{"id":293,"date":"2016-04-01T09:20:31","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T07:20:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/demo.olevmedia.net\/eventerra\/?page_id=293"},"modified":"2023-04-05T10:54:34","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T08:54:34","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/climbingsummit.com\/bg\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

2023 Speakers<\/h2>

The list of WICS 2023 speakers is constantly being updated with new additions and details.<\/h5>
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\"Jon<\/div><\/div>

Jon Colbert<\/h4>
CFO of Momentum Indoor Climbing<\/div><\/div>

Jon Colbert has over 17 years of Accounting and Finance experience. He began his career in 2006 with HCA, Inc, a Fortune 500 Company and one of the largest Healthcare companies in the world.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Alessandro<\/div><\/div>

Alessandro Usuelli<\/h4>
Architect and Climbing Wall Designer, Founder of MOKA Climb<\/div><\/div>

Alessandro Usuelli is an Italian architect who started his climbing walls designer career in the Far East, where most of his projects are located.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Jan<\/div><\/div>

Jan De Smit<\/h4>
Co-founder of Blackbox Boulder, Atari Climbing and BFIC<\/div><\/div>
Photo by Andy Day<\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Zhu<\/div><\/div>

Zhu Haoqin<\/h4>
Founder of Banana Climbing, Partner of AG Climbing Holds<\/div><\/div>
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<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Nataleigh<\/div><\/div>

Nataleigh Bell<\/h4>
Co-founder of Blackbox Boulder and Atari Climbing<\/div><\/div>

Nataleigh is a co-founder of Blackbox Boulder<\/a> and Atari Climbing<\/a>. She is a professional routesetter and has done both high level comp and commercial setting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Dani<\/div><\/div>

Dani Castillo<\/h4>
Director and Co-founder of Sputnik Climbing<\/div><\/div>

Dani Castillo, Co-founder and investor of Sputnik Climbing, wears multiple hats as Commercial, Communication, and Marketing Director. With 25 years of experience, Dani excels at transforming crazy ideas into viable plans. Passionate about climbing, surfing, and culture, he always strives to think outside the box.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Alessandro.di.cato\"<\/div><\/div>

Alessandro Di Cato<\/h4>
IFSC Event Officer<\/div><\/div>

Alessandro joined the IFSC<\/a> in 2017, and he accompanied the sport growth in its first Olympic appearance. \u00a0He has worked in close contact with multiple IFSC stakeholders, to shape the IFSC event calendar of the past six years. Additionally, he is working with suppliers and brands to enhance the connection between the IFSC and the climbing industry worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"DanWoods\"<\/div>
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Daniel Woods<\/h4>
Professional climber<\/div><\/div>

Pro climber Daniel Woods\u00a0 is considered one of the most important climbers in the history of bouldering. He has climbed over thirty boulders graded 8C (V15) or harder, making him one of the most prolific climbers of hard boulder problems. He has also won several competitions, such as the U.S. National Bouldering Championship and some international competitions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Simon-Brunner\"<\/div><\/div>

Simon Br\u00fcnner<\/h4>
Architect and co-founder of BLOCKHELDEN<\/div><\/div>

Simon is a climber and architect based in Frankenjura, Germany, where he runs his own 5500sqm bouldering gym. Since 2011, he and his partner have been designing and building unique and functional bouldering gyms. They believe in simplicity and functionality as a main design principle. Simon shares that it is much more difficult and time-consuming to design a simple yet beautiful and functional shape than a complicated one.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"CharlieBoscoe-ok\"<\/div>
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Charlie Boscoe<\/h4>
Broadcaster and writer<\/div><\/div>

Charlie is a British broadcaster and writer with a broad spectrum of experience across different media formats. Between 2016 and 2020 he presented and commentated the live coverage of the IFSC World Cups – of which there are 20 per year in Europe, China, Japan, India, Russia and the USA – and helped to prepare climbing for its (eventually postponed) Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"f9cd3c29-db6e-4586-889b-9531b075d4ab\"<\/div><\/div>

