Meet the Team Behind the Scenes
The Conference Work Group (CWG) is a dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly year-round to organize and execute the ACCT International Conference and Exposition. Their primary mission is to advance the association’s goals while ensuring that the conference is meticulously planned, highly beneficial, and memorable for all attendees. Many CWG members contribute countless hours behind the scenes, while others take on visible roles on-site, serving as ambassadors for the event. Together, they create opportunities for professional development, networking, and community building that define the ACCT conference and expo experience.
Members of the Conference Work Group commit to five (5) years of volunteer service when they join the team. When new seats become available, preference is given to persons who have volunteered on the Service Crew team at least once. If seats are available, applications to join the team typically open by March and remain open until April. Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when applications launch!
We are incredibly grateful for their efforts and proud to serve this amazing community. If there’s anything we can do to help make your conference and expo experience even better, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to welcoming you to Oklahoma City for the 36th ACCT International Conference and Exposition in February 2026!
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Hi! I’m Paul Bland, one of the Workshop Coordinators. With a career spanning since 1997, I have been deeply involved in the challenge course industry. My journey began at a summer camp, where my passion for educational and recreational programming took root. Over the years, I have contributed my expertise to various establishments, including summer camps, adventure parks, zipline tours, and climbing gyms. Presently, I hold the position of Professional Services Manager at Signature’s Training and Consulting department. In this role, I leverage my extensive experience and enthusiasm to assist practitioners in enhancing their facilitation, technical, and managerial abilities. I volunteer because volunteering is a valuable avenue through which I can contribute to supporting others in the industry. The individuals I have encountered within the ACCT community have played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development, nurturing me into the person I am today. I want to assist in their success and help ensure that ACCT is a place of discovery and growth for all. |
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Hi! I’m Leigh Carruth, one of the Service Crew Coordinators. I have been in this industry for over 20 years in a wide variety of settings. I am a deeply curious person who loves to travel, build relationships and try to become a better human. I am happily married and have four incredible humans who call me “Mom.” I serve because I love being a part of someone else having a successful conference. ACCT has changed my life for the better and I love any opportunity I can to provide a similar experience. I also love getting to bust out my dance moves first thing in the morning to brighten people’s conference!! |
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Hi! I’m Billy Hager-DeMyer, one of the Conference Work Group Coordinators. I found the challenge course industry by happenstance in college when a high ropes kinesiology course opened up that I thought sounded cool and would challenge my fear of heights. I immediately fell in love with the industry and was lucky enough that a professor took me under their wing to get me connected. I have been in the industry now for over 12 years in areas spanning from summer camps to zip tours, adventure parks and classic high and low courses. Even when I took a two year hiatus to pursue my master’s in Student Development Administration and work in higher education, experiential education was still deeply ingrained in how I approached my work. I recently took a side step from the industry, now serving as the Yoga and Fitness Coordinator for Seattle Bouldering Project – Poplar. All that I have learned during my time in the industry still guides how I train and facilitate my team of instructors. Plus, all that time inventorying supplies has come in handy as I inventory every plate, dumbbell and yoga block. I volunteer because it challenges me, keeps me connected and up to date on an ever changing industry and allows me to give back and contribute to an industry that has molded me into the professional that I am today. |
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Hi! I’m Lara Kreuter, one of the Workshop Coordinators. I graduated from Texas A&M with a double major in Wildlife Conservation and Forestry Science. I had my mind set on working with animals, but instead stumbled by accident on the outdoor education world in 2012. Since then, I have worked at various camps and education centers in numerous different roles. I worked my first ropes course at one of these outdoor education centers and has continued to grow my knowledge and love for the industry ever since. My first experience with the ACCT conference was as a Yellow Hat in 2019 before I joined the Conference Work Group in 2021. I currently live in Colorado as a Program Specialist for the State of Colorado Amusement Rides and Devices program. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, skiing, ultimate frisbee, exploring nature, spending time with friends, doing all sorts of creative projects, and hanging out with my dog—Sir Winston. I volunteer because in 2019 I was stoked on attending the ACCT conference in Colorado, but realized that the only way I would be able to make that happen was to volunteer as a Yellow Hat while in I received a scholarship to attend the virtual conference in 2021. Without these opportunities I would not have been able to attend the conference. I have passion for team building, leadership development, and emotional intelligence that has grown through my time at camps, outdoor education centers, and conference centers. These passions are all things that tie into the work of ACCT and the Conference Work Group. Being able to be part of a committee which puts together a conference that continues the work that I love to do is very special to me. |
