KORE Outdoor Rec-Tech Summit
2023 Full Schedule
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Wednesday, October 11
6:30 – 10:00 pm / Stemwinder Bar & Grill
Registration, Welcome Reception
Welcoming messages by KORE Board Member Christian Rawles and Tod Caton of Tourism Kimberley.
Registration and reception activities will take place in the Stemwinder Bar & Grill adjacent to the Kimberley Conference Centre and Trickle Creek Lodge.
Thursday, October 12
9:00 – 9:30 am / New Dawn B
P.J. Hunton, Norco Bicycles
“Building the Fastest Downhill Racing Bike in the World”
Learn More About P.J.’s Presentation
In his presentation, P.J. will be discussing downhill mountain bike racing, which is often called the Formula One of mountain biking. He’ll share the inside story of Norco Bicycles’ journey from 2007 until the present, travelling the globe on the UCI World Cup Downhill circuit, developing downhill racing bikes, navigating the pandemic, and ultimately doubling down on R&D investment in the midst of financial crisis with a project that’s goal is to create the fastest downhill racing bicycle the world has ever seen.
Thursday, October 12
9:30 – 10:00 am
Concurrent Sessions
Thursday, October 12
9:30 – 10:00 am / New Dawn B
Adam Marchand, We Are One Composites
“From Student to Lead Engineer”
Learn More About Adam’s Presentation
In a very short period of time Adam Marchand went from student to engineering manager at We Are One Composites based in Kamloops. He now manages a talented and passionate engineering team of three that continues to push the envelope of what’s possible with on-shore bike frame and component manufacturing that is sourced locally, more durable, and higher performing that overseas manufacturers while still remaining cost-competitive. In his “Shifting Gears” presentation, Adam will be discussing how to establish an engineering career in the outdoor sports world and how a young engineer can get their foot in the door in the industry and turn a passion into a paying career.
Thursday, October 12
9:30 – 10:00 am / New Dawn A
Robert Bleier, Tempus 3D
“Incorporating New Tech into Your Product Development Lifecycle”
Learn More About Robert’s Presentation
Robert will be sharing three customer case studies that involve products that were well suited to one of three different manufacturing techniques and how they all incorporated 3D printing during their product development lifecycle. The three manufacturing techniques to be discussed are 3D printing, Injection Molding, and CNC machining.
Choosing Between 3D Printing, Injection Molding, and CNC Manufacturing: A Comparative Synopsis
In today’s dynamic manufacturing landscape, selecting the optimal production method is a critical decision that directly impacts cost, speed, and quality. Three prominent techniques frequently employed are 3D printing, injection molding, and CNC manufacturing. Each method possesses distinct advantages and limitations, rendering them suitable for varying applications.
3D Printing: Precision Prototyping and Customization
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has gained significant attention for its ability to construct intricate designs with unparalleled precision. This technique involves layer-by-layer material deposition, facilitating the creation of complex geometries that would be cumbersome or impossible using traditional methods. 3D printing is ideal for prototyping, enabling designers to swiftly iterate and refine their concepts before mass production. It is particularly valuable for small production runs and custom products, as it allows for personalized designs without the need for extensive tooling modifications.
Additionally, 3D printing excels in producing parts with internal cavities and undercuts that are challenging to replicate with other methods. Medical and aerospace industries, for instance, leverage 3D printing to craft intricately shaped implants and lightweight components. However, 3D printing can be relatively slower than other manufacturing methods for producing large quantities, making it less suitable for high-volume production scenarios.
Injection Molding: High-Volume Efficiency and Material Variety
Injection molding is a tried-and-true technique for mass-producing plastic parts efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy. This process involves injecting molten material into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies to create the final part. Injection molding is well-suited for large production runs due to its speed and the consistency of parts it produces. The upfront tooling costs can be significant, but they are quickly offset by the lower cost per part in high quantities.
Moreover, injection molding offers a broad range of material options, from commodity plastics to engineering-grade resins, allowing manufacturers to tailor material properties to specific application requirements. This makes it a favored choice for industries like automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. Nevertheless, the initial tooling investment and design constraints due to mold complexity can make it less practical for small batches or prototypes.
CNC Manufacturing: Precision and Material Versatility
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing employs automated machining tools to shape raw materials into finished parts. This subtractive process is known for its accuracy and capability to produce highly detailed and intricate parts from various materials, including metals, plastics, and wood. CNC machining is suitable for both low and high-volume production, making it a versatile choice across industries.
