March is upon us, which means the 2026 CWA Summit is coming up next month. In less than six weeks, professionals from around the climbing industry will be meeting up in Salt Lake City for a week of learning, sharing, networking, and having fun together.
Whether you’re thinking about attending for the first time or been a regular for years, if you work around or love climbing, the CWA Summit is organized for you. Not sure what to expect, or wondering how other folks spend their time at the event? We sat down with Foxman McCarthy-James—a longtime CWA Summit attendee, the CWA’s Routesetting Education Consultant, and co-owner of Vortex Routesetting—to hear her tips for making the most of the show.
In tandem with this interview, be sure to check out these related articles as you get ready for the 2026 CWA Summit, which is set to take place from April 15 to April 17. And, if you haven’t yet, take a moment to register for the event here.
CBJ: We’re less than a month away from the CWA Summit. I’m wondering if you can walk me through your entire CWA Summit routine. I want the reader to feel like they’re right there with you. First, the Summit runs Wednesday through Friday. When do you normally arrive?
Foxman: Personally, I’m usually busy in the days leading up to the Summit because I teach certification courses. If the first course is on Monday, I’ll get in on Sunday night. If you are a course student, I’d recommend flying the night before your first course as well. If you are an attendee, I’d recommend flying in on Tuesday night; things are starting first thing Wednesday morning this year.
CBJ: How do you prepare for the Summit? Any tips?
I try to come in super prepared and I’m always less prepared than I want to be. These days are such a whirlwind. My tip is to have a good breakfast every day. I’m a big breakfast person. I grab the free coffee at the Summit, and I try to be one of the first people in the door.
CBJ: Why get there so early?
Foxman: The expo floor is part of the fun. A lot of booths have first-come, first-serve swag that’s genuinely useful. Some brands only bring a limited number of items, so early is when you’ll find the best stuff. I’m not playing the “how-much-free-stuff-can-you-get” game. I’m going for the things I’ll actually use. My Asana backpack is probably the best item I’ve ever received at the Summit; I use it all the time. I also have an Asana tote I use for bouldering routesetting gear. Flashed has been killing it with their coffee setup the last few years. I have a mug from them that’s shaped like a chalk mug, and it’s one of my favorites.
CBJ: Now it’s midday on day one. What does your lunch routine look like?
Foxman: The event handles catering—I’m gluten-free, so it can be a bit different for me—but I’ve always found a few options for every dietary need. Last year’s food was delicious. After lunch, I’m pretty much in full network mode the entire time. As a presenter, I’ve started taking more lunch time or “reset time.” But when I was just an attendee, it was go-go-go. It’s three days of chaos, and I lean into it.
CBJ: What about the education sessions and community hubs happening. How do you decide what to attend?
Foxman: It depends on whether you’re going for yourself or on behalf of your company. If there’s a speaker or topic you’re excited about, go to that. But if you’re attending with your gym, check in with your team. Ask: What does our organization need from this Summit? What skills are we missing that we can pick up here? If your owner or manager wants you to walk away with specific knowledge, that helps you prioritize. There are so many sessions to choose from. I recommend a divide-and-conquer tactic, and then regroup to share notes.
CBJ: Any session formats you personally love? This year’s new roundtable keynotes on Wednesday sound exciting.
Foxman: I really like the roundtables. They’re a little chaotic, but that’s what makes them valuable. Nothing is overly scripted, so you get a real sense of the industry’s “what’s-on-everyone’s-mind” energy. You can feel the zeitgeist.
CBJ: At the end of Day One, are you the type of person who goes back and makes a checklist for Day 2?
Foxman: No, I don’t make checklists. I’ll have a few meetings on my calendar, but otherwise I’m circulating. I’m meeting new people, reconnecting with people I know, and it tends to happen organically. There’s always something going on. There’s always an after-party hosted by a local gym. Last year it was at Momentum Fort Union, which was really fun, and it gave everyone a chance to check out the facility.
CBJ: What shifts on Day Two? Do you still try to get there early?
Foxman: Same approach, maybe a little less early because the highest-priority swag is usually gone. What I do seek out on Day Two is informal conversation space. I love settings where I get tossed in with new people and have a chance to talk. A lot of those happen in the morning, around coffee. There was something like Coffee and CoLab, those little roundtable conversations. That kind of format is my favorite.
CBJ: When it comes to networking, what do the conversations actually look like on Day Two? What are some networking tips?
Foxman: It’s a whirlwind, so it’s hard to pinpoint people. I recommend having the conversations you need to have in the moment you meet someone. Everyone is busy. Catch them when you can because you never know what’s coming next. People are there to meet new people, network, hustle, sell, buy, learn…all of it. Same thing with the expo floor. If I see holds or products I’m excited about, I’m not waiting for Day two or three. They might be gone.
CBJ: Do you spend time at the Grip Showcase?
Foxman: Of course. I’m always there. I’m there mingling, talking, and finishing conversations we started earlier. A lot of networking is also just reconnecting with friends. Most of us know each other in some way. The informal events are great because people can participate in the sport we’re all here for. You get to see cool new holds, watch the young guns romp around, connect with friends, have a beer. It’s a good time.
CBJ: What advice do you have for someone new to the industry who walks into a room full of people they don’t know?
Foxman: The Summit is the best place to meet those people. Everybody’s there to have conversations. It can feel intimidating to walk up to someone you don’t know, but people are friendly. We’re in this industry because we love it. It’s a trade show full of like-minded humans. If you’re usually shy, this is the time to be bold.
CBJ: The Summit ends, you fly home. What does your unwind routine look like?
Foxman: Fortunately it usually ends on a Friday, so you have the weekend. I don’t follow up until Monday or Tuesday. After three days of intensive socialization, I need a day or two to turn off. But it’s important to follow up quickly if you made good connections.
If there is one thing I’d emphasize, it’s to have fun. Again, we’re in this industry because we love it. The Summit can feel overwhelming the first time, I get that—I felt that, and I still feel it. Don’t let anyone tell you there is a right way or a wrong way to do it. There isn’t. You’re there to learn, meet people, and get what you need from it. Whatever feels right is probably right. You’ll walk away with valuable information as long as you show up and you’re present. Take it in and have a good time.
CBJ is the official media partner of the 2026 CWA Summit.
