Reflections on the 35th Annual International ACCT Conference and Exposition

As attendees settle back at home and the curtain closes on the 35th Annual International ACCT Conference and Exposition, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement. This year’s event, held in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, brought together industry professionals, exhibitors, sponsors, presenters and volunteers for seven unforgettable days of learning, networking, and celebration.

Pre-Conference Highlights

The conference kicked off with the ACCT Board of Directors gathering on Monday before a robust lineup of Pre-Conference Sessions were facilitated on Tuesday and Wednesday. These sessions offered participants deep dives into critical topics, enhancing the learning opportunities attendees could tap into.

A crowd of Service Crew volunteers wearing the iconic yellow hat listens to Service Crew Coordinator Leigh Carruth explain how badge pick-up at registration works during Service Crew Orientation at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

While exhibitors began setting up their booths on Wednesday morning, the Conference Work Group put the finishing touches on their event prep before registration opened in the afternoon. That night, the Volunteer Social welcomed Service Crew members, year-round volunteers, presenters, accredited members, ACCT staff, and the ACCT Board of Directors for an evening of camaraderie and connection.

Unveiling the Future of ACCT

As more attendees began to arrive on Thursday and the final Pre-Conference sessions were completed, the excitement was palpable when the Opening Ceremony began that afternoon. It became a day to remember as we unveiled our rebranded identity: ACCT International. With a fresh logo and a renewed vision, this rebranding marks an exciting chapter in our journey.

Our new brand name reflects our commitment to serving and supporting the global challenge course, aerial adventure park, and zip line industry. For many outside of our community, the name “Association for Challenge Course Technology” was misleading, often associated with the tech sector. The new name—ACCT International—aligns much more closely with our global mission.

Along with this name change, we unveiled a bold new logo featuring a design that truly captures the essence of who we are and what we stand for. At the heart of the logo is the knot, a universal symbol of connection, trust, and resilience. For our industry, it has practical roots, but it also holds a deeper meaning: It represents the strength of our community and the way we support one another, collaborate, and grow together.

While our legal name of The Association of Challenge Course Technology will not change, moving forward, we will only use our new branding name of ACCT International. This evolution is a testament to the growth of our industry and the vibrant community that makes it all possible. We’re honored to continue building bridges, fostering safety, and inspiring excellence—now with a name that truly represents our international impact.

Members of the Public Relations and Marketing Work Group as well as the Conference Work Group and Service Crew model the new merchandise available at the new online ACCT International merch store during the Opening Ceremony at the conference and exposition in 2025.

A hopeful winner smiles as they turn in their ticket to participate in the human slot machine at the ACCT Booth in the Exhibit Hall at the 2025 conference and exposition.

Attendees got a sneak peek of the items that are now available on our new merch store during the Opening Ceremony before having an opportunity to win merchandise by trying their luck at the Human Slot Machine—hosted in the Exhibit Hall to raise funds for our Scholarship Program alongside our Raffle and Live Auction.

A Hub of Activity in the Exhibit Hall

A member of the Conference Work Group hands off the two pickleball sets Cuyahoga Community College loaned to ACCT International during the 2025 conference and exposition for use in the Exhibit Hall. Thanks Bob and Tri-C!

Two people examine the CLiC-iT belay system at their booth in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition. One person is being shown the equipment by CLiC-iT staff.

The Exhibit Hall, open from Thursday night through Saturday afternoon, was a vibrant space buzzing with energy! Featuring exhibitors, sponsors, the Artisan’s Corner, and for the first time—Open Mic sessions—it was a place of discovery and connection. Attendees also enjoyed new yard games like jumbo pong and spikeball alongside fan favorites like pickleball while the Universal Design, Accessibility, and Inclusion Affinity Group introduced sitting volleyball. Special thanks to Bob from the Cuyahoga Community College for loaning pickleball when our team realized our net was missing!

For the first time, practice sessions were offered to help attendees hone their cable whip skills before the big Harnessing ACCT showdown on Saturday, and it was inspiring to see veterans and newcomers alike come together to whip it good. See for yourself!

A man has just whipped galvanized steel aircraft cable during the Harnessing ACCT showdown hosted during the 2025 conference and exposition.

A member of the Conference Work Group and a member of the Service Crew measure the distance a participant of the cable whip event successfully whipped the cable during the Harnessing ACCT showdown hosted at the 2025 conference and exposition.

A woman smiles, having just whipped galvanized steel aircraft cable during the Harnessing ACCT showdown hosted during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Onlookers of the Harnessing ACCT cable whip showdown smile as participants try their luck at this iconic event hosted at the 2025 conference and exposition.