One of CNC manufacturing’s strengths is its ability to maintain tight tolerances and produce parts with exceptional surface finishes. It is often chosen for applications demanding precision, such as aerospace components, medical devices, and intricate mechanical parts. However, CNC manufacturing can be time-consuming for complex geometries, and the cost can escalate when producing intricate designs due to the amount of material waste generated during machining.
Choosing Wisely: Considerations and Trade-offs
When deciding between 3D printing, injection molding, and CNC manufacturing, several factors come into play. The required volume of production, design complexity, material properties, lead time, and budget constraints are paramount considerations. 3D printing is an excellent choice for prototyping and low-volume customization, injection molding excels in high-volume production with a variety of materials, and CNC manufacturing provides precision and versatility.
In essence, the choice hinges on finding the balance between the desired characteristics of the final product, the production volume, and the available resources. Collaborative decision-making involving design, engineering, and manufacturing teams is crucial to ensure the most appropriate method is chosen to achieve the desired outcome efficiently and cost-effectively.
Thursday, October 12
10:45 – 11:30 am / New Dawn B
Kailey Allan, Selkirk College
“Next Gen Gear Design Career Paths”
Learn More About Kailey’s Presentation
In her presentation, Kailey will touch on how to think more conscientiously and sustainably, and to use design and digital technology as a tool to better our futures.
11:30 – 12:00 pm / New Dawn B
Panel Discussion
The presentation by Kailey Allan will be followed by a panel discussion about inspiring the next generation of gear manufacturers. There are many career paths to becoming an outdoor gear designer or entrepreneur. Many of those with careers in the outdoor gear design and manufacturing sector created their own opportunities and this panel discussion will cover examples of those working in the rec-tech sector and hear from aspiring students wanting to enter the industry. The panelists include:
- Kailey Allan (Moderator): Instructor, Digital Fabrication & Design, Selkirk College
- Adam Marchand – Engineering Manager, We Are One Composites
- Emilia Steinbock – Gear Designer, Student, KPU Wilson School of Design
- Jonathan Guercio – 2nd Year, Selkirk College, Digital Fabrication Program
Thursday, October 12
1:00 – 1:45 pm / New Dawn B
Jonathan Audet, Founder, Ferreol Skis
“Sustainability and Innovation in Ski Design”
Learn More About Jonathan’s Presentation
Jonathan Audet has spent the past 12 years working in the ski industry in Quebec and is an experienced alpine Slopestyle skier, having competed in numerous events. He is the CEO of Ferreol Skis, based in Quebec, and the co-founder of Ferreol Technologies, which aims to provide eco-friendly and performance solutions for the ski and sports industries.
In his presentation, Jonathan will be discussing his business journey and specifically the launch of the spinoff Ferreol Technologies, which developed and commercialized the world’s strongest aluminum alloy along with an innovative surface treatment that offered high bonding strength. The idea originated during the development of sustainable and high-performance solutions for Ferreol Skis and lead to the realization that the solutions should form a separate business model. By commercializing the innovations to other ski manufacturers and sports industries, the company aims to extend its positive impacts on the environment.
Thursday, October 12
1:45 – 2:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Thursday, October 12
1:45 – 2:15 pm / New Dawn B
Cam Shute, Owner, Dark Horse Innovations
“The Secrets To Product Development Process”
Learn More About Cam’s Presentation
Cam Shute of Dark Horse Innovations worked for G3 for 18 years before setting up his own company that designs and engineers a variety of outdoor products. His presentation will be about managing new product development and the key tools required. “The product development process is complex and non linear,” he says. “This talk will go through the process at a high level, and highlight some key tools to be used during the process.” Also included will be a discussion about how to manage the process and real life examples of the application of these tools and processes will be presented and discussed. Cam says, “One thing to ask yourself prior to attending this talk is, ‘Can I describe my work as a process?’ If not, you might not really know what you’re doing. These tools and process can be applied if you’re a startup or a corporate juggernaut.”