Patrick Andrey<\/h4>
Business Developer, Camp5 Climbing Gym<\/div><\/div>

Patrick Andrey is business developer of Camp5 Climbing Gym<\/a> and Managing Director of SMA, representing Walltopia in the Asia Pacific Region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Halil<\/div>
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Halil Ngah<\/h4>
Founder of Climb Asia and ClimbOz<\/div><\/div>

Halil has travelled far and wide, climbing some of the world’s best crags and competed against some of the world’s best climbers in the World Cup circuit. After being ranked No.1 in Singapore for 5 years and being in the top three in regional competitions, he decided to give back to the community through Climb Asia in 2003. Climb Asia currently owns and operates 10 climbing facilities spread across 5 countries in Asia. It is the company behind emerging global brands like Climb Central and BelaySafe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"borislav<\/div>
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Borislav Stefanov<\/h4>
Freelance Management Consultant<\/div><\/div>

Borislav Stefanov has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University and extensive experience in business strategy, management, and finance.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Mark<\/div><\/div>

Mark Sebille<\/h4>
Professional climber, Writer and Managing Director of BICF<\/div><\/div>

Mark Sebille (born 1955, in Brussels) has been climbing on four continents for half a century and has participated in several expeditions. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Paula<\/div>
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Paula Horwitz<\/h4>
Executive Director of CWA<\/div><\/div>

Paula currently serves as the Executive Director with the Climbing Wall Association (CWA)<\/a>, partnering with the board of directors to strategically meet the needs of the indoor climbing industry. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Yasmine<\/div>
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Yasmin Gahtani<\/h4>
Executive Director of SCHF<\/div><\/div>

Yasmin Gahtani has made substantial contributions to the world of rock climbing and hiking. She was appointed as the executive director of the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF)<\/a> in 2018 to advance and popularize climbing in her country.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Ged<\/div>
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Ged MacDomhnaill<\/h4>
Founder and CEO of The Climbing Hangar<\/div><\/div>

Ged MacDomhnaill is a true visionary in the world of climbing, having founded and led The Climbing Hangar<\/a> to great success since its opening in 2011. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Robyn<\/div>
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Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou<\/h4>
Owner of ABC Kids Climbing, Professional climber<\/div><\/div>

Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou is a highly successful American businesswoman and rock climbing coach. As the founder of ABC Kids Climbing<\/a>\u00a0in Boulder, Colorado, she has developed a thriving business that focuses on developing young climbers’ agility, balance, and coordination. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Remi<\/div>
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Remi Moehring<\/h4>
General Manager, Pacific Pipe at Touchstone Climbing and Climbing Instructor<\/div><\/div>

Remi is a seasoned professional in the world of climbing with an impressive career spanning over 11 years. She has held various roles in the industry, including General Manager at Pacific Pipe and Manager at L.A. Boulders, both of which are part of Touchstone Climbing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Frank<\/div>
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Frank Bogerman<\/h4>
Owner of Axis Round Edges, Routesetter and Climber<\/div><\/div>

Frank Bogerman is a professional route setter and climbing hold maker from the Netherlands, with 30 years of experience in the climbing industry. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Speaker\"<\/div>
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Finuco Martinez<\/h4>
CEO of B3 Sportainment and Professional Climber<\/div><\/div>

Celso “Finuco” Mart\u00ednez is an eminence of block climbing in Spain, he is even considered as the father of the sport in the country. He has dedicated his entire life to it, both as an athlete and as an organizer, ideologue, and mentor.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Speaker\"<\/div>
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Matilda S\u00f6derlund<\/h4>
Professional climber and Co-Founder of Moumo<\/div><\/div>

Matilda S\u00f6derlund is a professional climber and the co-founder of Moumo<\/a>,a boulder climbing gym. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Guillermo<\/div>
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Guillermo Burba<\/h4>
Operational Director, Sputnik Climbing<\/div><\/div>

