The 36th ACCT International Conference is the premier gathering for challenge course professionals, bringing together thought leaders, course owners and operators, canopy and zip line tour professionals, trainers and testers, facilitators, builders, manufacturers, insurance and risk management experts, educators, camp and park personnel, social services representatives, Y (YMCA) staff, ski resort operators, and more. This diverse community of industry contributors and practitioners comes together annually to share knowledge, foster connections, and drive innovation.
The 2026 ACCT International Conference workshop session schedule will be available soon. Until then, take a look at the types of sessions you can expect to see!
Session Tracks
Tailor your conference experience to your interests and goals by diving into carefully curated session tracks. Each track is designed to provide attendees with valuable insights, skills, and tools to enhance their expertise and drive success in the challenge course and aerial adventure industry. Whether you’re seeking certifications, business strategies, technical knowledge, or networking opportunities, there’s a session track for you. Browse session topics, descriptions, and learning objectives to tailor your conference experience to your interests and goals:
- Certifications (CERT): The Certifications session track offers attendees the opportunity to enhance their skills and credentials through educational sessions that lead to certification upon successful completion. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with specialized knowledge and practical skills in various aspects of challenge course operations, safety, and equipment maintenance, empowering them to excel in their roles within the industry.
- Example Sessions Include: American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Training, and LockD Operator Service Training.
- Facilitation and Programming (FP): The Facilitation and Programming session track offers attendees valuable insights and strategies for enhancing program development and facilitation skills. These sessions delve into various aspects of program design, implementation, and evaluation. Attendees learn practical techniques and best practices for creating engaging and impactful experiences for staff and participants. Whether you’re a seasoned facilitator or new to the field, this track provides valuable resources to elevate your programming efforts and enrich the experience.
- Example Sessions Include: Conflict Resolution 101, Effective Debriefing Tools and Techniques, and Inspiring Sustainability through Challenge Courses.
- Industry and Business (IB): The Industry and Business session track offers attendees valuable insights into the regulatory landscape, incident trends, and the state of the industry. These sessions provide essential knowledge and strategies for navigating the business side of the industry while inspiring attendees to drive positive change and innovation in their own organizations. Whether you’re a business owner, operator, or industry professional, this track equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the challenge course industry.
- Example Sessions Include: Challenge Course Regulations in Eastern Europe; Incident Trends, Benchmarking, and Solutions; and the QCP Task Force Update.
- Open Forum (FORUM): The Open Forum session track offers attendees a platform for open dialogue and discussion within specific interest groups or communities. These sessions provide a space for attendees to engage with peers who share similar interests, challenges, or backgrounds, fostering meaningful connections and exchanges of ideas. Whether you’re looking to network, share experiences, or learn from others, these Open Forum sessions provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and community-building at the conference.
- Example Forums Include: Calling Midwest Practitioners; Qualified Course Professionals; and the Women of ACCT.
- Operations and Management (OM): The Operations and Management session track offers attendees educational sessions centered around operations, leadership, and management within the challenge course industry. These sessions provide valuable insights and strategies for effectively managing and leading challenge course programs, addressing topics such as staff training, risk management, and operating tools. Whether you’re a program director, challenge course manager, or industry leader, these sessions provide practical tools and knowledge to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of challenge course operations and management.
- Example Sessions Include: Artificial Intelligence in Aerial Adventure Parks (Bilingual), Crisis Communications for Challenge Course Programs, and Managing In-House Programs.
- Pre-Conference Sessions (PRE): The Pre-Conference session track at the annual ACCT conference offers attendees extended educational sessions focused on various topics relevant to the challenge course industry. These sessions are facilitated before the official conference kickoff, providing participants with an opportunity to delve deeper into specific subjects and enhance their conference experience. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, gain valuable certifications, or explore new trends and best practices, these Pre-Conference sessions offer a comprehensive learning experience to benefit attendees before the main conference begins.
- Example Sessions Include: Demystifying Operations and Training Standards, Manual Writing – Staring at a Blank Page, and Universal Accessibility in Aerial Adventures.
- Post-Conference Sessions (POST): The Post-Conference session track offers attendees extended educational sessions focusing on various topics relevant to the challenge course industry. These sessions are facilitated after the conference concludes, providing participants with an opportunity to further explore specific subjects and extend the benefits of the conference experience. These sessions allow attendees to deepen their understanding and skills, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience even after the main conference activities have concluded.
- Example Sessions Include: Challenge Course Tours.
- Technical (TT): The Technical session track at the annual ACCT conference offers attendees educational sessions that delve into various aspects of challenge course and equipment design, construction, and use. These sessions provide in-depth technical knowledge and insights to professionals working in the industry. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with the technical skills and knowledge necessary for safe and effective challenge course operations.
- Example Sessions Include: The Math Behind Challenge Course Operating Systems, W.T.F. (Would That Fail?), and Zip Line Brakes and Landings.
- Training (TR): The Training session track offers attendees educational sessions focused on training staff and participants in various aspects of challenge course operations. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from inspection and maintenance procedures to participant briefings and assists. These sessions aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of those involved in training development and facilitation.
- Example Sessions Include: Hybrid Training – Lessons Learned, Psychological Risk Management, and Staff Training 101 – The Repeatable Process.