A member of the Service Crew has just whipped galvanized steel aircraft cable during the Harnessing ACCT showdown hosted during the 2025 conference and exposition.

A member of the Service Crew smiles and holds a thumbs up while riding a small cart that transports the galvanized steel aircraft cable from one side of the Exhibit Hall to the other during the Harnessing ACCT showdown hosted at the 2025 conference and exposition.

A man shows a peace sign while expertly whipping galvanized steel aircraft cable during the Harnessing ACCT showdown hosted at the 2025 conference and exposition in the Exhibit Hall.

We Harnessed CLE!

A member of the Harnessing ACCT team Trillium Troublemakers chats with ACCT Board Member Leslie Sohl at the ACCT Booth in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Five members of the Harnessing ACCT team Pawpaw Posse pose like an awkward '80s photo in front of the ACCT International balloon arch in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Four members of the Harnessing ACCT team Red Feather Flyers smile after playing a game of pickleball together in the Exhibit Hall thanks to Cuyahoga Community College during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Six members of the Harnessing ACCT team Buckeye Treehuggers smile with Alicia Bourke, and accredited member, in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Five members of the Harnessing ACCT team Trillium Troublemakers read a book in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Six members of the Harnessing ACCT team Buckeye Treehuggers smile in a hotel mirror during the 2025 conference and exposition.

A member of the Harnessing ACCT team Pawpaw Posse smiles at the camera while wearing three pieces of personal protective equipment in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Three members of the Harnessing ACCT team Red Feather Flyers pose like an awkward '80s photo in front of the ACCT International balloon arch in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Two members of the Harnessing ACCT team Buckeye Treehuggers play pickleball in the Exhibit Hall thanks to Cuyahoga Community College during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Three members of the Harnessing ACCT team Big Bubbles, No Troubles pose with an accredited member in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Four members of the Harnessing ACCT team Pawpaw Posse read books together in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Four members of the Harnessing ACCT team Red Feather Flyers pose while the Viewpoint souvenir video system displays their image on a tv screen after collecting footage in the Exhibit Hall at the 2025 conference and exposition.

A member of the Harnessing ACCT team Trillium Troublemakers gives a button that reads "You're awesome" with a bouquet of flowers drawn underneath to a member of the Service Crew during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Two members of the Harnessing ACCT team Pawpaw Posse sit atop a third member of the team, who is pretending to be a park bench in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Four members of the Harnessing ACCT team Big Bubbles, No Troubles play pickleball thanks to the set loaned to ACCT International by the Cuyahoga Community College in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Three members of the Harnessing ACCT team Red Feather Flyers pretend to be chickens with two exhibitors from the Head Rush Technology booth in the Exhibit Hall while one person holds a small rubber chicken from the Association for Experiential Education booth during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Four members of the Harnessing ACCT team Buckeye Treehuggers give one another a group hug in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Five members of the Pawpaw Posse pose in silly ways at a golf hole at Five Iron Golf, where Granite Insurance hosted a sponsored After Hours Social during the 2025 conference and exposition.

A member of the Harnessing ACCT team Polka Dot Dynamos smiles with a vintage truck in the background as part of a Harnessing CLE challenge during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Five members of the Harnessing ACCT team Pawpaw Posse smile on the staircase of the Hilton Downtown Cleveland, the host hotel for the 2025 conference and exposition.

Two members of the Harnessing ACCT team Red Feather Flyers give a group hug to the two exhibitors of the Boomerang booth in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Three members of the Harnessing ACCT team Big Bubbles, No Troubles highlight Don Stock, who hosts a podcast, in the Exhibit Hall during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Four members of the Harnessing ACCT team Pawpaw Posse hold their arms in the air at a local Cleveland park as part of the 2025 Harnessing ACCT event hosted during the conference and exposition.

Harnessing ACCT brought attendees together to complete over 200 unique missions. Teams met after the Opening Ceremony and adventured through the conference and expo until Saturday evening. Congratulations to this year’s top three teams!

Five members of the Pawpaw Posse smile together while holding wood cookies that read "Harnessing ACCT First Place" during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 conference and exposition.

Four members of the Red Feather Flyers smile together while three members hold wood cookies that read "Harnessing ACCT Second Place" during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 conference and exposition.

The five members of the Harnessing ACCT team Trillium Troublemakers hold wood cookies that read "Harnessing ACCT Third Place" stamped in black and red ink during the Awards Ceremony at the conference and exposition in 2025.

A woman sits in a cushioned chair as she watches another woman use a golf simulator at the After Hours Social sponsored by Granite Insurance during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Three people smile up at the camera while sitting in cushioned chairs at Five Iron Golf during the After Hours Social sponsored by Granite Insurance during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Granite Insurance hosted an unforgettable After Hours Social on Friday at Five Iron Golf. Attendees enjoyed tasty wings and delicious drinks while taking advantage of top-tier simulators, multisport games, shuffleboard, pool tables, and more—making it the perfect way to kickoff the weekend!