Guillermo, originally from Argentina and graduated in Computer Science, began to explore the routesetting profession in 2001.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Alice<\/div>
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Alice Kao<\/h4>
CEO and Co-Founder, Sender One Climbing, Fitness and Yoga<\/div><\/div>

Alice discovered climbing while living and working in London in 2008, following a difficult breakup. She was inspired by the healing and self-discovery that climbing brought her, which led her to co-found Sender One<\/a> in 2011 upon returning to the United States with her business partners.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Henrik<\/div><\/div>

Henrik Suihkonen<\/h4>
Founder of Moments Climbing and Kiipeilyareena<\/div><\/div>

Henrik Suihkonen has been a background influencer in the development of Finnish sport climbing since the 80s. As the Finnish indoor climbing champion 1994 and 1997, he has developed sport climbing in Finland from the grades 7c to 8b+.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Peter<\/div><\/div>

Peter Zeidelhack<\/h4>
Operations Manager at DAV Climbing Center Munich-South<\/div><\/div>

Peter is a seasoned routesetter with almost 20 years of experience in the field. He has established himself as a specialist in commercial routesetting and is well-known for his expertise in safety procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Nicklas<\/div><\/div>

Niklas Wiechmann<\/h4>
Routesetter & Founder of Beta Routesetting, Germany <\/div><\/div>

Niklas Wiechmann spent most of his childhood in the woods or his parents\u00b4climbing gym, where he started setting when he was a teenager.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Stefano<\/div>
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Stefano Ghisolfi<\/h4>
Professional climber, Italy<\/div><\/div>

Stefano Ghisolfi is an Italian professional rock climber and sport climber who competes in lead climbing, bouldering, and speed disciplines.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Vasil-Sharlanov\"<\/div>
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Vasil Sharlanov<\/h4>
Head of Climbing Sales, Walltopia <\/div><\/div>

Vasil Sharlanov is specialized in the design and architecture of all sorts of climbing facilities, as well as family entertainment centers (FECs).\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Killko<\/div><\/div>

Killko Caballero<\/h4>
Owner of Totem Escalade<\/div><\/div>

Killko Caballero is a serial-entrepreneur, having spent over 20 years launching, and working with, several technology startups in Silicon Valley. Upon his return to Europe, Killko decided to combine his passion for climbing and startups, and co-founded TOTEM Climbing<\/a> in 2016, a chain of bouldering gyms which now counts four locations in Switzerland.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Jeffery<\/div>
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Jeffery Bowling<\/h4>
Marketing, IT and Business Development Manager, Touchstone Climbing and Fitness<\/div><\/div>

Jeffery Bowling is a seasoned professional with almost 30 years of experience in the climbing industry. He has done nearly every job one can do in a climbing gym.\u00a0 He holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and is currently serving as the Marketing, IT, and Business Development Manager at Touchstone Climbing and Fitness. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Jason<\/div>
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Jason Kehl<\/h4>
Professional climber, Climbing Wall Designer, Climbing Holds Shaper<\/div><\/div>
photo by Dawn Kish<\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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The list of WICS 2023 speakers is constantly being updated with new additions and details.<\/h2>
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2019 Speakers<\/h2>
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\"Steve\"<\/div>
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Steve Guillou<\/h4>
Co-Founder and CEO, Arkose&Co<\/div><\/div>

Steve is 32, he graduated from the most prestigious french university and started his career as a consultant for the French Football Federation and the IOC. Steve has been climbing for 10 years and deciding to create Arkose<\/a> in 2013 to fill the lack of climbing gyms in Paris at the time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Greg\"<\/div>
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Gr\u00e9goire De Belmont<\/h4>
General Manager, Arkose&Co<\/div><\/div>