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Hi! I’m Emalyn Mendoca, one of the Conference Work Group Coordinators. From age five, I showed a love for adventure and got my start at Triangle Y Ranch camp. Growing up in this community taught me both the fun and the responsibility of aerial activities, and in 2019 I was trained on the same tower that I had been climbing as a child. I attended my first ACCT conference in 2023 in Portland, and realized how big this industry really was. While camp counseling had always been in my sights in some way, Synergo opened up a new door and I knew it would be a life goal and passion. I became an apprentice trainer at Synergo that year, where my experience and passion have continued to grow. I volunteer because I’m looking for a way to get connected and learn more about the industry—what better way to do that than serve your community of awesome humans directly! |
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Hi! I’m Jenn Roetman, one of the Service Crew Coordinators. I am passionate about creating experiences for people to grow as individuals and as teams. My journey to this field began at a camp in North Dakota where I soon added Challenge Course Manager to my many hats there. Wanting to further my experience in the challenge course world, I moved to Oregon. While there, I worked as an aerial park course manager, zip line guide, and trainer. I now serve as the teambuilding and leadership coordinator at Greenbush Education Service Center in Kansas. I volunteer to make my conference experience even more purposeful. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to have input, give back to the industry, and continue growing my network. My time as a Yellow Hat provided me with friendships and a behind-the-scenes look into the conference. Now on the Conference Work Group, I find myself with more connections while constantly learning more about how the conference works. |
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Hi! I’m Annika Spriggs, the Digital Coordinator. I fell in love with the outdoor industry as a kid at camp, transitioning from seasonal work to year-round positions as I climbed into my career. Sixteen years later, I now work with Madden Media as a Web Content Specialist—connecting my love of the outdoors with my passion for using digital media to tell stories. I have volunteered for ACCT International since 2021 as part of the Public Relations and Marketing (PRM) Work Group after attending my first conference virtually. I am excited for my third year on the Conference Work Group as a PRM Liaison! I volunteer because I love knowing that my time is being spent doing work that I am passionate about for an organization I believe in. The challenge course industry was foundational to me as a kid and young adult, and I am thrilled to be able to support a community that has had such a big impact on who I am as a person today. |
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Hi! I’m Courtney Terilli, one of the Workshop Coordinators. I have always found comfort and community in the outdoors. I discovered a passion for challenge courses in 2016 as a facilitator on my college campus’ course, which has driven my goal to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist—helping those of all abilities discover new recreational loves or rekindle those they thought they had lost. I first attended the ACCT Conference as a Yellow Hat in 2017 when I fell in love with the conference. I have attended every year since, trying to find every way to be more involved. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of North Georgia, I went on to the University of Mississippi to oversee their outdoor program as a graduate assistant while I earned a Master’s in Recreation Administration. I now work with Adventure Experiences, LLC, sharing my passion for the industry with others around the world. I serve on the Conference Work Group as a Hybrid Workshop Coordinator. I volunteer because I have always been a “helper”. If there is an opportunity for me to be involved and lend a hand, I do. I love staying busy, and volunteering allows me to not only stay busy, but do so in a heart-fulfilling manner. Each time I am able to help someone with even the smallest thing, it brings a smile to my face, knowing I made a positive difference in that person’s life. The little things add up to big things and I am here to make every little thing count. This is my community and these are my people. Those people were all so kind to give me a chance to learn, grow, and find my path; volunteering is my way of giving back to the community that shaped me by giving that same opportunity to others. |