Thursday, October 12
1:45 – 2:15 pm / New Dawn A
Tanner Fandrey, Owner, Grey Space Adaptives
“The Opportunities of Adaptive Gear Design”
Learn More About Tanner’s Presentation
Tanner has been passionate about outdoor recreation since a young age. Some of his favorite sports include skiing, rock climbing and hockey. In 2009 He was diagnosed with a degenerative hip condition called Avascular necrosis in his right hip. One year later to the exact day in 2010 Tanner was hit with a second diagnosis of Bilateral Avascular Necrosis in the left hip. Subsequently in 2012 Tanner received the root cause diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. With both hips now unstable and decaying Tanner was told he would never compete in sport again. After this diagnosis Tanner turned to adaptive sports such as sledge hockey and sit skiing where he excelled at rapid pace. Tanner has competed on the international Stage in e tboth sledge hockey and sit ski racing. Now retired from the competitive scene Tanner has turned to designing lightweight custom adaptive sporting equipment for disabled athletes. Tanner is a Mechanical Engineering Technologist with a passion for solving complex problems through simplification. He has brought this mindset into the disablesporting world and developed equipment that is up to 30% lighter than competitive equipment on the market. Tanner looks to unlock the inaccessible for all athletes with continual design improvements and direct manufacturer to customer relations. Tanner started Grey Space Adaptives in March of 2023 and Grey Space will be producing their first sleds for customers to hit the ice and snow in late October 2023.
At the Summit, Tanner will be presenting about precision, performance, and progression. “These are the three driving factors facing the disabled community currently,” he says. “Athletes are pushing the boundaries of what is possible becoming so precise events are won by tenths of a second. Athletes have become performance driven expecting the best out of themselves and their equipment. Athletes are progressing to the point where their equipment has become the limiting factor rather than their disabilities. How can manufacturers support this athlete progression and allow disabled athletes to compete at the highest possible levels without barriers?
Thursday, October 12
2:15 – 3:00 pm
Networking Break
Meet and mingle in the Kimberley Conference Centre’s foyer and in the New Dawn rooms A&B.
Thursday, October 12
3:00 – 3:45 pm / New Dawn B
Dustin Adams, CEO, We Are One Composites
“Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges in Rural BC.”
Learn More About Dustin’s Presentation
Dustin Adams is the CEO of We Are One Composites in Kamloops and his presentation is “Overcoming manufacturing challenges – workforce, retention, space, zoning and more.”
As the owner of a company that builds carbon fibre bike components and frames at a factory in North Kamloops, Dustin says he’s had to overcome various obstacles related to attracting, training, and retaining staff as well as space, automation, and more. What he’s learned is municipalities that invest in cultural activities that support the manufacturing sector, and that create zoning for the right-sized commercial and industrial space for manufacturing businesses will see a major uptick in both outside investment and new healthy population growth.
Thursday, October 12
3:45 – 4:30 pm / New Dawn B
Rob Gomme, CEO, KUMA Outdoor Gear
“Moving the Sustainability Needle.”
Learn More About Rob’s Presentation
Rob Gomme helped start Kuma Outdoor Gear in Jasper nine years ago and since then has seen 100% growth year over year. The company makes luxury camping supplies and believe in creating durable, outdoor products. Their emphasis is on rugged and tough products that you can depend on by using premium materials focussing on ultimate comfort. The company is also making sustainability a priority and Rob will be speaking about “Moving the Sustainability Needle” and how every manufacturer can take steps to ensure products are as amazing as they are sustainable.
Thursday, October 12
4:30 – 5:30 pm / KCC Foyer
Mingle and Meet Networking Event (hosted by Tourism Kimberley)
Mingle and Meet in the Kimberley Conference Centre’s foyer, hosted by Tod Caton of Tourism Kimberley. Cash bar and après snacks.
Friday, October 13
9:00 – 9:30 am / New Dawn B
Russell McPherson, Founder, Gear ReStore
“End of Life vs End of First Life”
Learn More About Russel’s Presentation
Russell McPherson is the founder of Gear re-Store, which has locations in Calgary, Denver, and Philadelphia. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba, went on to complete a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University in Ontario, and then worked as a Certified Management Accountant from 1991 to 2018. Russell has direct experience with companies large and small, private and public, and in a variety of industries, but eventually his passion for innovation and business collided with his love for the outdoors, and so began Gear re-Store.
His presentation at the 2023 Summit is called “End of Life vs. End of First Life” and he’ll be speaking about re-Commerce, upcycling, downcycling, business sustainability and collaboration opportunities among other things.