Greg is a 42 years old climber, he has been climbing for over 25 years and knows quite well the climbing scene.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Bill_Brooks\"<\/div>
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Bill Brooks<\/h4>
Founder, MyClimb<\/div><\/div>

Bill is the founder of MyClimb<\/a>, an app that brings climbers together.<\/p>\n

Bill has been climbing since he was five years old and he says that he was lucky to have his first climbing experiences in the beautiful setting of Joshua Tree, California, where he still enjoys visiting every year.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Pjung\"<\/div>
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Paul Jung<\/h4>
Director of Routesetting, The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness<\/div><\/div>
Paul Jung is currently the Director of Routesetting for The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness<\/a>. He has worked in the industry just shy of 10 years and has set both commercially and competitively for the greater NYC community.<\/div>\n
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<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Chris\"<\/div>
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Chris LoCrasto<\/h4>
Owner and Routesetting Director, Summit Climbing Yoga and Fitness,<\/div><\/div>

Chris Locrasto is an owner and Routesetting Director of Summit Climbing Yoga and Fitness,<\/a> and CEO of Premium Holds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Michael_resized_for_site\"<\/div>
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Michael Sch\u00f6pf<\/h4>
Sports Manager, Austrian Climbing Federation<\/div><\/div>

Michael Sch\u00f6pf, 38 years old, from Tyrol (Austria) was active as a cross-country skiing youth coach in the Tyrolean Ski Federation and graduated as Master of social and economic science at the University in Innsbruck before he was joining the Austrian Climbing Federation<\/a> in 2008 as Sports Manager.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"f9cd3c29-db6e-4586-889b-9531b075d4ab\"<\/div><\/div>

Patrick Andrey<\/h4>
Business Developer, Camp5 Climbing Gym<\/div><\/div>

Patrick Andrey is business developer of Camp5 Climbing Gym<\/a> and Managing Director of SMA, representing Walltopia in the Asia Pacific Region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Lyn\"<\/div>
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Lyn Barraza<\/h4>
General Manager, Touchstone Climbing Berkeley Ironworks<\/div><\/div>

Lyn is currently the general manager of Touchstone Climbing\u2019s busiest gym, Berkeley Ironworks<\/a>, but has been at the helm of a total of four Touchstone gyms in her sixteen years in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Lorant\"<\/div><\/div>

Laurent Laporte<\/h4>
Routesetter<\/div><\/div>

Laurent is a routesetter and hold maker with more than 30 years of experience. He is one of the first international setters and his craft is widely recognized and cherished by the world\u2019s climbing community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"YDRAY-_K8A8679\"<\/div>
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Susana Braz<\/h4>
Business Development Manager, Indoorwall Climbing Centers<\/div><\/div>

Passionate about climbing and retail expert with more than 18 years\u2019 experience in high volume and growing businesses. She has joined the climbing industry as a Expansion director for Indoorwall Climbing Centers<\/a>, company with 10 centers and 3 new openings in 2019.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"p-a\"<\/div>
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Per-Anders Dagborn<\/h4>
Fitness gym owner, Sports Club Vallentuna AB<\/div><\/div>

Started with first fitness gym in 1983. Sold 5 gyms in 1998 with 26.000 members. Gross revenue increased in the 15 years from SEK 700.000 to 70.000.000.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"TLDC<\/div>
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David Minton<\/h4>
Director, The Leisure Database Company<\/div><\/div>

David is a fitness industry entrepreneur with an international footprint and 30 years\u2019 experience. He is founder and Director of the successful and unique Leisure Database Company<\/a> which audits and reports on the industry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Doug\"<\/div>
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Douglas Miller<\/h4>
Co-Founder, Sales Makers<\/div><\/div>

Doug Miller co-founded Sales Makers<\/a> in 1980 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Doug moved to Europe; in 1994, to introduce the Sales Makers approach and has worked with over 900 Clubs throughout the world, in total.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Andy_Ried\"<\/div>
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Andy Reid<\/h4>
CEO, Mile End Climbing Wall<\/div><\/div>