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Hi! I’m Mark Zmudy, one of the Conference Work Group Coordinators. I fell in love with teaching by working with kids of all ages at camps. As a freshman in college, I needed one credit to round out my schedule. Not knowing what it was, I signed up for “Adventure Activities,” which turned out to be a high- and low-challenge course. Experiential learning was an immediate match for me, and I have pursued this type of teaching and learning ever since! I am dedicated to creating instructional environments in outdoor, adventure, and physical education that are welcoming to people of all genders, races, cultures, ability levels, and backgrounds. I volunteer because I have been very blessed to have wonderful family members and mentors who showed me the way into outdoor and adventure education. These experiences taught me to take the “Fun Factor” very seriously! Volunteering is a great way to stay current, stay involved, and be part of engaging environments where I can invite others to come along for the journey, as my mentors invited me. |
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Hi! I’m Laura Purtzer, the Conference Project Manager for ACCT International. For the last few years I have been supporting the annual conference and exposition through HPN Global—you may remember seeing me at the registration area! When Melissa transitioned into the Executive Director position, I was honored to be selected as the new point of contact for all things conference. In preparation for the 35th Annual International Conference and Exposition, I shadowed Melissa to learn the ropes and prepare to take lead managing onsite logistics in Cleveland. As we now prepare for our return to Oklahoma City, I’m excited to lead the Conference Work Group through another successful event! While onsite, you’ll find me working alongside our event volunteers, host hotel and convention center support teams, and ACCT Staff to ensure that all conference and expo events are safe and successful. |
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Hi! I’m Brittany Humphrey, the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for ACCT International. I am from Fayette County, WV—home of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, our newest national park. Being from such a vibrant outdoor community, I have always been drawn to outdoor recreational activities. So it was no surprise when I pursued a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources at West Virginia University. I joined the association having just finished an Outreach and Engagement Internship with the National Parks Conservation Association; a membership based national non-profit focused on advocacy for the National Parks. Outside of work, I enjoy showing my son all the joys of the great outdoors in hopes of sparking a similar passion in him. While my primary focus during the conference and expo is to provide support to our exhibitors and sponsors, you’ll find me helping out all areas of the event while onsite. |
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Hi! I’m John Voegtlin, the Office Manager for ACCT International. As a long-time facilitator and co-manager at many courses, I hope I can answer member questions effectively and help existing and potential members make the most of their membership. I also work with several volunteer work groups—including the Conference Work Group—to manage the various needs of the association. You can often find me at the registration area during the conference and expo unless I’m providing technical support elsewhere. |
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Hi! I’m Heather Brooks, the Program Manager for ACCT International. I oversee the ACCT Programs, including Vendor Accreditation, Operation Accreditation, and Inspector Certification, serving as the primary contact for all things related to accreditation and certification. Since 2012 I have been involved in the world of aerial adventure parks, working as a course manager. I am now focused on supporting ACCT Members as they navigate our program application processes and requirements. While onsite, I facilitate a ton of amazing certification courses and workshops! Join me for the Inspector Certification Prep Course and Inspector Certification Exam or jump in to workshops like Qualified Course Professional Guidelines, the Operation Accreditation Roadmap, and the Vendor Accreditation Process. |
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Hi! I’m Melissa Webb, the Executive Director for ACCT International. I am proud to bring over a decade of dedicated service to our organization, complemented by a wealth of experience in the hospitality and customer service industry. With a substantial background in event planning, execution, and operations management, my journey here has been guided by our core values. My extensive history in mission-driven leadership roles highlights my ability to inspire teams and drive organizational success. Furthermore, my experience in volunteer management and community relationship building underscores my dedication to fostering positive connections and making a meaningful impact. During the annual conference and expo, I wear many hats to support the event. You can find me in board meetings, supporting the rest of the event team, and working with our venue teams to facilitate a seamless professional development experience. |
Thank you to our event volunteers!
We can’t thank our volunteers enough for their support in making the annual conference and exposition a huge success each year. Thank you to everyone who currently serves, and to all who have already donated their time and energy!
We’d like to give a special shoutout to our photography and videography team. These volunteers work incredibly hard throughout the event to capture the magic of ACCT, and our digital content would not be the same without their service. Please join us in thanking the 2025 media team:
- Tyler Brown – Conference Work Group
- Blayre Harrison – Public Relations and Marketing Work Group and Service Crew
- Matt Marcus – Public Relations and Marketing Work Group
- Annika Spriggs – Conference Work Group and Public Relations and Marketing Work Group
- Dale Versteegen – Service Crew, Laurel School Teacher, and Ohio-based photographer