Where?
The Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Center in Whistler, BC
When?
5:30 PM PDT - 9:00 PM PDT Monday July 22nd 2024
SOLD OUT!
Aspire 2024 is a Grow Cycling Foundation event, presented by Outdoor Research and proudly supported by Crankworx
Whistler.
This July, we are flipping the script of the typical conference landscape by welcoming young athletes, families,
and underrepresented communities to the audience, and current athletic superstars to the stage. We are building
connection and providing valuable introductions to the next generation of talent by extending a warm invitation to
industry professionals to engage in networking sessions.
Aspire is built around the concept of attendees wearing an “Aspiring …” badge (e.g. Aspiring Clothing Designer),
which signals to industry and brand leaders who they want to be and where they want to go during networking
sessions. Speaker sessions are designed to be tactical and inspirational, integrating discovering the job you love
with inside knowledge on how to get there.
All tickets include food, swag, and the chance to hang out and talk with your favorite riders. All proceeds go
directly to Grow Cycling Foundation and its initiatives.
Please join us for an unforgettable evening!
Conference Schedule
5:45 PM: Welcome
First Nations Welcome Ceremony hosted by The Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Center
Introduction and Event Outline by Eliot Jackson, Grow Cycling Foundation
Experience a warm and traditional welcome from the Squamish Nation and Líl̓wat Nation, setting the tone for the day's events with a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary insight.
6:00 PM: Session 1: Be in the room
Host: Tiffany Smith, CEO of Camber Outdoors
Join Tiffany Smith as she discusses the importance of presence and engagement in the outdoor industry, highlighting strategies for making impactful contributions.
6:15 PM: Session 2: Content Creation presented by Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Host: Eliot Jackson
Panelists: Blake Hansen, Bas Van Steenbergen, Jess Hana (Jess the Maker)
Explore the art and science of content creation with a panel of experts who will share their insights on storytelling, audience engagement, and the technical aspects of producing compelling content.
6:45 PM: Session 3: The Business of Athletes presented by Norco
Host: Greg Minnaar
Gain insights from Greg Minnaar on the business side of being an athlete. Learn about sponsorships, brand partnerships, and how to build a sustainable career in sports.
7:00 PM: Networking presented by SRAM
Aspire badge/Ice Breaker/Networking Prompts
Canapés served
Engage with fellow attendees through structured networking activities designed to spark conversations and connections. Enjoy a selection of canapés as you mingle.
7:45 PM: Session 4: Marketing & Partnerships: Demystifying the Business of Sport
Host: Eliot Jackson
Panelists: Gaspare Licata, CEO of Crankbrothers, Mark Harrison, Founder of SponsorshipX, Mandy Davis, Founder of DHaRCO
Delve into the intricacies of sports marketing and partnerships with industry leaders. This session will uncover best practices and innovative strategies for success in the sports business landscape.
8:20 PM: Session 5: Women of Mountain Biking: Aspirations for Women’s Freeride
Host: Katie Holden
Panelists: Casey Brown, Patricia Drüwen, Hannah Bergemann, Caroline Buchanan
Join leading women in mountain biking as they share their visions and aspirations for the future of women's freeride. This session will inspire and empower the next generation of female riders.
We acknowledge that Aspire 2024 will be held on the unceded shared territory of the Líl̓wat Nation and the Squamish Nation