Andy designed and built Mile End Climbing Wall<\/a> – the first dedicated climbing facility in the UK – in 1986. A former Chair of the Association of British Climbing walls, Andy helped create the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Laura-Allured_short\"<\/div>
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Laura Allured<\/h4>
Marketing & Communications Manager, Climbing Wall Association<\/div><\/div>

Laura oversees the CWA<\/a>\u2019s Industry Research Program, including the annual indoor climbing industry study.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Dave<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Dave Ayton<\/h4>
Managing Director \/ Awesome Walls Ireland<\/div><\/div>

Dave has been climbing obsessed for over 20 years since starting to climb in his local Granite quarry in Dublin. Dave has experience of working in many different climbing facilities and in various capacities: instructor, outdoor leader, route setter, coach, trainer, \u00a0duty manager and now director and wall owner. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Peter<\/div><\/div>

Peter Zeidelhack<\/h4>
Operations Manager at DAV Climbing Center Munich-South<\/div><\/div>

Peter is a seasoned routesetter with almost 20 years of experience in the field. He has established himself as a specialist in commercial routesetting and is well-known for his expertise in safety procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Robin<\/div>
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Robin Dahlberg<\/h4>
Safety Manager, Kl\u00e4ttercentrets<\/div><\/div>

Robin has been climbing for over 25 years and been working full time with climbing the last 15 years, as a route setter, instructor and educator but also dedicated to create a learning organisation in safety aspects as part of the Swedish Climbing Federation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Cody_Roth_Vertical_Life\"<\/div>
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Cody Roth<\/h4>
Service and Development Specialist, Vertical-Life<\/div><\/div>

Cody Roth, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been climbing since the age of 10. He now resides in South Tyrol, Italy, home to Vertical-Life<\/a> and world class climbing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Photo<\/div>
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Peter Pircher<\/h4>
Sales Manager, Vertical-Life<\/div><\/div>

Peter Pircher has been working as a Sales Manager for Vertical-Life<\/a> since 2016. Among other things he is responsible for the distribution of software solutions for climbing gyms.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"OLYMPUS<\/div>
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Ivaylo Penchev<\/h4>
CEO, Walltopia <\/div><\/div>

Ivaylo Penchev is a serial entrepreneur. He has founded and is actively involved in a number of companies – Walltopia<\/a>, AFCM<\/a>, Auxionize<\/a>,\u00a0 Extrapack<\/a>, HRT<\/a>, CompositeX<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Lance<\/div>
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Lance Brock<\/h4>
Founder and Director of Development, Climb Nashville<\/div><\/div>

Lance Brock grew up in middle TN and went to the University of Tennessee and studied architecture. He practiced architecture for about 7 years before deciding to open Climb Nashville<\/a>.\u00a0 He was a sponsored climber for about 10 years and served on the board of directors for the Access Fund.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Rich<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Rich Emerson<\/h4>
CEO, The Climbing Academy Group Ltd and Chair, ABC<\/div><\/div>

Rich Emerson is CEO of The Climbing Academy Group Ltd<\/a> and Chair of the Association of British Climbing Walls<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Lillian_Sportrock\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Lillian Chao-Quinlan<\/h4>
President and Principal Owner, Sportrock Climbing Centers<\/div><\/div>

Lillian Chao-Quinlan is the President and principal owner of Sportrock Climbing Centers, one of the first commercial indoor rock climbing gyms in the USA. During her tenure, Lillian has managed three expansions within their facilities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"IMG_5269\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Bozhidar Oreshkov<\/h4>
R&D Scientist, Climbmat<\/div><\/div>

Bozhidar Oreshkov is the head R&D scientist of Climbmat<\/a>. He has a PhD in the field of Physics.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"irina\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Irina Staneva<\/h4>
Investment Manager, Board Member of Walltopia<\/div><\/div>

