in action by sponsoring a bloc at our brand new climbing event at Depot Sheffield on the Thursday evening. Join us for a team climbing challenge hosted by team GB Olympic climber Molly Thompson-Smith. Bloc sponsors will be announced on the night, have in-situ branding and be included on all evening collateral.
£150+VAT per bloc (max two available per brand).
For any enquiries, please email [email protected].
SPONSOR A ROUND TABLE
We will be putting on a number of round table sessions to address key challenges shared by our members and the climbing sector more broadly.
See the list of possible topics here and contact [email protected] to find out more about hosting a session.
BESPOKE OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for something different? Contact [email protected].