Friday, October 13
9:30 – 10:00 am
Concurrent Sessions
Friday, October 13
9:30 – 10:00 am / New Dawn B
Dr. Bryn Crawford, Program Manager, UBC Materials & Manufacturing Research Institute
“University of British Columbia’s Micro Credential Course”
Learn More About Bryn’s Presentation
Dr. Bryn Crawford will be presenting about UBC’s MMRI, a world-class initiative that supports Canada’s industrial, government and non-profit sectors among others, for advancing technologies and education for a globally-competitive future. In the circular economy space, the Institute offers a range of programs to this end, including a partnership with NRC-IRAP that provides seed funding to Canadian SMEs for feasibility studies in circularizing products and supply chains, hosting research and networking events for knowledge dissemination, as well as building collaborative projects with researchers of all disciplines towards training and integrating the next-generation of students. MMRI is also in the process of developing a micro-credential course with industry partners, on training decision-makers to build triple-bottom-line business plans for circularizing value chains, using current best-practices.
Friday, October 13
9:30 – 10:00 am / New Dawn A
Emilia Steinbock, Sustainable Fashion Technology Student
“Avalanche Safety Vest Product Development”
Learn More About Emilia’s Presentation
Swedish skier Emilia Steinbock is a student at Copenhagen School of Design and Technology in Denmark but is currently part of the study abroad program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Lower Mainland of BC. He current major is in sustainable fashion technology and she recently caught the attention of outdoor brands when she proposed and designed an avalanche airbag system specific to female athletes. She says her goal is to push female technical apparel to the forefront of the industry and create more space for female skiing.”
Emilia will be discussing her journey to innovate personal protective equipment for female athletes and specifically the development of an avalanche airbag vest that incorporates a unique weight distribution system.
Friday, October 13
10:45 – 11:30 am / New Dawn B
Jeff Polster, Design & Manufacturing Manager, Rux
“Creating a Category.”
Learn More About Jeff’s Presentation
Jeff serves as the Design and Manufacturing Manager at RUX Box Corporation. With a robust background in mechanical engineering and an unwavering passion for all things outdoors, he has forged a career dedicated to collaborating with small companies and startups to bring their innovative concepts to life. Whether it’s bags, or bikes, if you use it outside he’s probably interested in finding a way to make it better. His presentation is called “Creating a Category” and will be a Q&A format with Christian Rawles from Ambler Mountain Works.
11:30 – 12:00 pm / New Dawn B
Panel Discussion
The presentation by Jeff Polster will be followed by a panel discussion about the Outdoor Gear Circular Economy. The discussion will dig deeper into ways the outdoor gear industry can become more circular and sustainable and the associated challenges and opportunities. From materials and supply chain to repair and packaging, circularity comes in many forms and
related costs and benefits.
- Dr. Bryn Crawford (moderator) of UBC
- Jonathan Audet of Ferreol Skis
- Katrina Hillyer of Earth Warriors
- Russell McPherson of Gear ReStore
- Cam Shute of Dark Horse Innovations
Friday, October 13
1:00 – 1:45 pm / New Dawn B
James Friedrich, Senior Buyer, Mountain Equipment Company
“From Product Launch to Scale”
Learn More About James’s Presentation
James Friedrich is a product consultant who specializes in helping businesses unlock growth and he’s also a senior merchant for Mountain Equipment Company who oversees a $60M product portfolio, collaborating with some of the outdoor industry’s major brands. But before all that, James was an engineer and startup founder. His primary goal is to offer entrepreneurs the guidance and support he wished he had many years ago. Attendees of his presentation will get a peek behind the curtain of more than 5,000 products to discover the secrets to explosive growth and save years of trial and error. Imagine gaining wisdom from some of the top companies in the outdoor industry that have successfully transitioned from struggling to thriving. James will share practical insights on how you can do just that, with examples gleaned from years working with thousands of products and hundreds of companies.
Friday, October 13
1:45- 2:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Friday, October 13
1:45- 2:15 pm / New Dawn B
Beth Gallup & Sam Farrell, KAST
“How to Accelerate Your Venture”
Learn More About Beth and Sam’s Presentation
Sam Farrell and Beth Gallup of the Kootenay Association of Science and Technology will be giving a joint presentation that’s aimed to inform the audience about the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology, the Venture Acceleration Program that supports economic development in the region as well as new initiatives including Accelerate IP supported by New Ventures BC, Innovate BC and the BC Accelerator Network.