Irina has been focused on investments and growth partnerships within the Walltopia group since 2012.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Nate_McMullan\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Nate McMullan<\/h4>
Chair of the Route Setting Association \/ Managing Director of Climbing Wall Services<\/div><\/div>

Nate McMullan is the Founder and Chairman of the Route Setting Association<\/a>, which oversees qualifications and standards of safety for Route Setting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"portraits-9-1-n93t6rsfxoydamhuo7np8el3ino43yxzf0vm95239w\"<\/div><\/div>

Hilary Harris<\/h4>
Founder\/ CEO, evoROCK + FITNESS, INC.<\/div><\/div>

Hilary Harris is the founder and co-owner of EVO Rock\u00a0+ Fitness<\/a>.\u00a0She oversees the strategic business and brand development for EVO as well as oversees the marketing and events at the Louisville location.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"Dan_2\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Daniel French<\/h4>
Founder and Executive Director , Composite-X<\/div><\/div>

Daniel French is founder and Executive Director of Composite-X<\/a> \u2013 the World’s largest climbing holds producer. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Jeffery<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Jeffery Bowling<\/h4>
Marketing, IT and Business Development Manager, Touchstone Climbing and Fitness<\/div><\/div>

Jeffery Bowling is a seasoned professional with almost 30 years of experience in the climbing industry. He has done nearly every job one can do in a climbing gym.\u00a0 He holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and is currently serving as the Marketing, IT, and Business Development Manager at Touchstone Climbing and Fitness. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"SAMSUNG<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Ani Manova<\/h4>
Art Director, Walltopia <\/div><\/div>
\n

Ani Manova began her journey at Walltopia<\/a> in 2012, starting out as a Graphic Designer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2018 Speakers<\/h2>
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\"Peter<\/div><\/div>

Peter Zeidelhack<\/h4>
Operations Manager at DAV Climbing Center Munich-South<\/div><\/div>

Peter is a seasoned routesetter with almost 20 years of experience in the field. He has established himself as a specialist in commercial routesetting and is well-known for his expertise in safety procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Photo<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Peter Pircher<\/h4>
Sales Manager, Vertical-Life<\/div><\/div>

Peter Pircher has been working as a Sales Manager for Vertical-Life<\/a> since 2016. Among other things he is responsible for the distribution of software solutions for climbing gyms.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Ivaylo Penchev<\/h4>
CEO, Walltopia <\/div><\/div>

Ivaylo Penchev is a serial entrepreneur. He has founded and is actively involved in a number of companies – Walltopia<\/a>, AFCM<\/a>, Auxionize<\/a>,\u00a0 Extrapack<\/a>, HRT<\/a>, CompositeX<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Adam\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Adam Koberna<\/h4>
President, Walltopia USA<\/div><\/div>

Adam Koberna\u00a0is the President of Walltopia<\/a> USA. With a over 20+ years experience in the climbing wall industry, Adam has helped guide gym owners through the climbing wall construction process to make their vision a reality.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"IMG_5269\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Bozhidar Oreshkov<\/h4>
R&D Scientist, Climbmat<\/div><\/div>

Bozhidar Oreshkov is the head R&D scientist of Climbmat<\/a>. He has a PhD in the field of Physics.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"irina\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Irina Staneva<\/h4>
Investment Manager, Board Member of Walltopia<\/div><\/div>

Irina has been focused on investments and growth partnerships within the Walltopia group since 2012.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Nate_McMullan\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Nate McMullan<\/h4>
Chair of the Route Setting Association \/ Managing Director of Climbing Wall Services<\/div><\/div>

Nate McMullan is the Founder and Chairman of the Route Setting Association<\/a>, which oversees qualifications and standards of safety for Route Setting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Christian_Popien\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Christian Popien<\/h4>
CEO Climb-Inn Klettersport \/ Co-Founder HardMoves Boulder League<\/div><\/div>

