Aspire 2024

Aspire 2024, 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.

Please join us for an unforgettable evening!

100% of all ticket proceeds go towards Grow Cycling Foundation initiatives. 

We acknowledge that Aspire 2024 will be held on the unceded shared territory of the Líl̓wat Nation and the Squamish Nation.

 

 

Aspire 2024 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

 

6:00 PM: Session 1: Be in the room

Tiffany Smith, CEO of Camber Outdoors

 

6:15 PM: Session 2: Content Creation: Months to Minutes presented by Whistler Mountain Bike Park 

Host: Eliot Jackson

Panelists: Blake Hansen, Bas Van Steenbergen and Jess Hana (Jess the Maker)

 

6:45 PM: Session 3: The Business of Athletes presented by Norco 

Greg Minnaar

 

7:00 PM: Networking presented by SRAM

Aspire badge/Ice Breaker/Networking Prompts

Canapés served by the Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Center

 

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

 

8:20 PM: Session 5: Women of Mountain Biking: Aspirations for Women’s Freeride presented by Oakley

Host: Katie Holden

Panelists: Casey Brown, Patricia Drüwen, Hannah Bergemann, Caroline Buchanan

 

We recognise and acknowledge the intersection of race and gender identities and it is our hope that we can provide programming that is inclusive and accessible.

 

Sponsors: 

  

 

FAQs 

What will my Aspire attendee badge look like? Your attendee badge will share your name, aspiration and current expertise. The image below shows an example. This information will be shared upon ticket registration. Please allow ample time (around 10 minutes) to register for your ticket. 

Will there be food and drinks available? Yes! Your ticket includes light canapés and finger food. Think of it as more of a few snacks than a full meal. We will do our best to have a selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options available. Soft drinks will be available for purchase with all proceeds going to The Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Center (SLCC). 

Can I bring children to the event? Yes! We encourage children to attend, however, as the event includes presentations and panel discussions please use your best judgement on appropriate ages. 

Is the event accessible? As accessibility means something different to each person we encourage you to review the venue info here. Please reach out to our venue, The SLCC, directly for any questions. 

Is there a place to lock up my bike? Yes, there are two bike racks outside the main entrance and one at the lower entrance by the cafe. 

Where should we park? The Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Centre is located at 4584 Blackcomb Way in Whistler’s Upper Village. Limited parking is available onsite off Blackcomb Way, additional parking is available in the Day Lots (5-10 minute walk away). 

Will there be any photos or video recorded during the event? Yes. By attending this event, you consent to the use of photography/video/audio in all forms of media, for promotional purposes or editorial use by Grow Cycling Foundation. Please get in touch with us beforehand if you have any questions at hello@growcyclingfoundation.org. 

Can I take a tour of the SLCC during the event? Whilst this is a great idea and we encourage you to take a tour, we recommend doing this beforehand or another day. The last tour of the day on July 22nd will be at 2pm. 

Is my ticket purchase a tax deductible donation? For US Citizens your ticket purchase is tax deductible. For non-US Citizens please refer to your country's tax guidelines. 

Are there any discounted or low cost ticket options? Yes, we have a handful of Aspire scholarship tickets. Please email us for more info at hello@growcyclingfoundation.org

Any other questions Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@growcyclingfoundation.org