Get ready to make memories and connections at the special events hosted during the 35th Annual International ACCT Conference and Exposition! These events are designed to celebrate our vibrant community, highlight industry achievements, and create opportunities for networking and camaraderie. From the exciting items found at the Silent Auction to the energetic Harnessing CLE adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re rekindling old friendships, forging new connections, or just soaking in the excitement, these special events promise to add an unforgettable dimension to your conference and expo experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration and create lasting moments with fellow attendees!
Awards Ceremony
Discover the awards presented during the Awards Ceremony hosted on Saturday night during the annual conference and expo, including past winners and nomination opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to recognize outstanding contributions within our community!
- Critical Link Award: The Critical Link Award, a prestigious honor presented at the annual conference and expo since 2001, recognizes individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted the development, maintenance, and growth of the organization. This lifetime achievement award acknowledges the recipient’s longstanding commitment and dedication to advancing the mission and vision of ACCT. Recipients of the Critical Link Award exemplify excellence in their service to the challenge course industry, embodying association values. This award serves as a testament to their lasting impact on the ACCT community and beyond.
- Community Service Award: The Community Service Award celebrates the invaluable contributions of ACCT volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the organization. Since 2016, each member of the ACCT Staff select deserving volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support ACCT’s development and community. Recipients of this award are recognized for their outstanding commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive ACCT community, making significant contributions to the organization’s growth and success. The Community Service Award honors individuals whose selfless efforts have made a meaningful difference in advancing the association’s mission and goals.
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Created in 2023, the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding individuals within the ACCT community who have demonstrated exemplary commitment, leadership, and innovation in their volunteer service. This prestigious award is open to any ACCT volunteer nominated by their peers for their significant contributions to the organization’s development and community. Nominees for this award embody the core values of ACCT, including dedication, integrity, and support for diversity and inclusion. The Volunteer of the Year Award honors those who have made a lasting impact on ACCT’s mission and goals through their dedication, passion, and service.
Learn more about all of our awards, nomination criteria, and see a complete list of past recipients on the Awards page of the association website.
Have an idea for a new award that you believe deserves recognition within the ACCT community? We welcome your suggestions! Submit your proposal for a new award by emailing us at events@acctinfo.org. Your input could shape the future of our awards program and celebrate even more remarkable contributions within our community.
Artisans Corner
Are you a painter, sculptor, photographer, designer, industry historian, or artist of any kind? Showcase your creativity at the next conference and expo in the Artisans Corner within the Exhibit Hall. This special space allows artists and industry historians to exhibit their work and collections during select hours and provides a serene escape for all conference and expo attendees. Available activities typically include coloring and button making.
Call for Artists
Showcase your work and be part of this special experience. Artist Applications are now open, so don’t miss your chance to inspire and connect with our community. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Alexis Webb-Bechtold, the Artist Liaison at: alexisbechtold@gmail.com
Harnessing CLE
Embark on an adventure with Harnessing CLE—our optional team challenge that helps attendees experience all that our host city has to offer. This revised edition of the ACCT Olympics (formerly the Builders Olympics) invites attendees to create or join teams of 6-8 attendees to tackle individual and group challenges throughout the event, with winners celebrated during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday.
How to Play
- Get ready for Pre-Registration to launch on December 27th!
- Request teammates during registration or create new connections with a random team assignment.
- The Conference Work Group will connect with you before the conference and expo starts with information about your team and to get you set up in the Goosechase app.
- Gather your team at the conference and expo and work together to complete missions to earn points!
- The top three teams are recognized during the Awards Ceremony while the top team earns a small prize and serious bragging rights.
Timeline
- Kickoff: Thursday after the Opening Ceremony – look for the Harnessing ACCT sign!
- Closing: Saturday when the Cocktail Hour starts.
- Winners Announcement: Saturday at the Awards Ceremony.
Bonus Missions Alert: Stay sharp before Thursday’s kickoff—bonus missions might drop early! Gather and register your team in advance!
Activity Locations
Experience the adventure on the ground in Cleveland, Ohio! Missions vary from event-related to location-independent, so be prepared for an exhilarating mix!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click a question to learn more:
Can a team sign up at the annual conference and expo?
Yes, but hurry! Only 20 teams max, sign up early!
Will I still be able to attend workshop sessions and other special events?
Of course! Harnessing CLE is designed to enhance the conference and expo experience—fun missions, connecting with attendees, and exploring the city!
Is this part of the ACCT Olympics?
Yes! This is the ACCT Olympics, reimagined. Harnessing CLE is the updated version of the original Builders Olympics, evolving the event to better align with its founding goal: fostering connections among attendees in a fun, laid-back environment.
ACCT Raffle
Be a part of making a difference at our conference and expo by donating items or services to our Raffle. Your contributions directly support our scholarship program, helping to make this professional development opportunity accessible to all. Donors are recognized on our dedicated Raffle event page and in Awards Ceremony presentation materials. Support by donating to the raffle or bidding on raffle items. More information about the raffle is typically released in January.
2025 Raffle Update
Credit and debit cards will be accepted, as well as tap-to-pay options. Cash and checks will not be accepted.
Kindred Events
Each year it is typical for there to be separately-organized meetups such as Affinity Group and Work Group meetups that complement the conference and expo experience. This section is updated as the Conference Work Group becomes aware of these gatherings. Contact us to add your event!