Friday, October 13
1:45- 2:15 pm / New Dawn A
Katrina Hillyer, Founder, Earth Warrior
“The Wins of Repurposing Textiles”
Learn More About Katrina’s Presentation
Katrina Hillyer is the Founder of Earth Warrior based in Edmonton, Alberta. With a love for nature and textiles she has been on the pursuit to create circular processes by upcycling textiles into solutions to reduce single-use waste. She has over 10 years of upcycling experience and since 2020 has diverted over 15,000 pounds of textiles from landfills. She has also developed a full-circle model in her studio and generates close to zero waste.
In her presentation, Katrina will be sharing facts on textile waste, upcycling solutions, design development, and sustainable business practices.
Friday, October 13
3:00 – 4:00pm / New Dawn B
Phil Shellhammer, Venture Innovation, University of Arkansas
“The Successful Outdoor Recreation Ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas”
Learn More About Phil’s Presentation
Phil Shellhammer graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Harvard Business School and is now a faculty member at the University of Arkansas where he holds the positions of Senior Director of Business Incubation at the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Adjunct Professor in the Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Venture Innovation Department. His main focus is stewarding the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), which has successfully nurtured and mentored over 200 outdoor recreation entrepreneurs. Prior to this, Phil built a 20-year career in the retail and consumer products industries and worked for the likes of Sam’s Club, Best Buy, and Procter & Gamble.
In his presentation, Phil will explore the journey taken by this region, the pivotal contributors who played a vital role in crafting its identity as the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” and the accomplishments of GORP in nurturing innovative concepts into thriving, sustainable business models
SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
Below is the basic schedule at-a-glance for the 2023 Summit.
OUR PARTNERS
Economic Trust of the Southern Interior BC
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from ETSI-BC for helping fund part of the KORE Outdoor Rec-Tech Summit.
Website: www.etsi-bc.ca
FUTURPRENEUR
Futurpreneur has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for two decades. They are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Their internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,400 volunteer mentors.
Website: futurpreneur.ca
WeBC
WeBC is a not-for-profit that has been supporting women business owners across the province for nearly three decades. Working with their regional partners, they’ve provided thousands of entrepreneurs with business loans and expertise, training, resources, and peer network support to help businesses grow and thrive.
Website: we-bc.ca
TOURISM KIMBERLEY
From arts and culture to feasts, flavours, and festivity, Kimberley is a place to soak up magic moments with every turn.
Website: tourismkimberley.com
AMBLER MOUNTAIN WORKS
Ambler specializes in ethically-made hats, toques, tees, felt slippers and other products that encourage people to get out and enjoy life outdoors. But the company does more than just make nice stuff to sell. The husband and wife team who own it believe that small businesses can make a difference in our local communities and across the globe by the decisions we make and actions we take. Ambler wants to make a difference in the lives of the people they work with, from the makers to the wearers and everyone in between.
Website: amblermw.com
KOOTENAY COMPUTER
From computer sales and repair to proactive IT management and support, Kootenay Computer offers a complete range of strategy-driven solutions for business and residential. Their skilled technicians are knowledgeable and well-trained on the latest technology to support any operating system you might use. Whether it’s Apple products or Windows computers, they repair and maintain them all. Even Linux, Unix and FreeDos systems are supported.
Website: kootenaycomputer.com
KUMA OUTDOOR GEAR
Kuma Outdoor Gear offers North America luxury camping supplies designed in Canada. They believe in creating durable, outdoor products; it’s that simple. Their emphasis is on rugged and tough products that you can depend on. Using premium materials and a focus on ultimate comfort creates products that you can’t live without.
Website: kumaoutdoorgear.com
CHOOSE CRANBROOK
Choose Cranbrook provides support to help your business establish and grow in this dynamic and innovative East Kootenay city. With access to important market research and business intelligence, they work actively to facilitate local connections to help support the establishment of your business inCranbrook. In addition, local partners and stakeholders in the region recognize the need to remain competitive against other rural cities in the province in order to attract business. Your company can benefit from a number of incentives offered by the regional, provincial, and federal organizations to help lower your costs and move your business to Cranbrook.
Website: choosecranbrook.ca