Christian is one of the founders of the new \u201cBahnhof Blo \u2013 Bouldercaf\u00e9<\/a>\u201d\u00a0 boulder gym in Wuppertal, Germany and as part of his role as CEO at Climb-Inn also the Managing Director of the DAV Climbing Centre, the Wupperw\u00e4nde<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"Chris_McFarland\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Chris McFarland<\/h4>
Operations Director, Momentum <\/div><\/div>

Chris is the Operations Director for the rapidly expanding Momentum Indoor Climbing<\/a>. Starting at the front desk in 2011, he has worked almost every position in the gym and strives to improve operations from the ground up while focusing on the customer experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Rob4\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Robert Parer<\/h4>
Director, Founder and Route Setter, ICP<\/div><\/div>
Rob is the founder of Australian based company ICP<\/a>. Having\u00a0originally made his name coaching and route setting it was a natural progression to setup ICP, a company focused around route setting services and indoor climbing products.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Joe_Zentmyer\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Joe Zentmyer<\/h4>
Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer at First Ascent Climbing & Fitness<\/div><\/div>

Joe Zentmyer is co-founder and CFO of Chicago-based First Ascent Climbing & Fitness<\/a>, one of the fastest-growing gym operators in the United States.\u00a0 \u00a0First Ascent has opened\u00a04 locations since starting operations 3 years ago and has more in development.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Bild<\/div><\/div>

Andre Friderritzi<\/h4>
Project Manager and Authorised Signatory at B\u00e4nfer<\/div><\/div>

Andre has been leading a part of B\u00e4nfer since 1986. He is not only the inventor of the patented fall protection system, but also a member of the German DIN committee for artifical climbing structures.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"Dean_Privett\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Dean Privett<\/h4>
Sales Manager, Walltopia USA <\/div><\/div>
Dean has held nearly every job in the indoor climbing industry, but found his passion in route setting.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Jeremy_Wilson\"<\/div><\/div>

Jeremy Wilson<\/h4>
Owner of Lakeland Climbing Centre<\/div><\/div>

Jeremy set up The Lakeland Climbing Centre in 1995 and became one of the 4 partners in The Yorkshire Climbing Company in 2014. \u00a0Together, the two companies own and operate the Kendal Wall<\/a>, VauxWall<\/a> West and East, HarroWall<\/a>, the Depot<\/a> Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. \u00a0They have a further 3 projects currently under development and are the largest owner and operator of climbing walls in the UK.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Bucher\"<\/div><\/div>

Christoph Bucher<\/h4>
Founder Outdoor Consulting GMBH & GM Walltopia Germany and Switzerland<\/div><\/div>

Christoph has been actively climbing since 1983. For the past 20 years he has been consulting climbing gym owners and has designed over 40 000 sq.m (430 000 sq. ft) of climbing surface for walls of various purpose throughout the years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Vasil-Sharlanov\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Vasil Sharlanov<\/h4>
Head of Climbing Sales, Walltopia <\/div><\/div>

Vasil Sharlanov is specialized in the design and architecture of all sorts of climbing facilities, as well as family entertainment centers (FECs).\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"Dimitar_Petrov_BIG_D\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Dimitar Petrov<\/h4>
R&D Manager, Safety Engineering <\/div><\/div>

Dimitar Petrov has been with the Walltopia Group for over 13 years. Currently, he is R&D Manager of Safety Engineering, where he is responsible for the development and manufacturing of new products related to climbing safety.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Bild<\/div><\/div>

Andrea Rothe<\/h4>
Project Assistant and Sales at B\u00e4nfer<\/div><\/div>

Andrea has been a part of the B\u00e4nfer Bouldering team for more than 8 years. She is a trained vendor in sports articles. Together with Andre Friderritzi, she supervises the clients in Germany and worldwide and is his support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Sebastian\"<\/div><\/div>

