The only industry conference for adventure sports events organisers.

Introduction

James Thurlow of Open Tracking and Shane Ohly of Shelter Stone will host the sixth industry conference, explicitly aimed at those who organise adventure sports events, in November 2027 (date TBC). The conference has previously been held at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal. The Adventure Sports Events Conference (ASEC) will once again offer the opportunity to hear from highly regarded speakers whilst networking with other event organisers and industry professionals. We hope that delegates will make a weekend of it, staying in Kendal for the internationally renowned Kendal Mountain Festival.

When? November 2027 (date TBC)

Where? Kendal, Cumbria

Who? You!

Tickets? £99, including refreshments and lunch

TICKETS RELEASING EARLY 2027

Conference Aims

The conference will be a chance to be informed and challenged by a great selection of speakers on a range of topics relevant to those who put on Adventure Sports events. For us, the definition of Adventure Sports events is more about where the event is held and the challenges it presents, rather than the type of event taking place (e.g., an off-road triathlon Vs a city-based triathlon).

ASEC pulls together a range of exceptional speakers with real insight and expertise, and our conference goal is to share good practice examples and stories amongst the community of Adventure Sports events organisers, whether they are small community focused events, or some of the UK’s largest commercial events.

Who Should Attend?

The conference is for Adventure Sports event organisers. This likely includes operational staff and managers, course planners, race directors, and event directors at larger commercial events, but independent race and community event organisers are also most welcome.

If you are a volunteer event organiser working on a community/club not-for-profit basis, don't hesitate to contact us for eligibility for limited free-of-charge tickets.

The following organisations attended ASEC… why isn’t your business here?

Your Hosts

James Thurlow – is the owner of Open Tracking, which provides live tracking and timing services to around 250 events each year in the UK and worldwide, in partnership with its operating partners. James is an occasional cyclist, orienteer, walker – previously Event Director for Open Adventure, having hosted over 120 events in 16 years, including the ITERA Expedition Race, part of the Adventure Racing World Series; the C2C in a Day, a sportive for over 1000 cyclists from one side of the country to the other; and the Lakes in a Day 50-mile ultra-run through the Lake District.

Shane Ohly - is the owner of Shelter Stone, which provides professional medical, rescue, and other services required to stage safe adventurous events, typically in austere environments. Shane was previously the CEO of Ourea Events, working as the Event Director of the Dragon’s Back Race®, Cape Wrath Ultra® and Salomon Skyline Scotland®. He was the organiser of the 2018 Skyrunning World Championships. He has a fascination with risk management in adventure sports and has not been afraid to push the boundaries of what is achievable through events like the Glen Coe Skyline®.

In association with the Kendal Mountain Festival taking place in Kendal, each November.

2027 Conference Programme

Details of the 2027 conference programme, speakers and topics will be confirmed in early 2027 when tickets for the next edition become available.

Read the ASEC reviews from previous conferences.

Not for profit.

This conference is being run on a not-for-profit basis. Your attendance fee covers ticketing, the hotel conferencing facilities, drinks and food, as well as any expenses for the speakers. Any excess fees will be rolled into hosting future conferences.