Engaging Workshops and Inspiring Sessions

The heart of the ACCT Conference and Exposition has always been the incredible workshops and sessions that bring our community together throughout the week. This year, attendees immersed themselves in a wide range of topics, learning from industry experts and thought leaders who shared their passion and expertise.

Hands hold the edges of a square purple card that reads "What are your hopes for what the future holds for you?" in white text during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

A group of session attendees laugh together while debriefing an activity during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Two people attempting to complete a challenge during an activity smile at the camera during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

A crowd of session attendees sitting in chairs laugh and smile after hearing a joke during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

One attendee listens to another while mingling during an activity at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

A circle of attendees sitting in chairs listen to a presenter while meeting in small groups during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

From hands-on workshops like Grid Games – Activities Using a 9×9 Grid and Universal Accessibility in Challenge Courses to thought-provoking sessions such as Emotional Interventions and The Neuroscience of Activity Selection, participants explored cutting-edge strategies, best practices, and innovative ideas to bring back to their organizations.

Whether attendees were discovering new techniques, refining their skills, or gaining fresh perspectives, the sessions offered something for everyone—whether they were seasoned professionals or newcomers to the industry. The energy in the rooms was electric as attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, asked insightful questions, and connected with like-minded peers.

A presenter debriefs an activity with attendees while sitting or kneeling on the floor during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

A presenter explains a series of photos seen on a projector screen to a crowd of session attendees, most of whom are sitting but a few folks stand along the sidelines at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

A special shoutout to our talented speakers and facilitators, whose dedication to education and innovation made this year’s lineup truly unforgettable. Thank you for inspiring us to think bigger, reach higher, and continue elevating the standards of our industry! Ready to present in 2026? Submit a session proposal now!

Honoring Excellence at the Awards Ceremony

Alex Moore and Jason Marker hold their awards with Heather Brooks, who recognized the two with a Community Service Award during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Dan Harbuck holds a Community Service Award while standing alongside John Voegtlin, who recognized Dan's volunteer efforts in 2024 during the Awards Ceremony hosted at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Annika Spriggs holds a Community Service Award while hugging ACCT Staff member Brittany Humphrey, who recognized Annika during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 conference and exposition.

Community Service Award recipient Lara Kreuter hugs ACCT Executive Director Melissa Webb, who recognized Lara during the Awards Ceremony at the Awards Ceremony during the 2025 conference and exposition.

Alicia Bourke holds the Volunteer of the Year Award after earning the award during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Brycen Hale of Helix Construction smiles with the first Innovator of the Year Award, which was introduced during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Rohan Shahani holds the first Mover of Mountains award, which he earned during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

Saturday evening’s Awards Ceremony was a celebration of achievement and innovation. In addition to recognizing the Harnessing ACCT winners, we celebrated:

Community Service Award recipients: Dan Harbuck, Lara Kreuter, Jason Marker, Alex Moore, and Annika Spriggs.
The Volunteer of the Year, Alicia Bourke.
The introduction of the Innovator of the Year Award, presented to Brycen Hale of Helix Construction.
The debut of the Mover of Mountains Award, awarded to Rohan Shahani.

This year’s Critical Link—John Winter—was honored with this prestigious award. Leigh Carruth, the 2024 award recipient, said, “John is someone who helps move the current of the association for those who make waves,” while recognizing John. John’s wife then joined him on the stage, highlighting the amazing community the association has cultivated over the last 35 years. Congratulations, John, and thank you for your hard work and dedication to ACCT!

John Winter, the winner of the Critical Link award at the Awards Ceremony, shakes the hands of previous Critical Links during the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

John Winter hugs his wife after winning the Critical Link Award during the Awards Ceremony at the 2025 ACCT conference and exposition.

In closing, we were thrilled to announce that the 36th Annual International ACCT Conference and Exposition will take us back to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from February 4-8, 2026!

Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

On Sunday, some attendees took the Instructor Certification Exam, while others began their journeys home. Our revamped conference website went live, and is already your go-to resource for event updates, including the 2026 Call for Presenters, registration details, and host venue information.

Thank You for Another Great Year!

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, exhibited, sponsored, presented, and supported the 35th Annual International ACCT Conference and Exposition. Your enthusiasm and dedication continue to make this event an incredible success. We can’t wait to see you in Oklahoma City in 2026!

This post marks the revival of our blog as a resource for the annual conference and expo. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and industry insights as we build toward next year’s event!