Sebastian Smith<\/h4>
Managing Director, Store Capital<\/div><\/div>

Sebastian is a Managing Director in one of the fastest growing REITs in USA STORE Capital. He joined their team in 2016 working with real estate brokers nationwide to source acquisitions that meet STORE Capital\u2019s investment criteria.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"DimitarGeorgiev\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Dimitar Georgiev<\/h4>
CEO, Gym Realm Technology<\/div><\/div>

Dimitar Georgiev is CEO of Gym Realm Technology JSC, and has more than 10 years of experience in the IT sector. The company develops a Gym Management software that is specialized in helping fitness and climbing gym operations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"Photo<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Matthias Polig<\/h4>
Founder and CEO, Vertical-Life<\/div><\/div>

Matthias Polig is co-founder and CEO of Vertical-Life<\/a>, national route setter, guidebook author, climbing event manager with a passion for innovation and technology.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Boriana_Petrova\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Boriana Petrova<\/h4>
COO, Walltopia Active Entertainment<\/div><\/div>

Boriana has been with Walltopia for over 12 years. She started as an engineer and quickly worked her way up to becoming the Engineering department’s head, and the developer of most of Walltopia’s Active Entertainment products.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"JD<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Jack Doran<\/h4>
Business Development Manager \/ Portman Asset Finance<\/div><\/div>

Jack is a Business Development Manager at Portman Asset Finance; a UK based financial services firm providing funding solutions from \u00a310,000 to \u00a32million+. Prior to joining Portman Finance in 2017, Jack received a degree in Business Economics from the University of Portsmouth before gaining a multitude of experience from a FinTech start up in London to a global technology company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Evgeny_Angelov\"<\/div><\/div>

Evgeny Angelov<\/h4>
Chairman of the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association<\/div><\/div>

Evgeny Angelov is Chairman of the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association. In parallel, he is Partner at PostScriptum Ventures. Previously, Evgeny was the Economic Advisor to the President of Bulgaria and the Deputy Minister of Economy. His focus in the public sector has been on economic, investment and innovation policy formulation and implementation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"Alan_Cassidy\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Alan Cassidy<\/h4>
Director of the Climbing Academy <\/div><\/div>

Alan is Director of the Climbing Academy<\/a>. He has been climbing indoors and out from a very young age, and a routesetter for many years before becoming involved with The Climbing Academy group’s second gym in Glasgow.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"portraits-9-1-n93t6rsfxoydamhuo7np8el3ino43yxzf0vm95239w\"<\/div><\/div>

Hilary Harris<\/h4>
Founder\/ CEO, evoROCK + FITNESS, INC.<\/div><\/div>

Hilary Harris is the founder and co-owner of EVO Rock\u00a0+ Fitness<\/a>.\u00a0She oversees the strategic business and brand development for EVO as well as oversees the marketing and events at the Louisville location.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Harald<\/div><\/div>

Harald Swen<\/h4>
Safety and Technology, Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association<\/div><\/div>
Harald is in charge of all technical advice and guidance about safety related stuff at the Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Federation NKBV besides a lot of other responsabilities.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Lucas_Kovalcik\"<\/div>
<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Lucas Kovalcik<\/h4>
Co-Founder of the Gravity Vault <\/div><\/div>

Lucas Kovalcik co-founded The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gyms<\/a> in 2005. The Gravity Vault now owns, operates and franchises climbing facilities throughout the Northeastern United States.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\"Ward-v32\"<\/div><\/div>

Ward Byrum<\/h4>
Director of Route Setting at Earth Treks Climbing & Fitness<\/div><\/div>

Routesetting for twenty years, Ward is currently the Director of Routesetting for Earth Treks Climbing & Fitness<\/a>.\u00a0 He oversees all routesetting operations at their five soon to be seven locations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"JoeA\"<\/div><\/div>

Joe Anderson<\/h4>
Owner,\u00a0 Hoosier Heights Climbing & Climb NuLu<\/div><\/div>