The final countdown is on for the 2026 CWA Summit. In under 20 days, professionals from across the business of climbing will be gathering again in Salt Lake City for our industry’s big week, taking place from April 11 to 17. It’s always a time of friendly networking, hands-on learning, lively discussions, new product demonstrations, clinics and certifications, climbing competitions, fresh routes and holds, after parties and more.
This year’s lineup is packed with favorites from last year—from tight-knit Community Hubs to the welcoming Women’s Fireside Chat—as well as some new opportunities for attendees, including roundtable keynotes tailored to gym owners, managers, future owners, routesetters and coaches.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to register for the event and get your ticket here. We put together this A-to-Z guide to help you make the most of the week ahead, and more CWA Summit resources can be found in the articles here and at the CWA Summit website.
Events At Local Climbing Gyms & Walls
The CWA Summit is always a busy week packed with activities all over town…
- April 11-12: Routesetting clinic at USAC Training Center
- April 14: Welcome Party at The Front SLC
- April 16: Walltopia Belay Watch After Party & CBJ Grip Showcase at Momentum Fort Union
- April 17: Beaster Bunny Comp Finals at The Front SLC
2026 CWA Summit
This year’s CWA Summit will again be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City on April 15-17. The days prior will be filled with certification events and pre-conferences—opportunities for in-depth learning across a spectrum of topics.
It’s not too late to attend! It’s best to register in advance to save time and money. Once online registration is closed, walk-up registration is available with day passes. There are room deals still available at the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown.
Download the App (scan the QR code UPDATE IT)
The Summit app is a must-have, allowing you to plan your schedule, message attendees and presenters, research sessions and exhibitors, and win Attendee Reward prizes! Note: The app uses your local time zone, so the schedule may be misleading if you are not yet in the Mountain time zone.
Highlights and What’s New This Year…
- Keynotes for each track: New this year are five separate keynote addresses for each educational track, dedicated to owners, managers, future owners, routesetters and coaches.
- $75 Connect Pass: A discounted pass to experience the Trade Show Floor, networking, and shorter education sessions on Friday only.
- CBJ Grip Showcase is back, alongside the Walltopia Belay Watch Afterparty, at Momentum Fort Union on Thursday night!
- Women’s Fireside Chat: This space is held annually for all women and nonbinary people of the climbing industry.
- Read more about what’s happening at the 2026 CWA Summit
Combined Schedule of Events
SATURDAY/SUNDAY APRIL 11/12
- 9:00am to 6:00pm – Routesetting clinic at USAC Training Center
MONDAY APRIL 13
- 8:00am to 4:30pm – Pre-Conferences & CWA Certifications
TUESDAY APRIL 14
- 8:00am to 5:00pm – Pre-Conferences & CWA Certifications
- 7:00pm to 10:00pm – Welcome Party at The Front SLC
WEDNESDAY APRIL 15
- 9:00am to 10:45am – Registration, Coffee, & Snacks
- 10:45am to 11:00am – Opening Kickoff
- 11:00am to 1:00pm – Roundtables
- 1:15pm to 2:45pm – Women’s Fireside Chat Luncheon
- 3:00pm to 4:00pm – Education Sessions
- 4:00pm to 7:00pm – Happy Hour on Trade Show Floor
THURSDAY APRIL 16
- 9:45am to 12:00pm – Education Sessions
- 12:00pm to 2:00pm – Lunch on Trade Show Floor
- 12:00pm to 6:00pm – Trade Show Open
- 1:00pm to 4:15pm – Education & Community Hub Sessions
- 4:30pm to 6:30pm – Happy Hour on Trade Show Floor
- 8:00pm to 11:00pm – Walltopia Belay Watch After Party & CBJ Grip Showcase at Momentum Fort Union
FRIDAY APRIL 17
- 9:00am to 2:00pm – Trade Show Open
- 9:00am to 1:30pm – Education, Community Hub, & Product Sessions
- 12:00pm to 2:00pm – Lunch on Trade Show Floor
- 2:00pm to 2:30pm – Closing Ceremony
- 6:00pm to 10:00pm – Beaster Bunny Comp Finals at The Front SLC
Climbing Business Journal is pleased to be the official media partner of the 2026 CWA Summit.
