THE KORE OUTDOOR REC-TECH SUMMIT
Kimberley Alpine Resort (Kimberley Conference Centre) – October 11-13, 2023
We respectfully acknowledge that for this event we will be gathering on the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa, who have occupied these lands for more than 10,000 years.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The 2023 Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise (KORE) Outdoor Rec-Tech Summit is Canada’s second-ever conference dedicated to the outdoor rec-tech manufacturing and product design sector. The summit will be held October 11-13, 2023 at the Kimberley Alpine Resort’s Conference Centre in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia and there will be an optional “stay and play” day on the 14th for those who would like to explore and recreate.
Industry thought leaders and speakers will be giving presentations throughout the event and anybody interested in outdoor rec-tech manufacturing and product design in British Columbia, Alberta, Pacific Northwest and the U.S. Western States are invited to attend.
Meet The Speakers
(Use the arrows to toggle between them all)
Phil Shellhammer, Venture Innovation, University of Arkansas
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 Northwest Arkansas 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.
Kailey Allan, Mechanical Designer & Selkirk College Instructor
Kailey Allan is a mechanical designer, instructor, and faculty researcher at Selkirk College with a background in consumer product design and digital technology. She’s a founding faculty member of Selkirk’s Digital Fabrication and Design Program in Trail, BC and teaches courses in 3D design, 3D printing, and CNC machining. Kailey is also a program advisor, working to understand the needs of local industry and to connect students to fulfilling careers in design and manufacturing. When she’s not working, she is backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and trail running.
Jonathan Audet, CEO of Ferreol Skis
Jonathan Audet, a ski industry entrepreneur based in Quebec, has 12 years of experience working in the ski industry and boasts an impressive background as an experienced alpine Slopestyle skier, competing in numerous events. As a co-founder and CEO of Ferreol Skis, he leads ski design, operations, sales, and business development. Committed to sustainability, he also co-founded Ferreol Technologies, with the aim to provide eco-friendly and performance solutions to the ski and sports industries. Jonathan’s passion for skiing and dedication to sustainability drive his leadership in shaping a better future. He will also be finishing his master’s degree in mechanical engineering focused on alpine ski behaviours soon.
Tanner Fandrey, Owner of Grey Space Adaptives
Tanner Fandrey has been passionate about outdoor recreation since a young age but a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis over a decade ago left his decaying hips unstable. He was told he’d never compete in sport again. Soon after, Tanner turned to adaptive sports such as sledge hockey and sit skiing where he excelled. He competed on the international stage in both sports before retiring from competition and starting Grey Space Adaptives, which designs lightweight custom adaptive sporting equipment for disabled athletes. He is a mechanical engineering technologist and has developed equipment that is up to 30 percent lighter than other adaptive gear found on the market. At the Summit, Tanner will be discussing how athletes are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and it’s their equipment that 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?
Jeff Polster, Design & Manufacturing Manager, RUX
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.
Emilia Steinbock, Sustainable Fashion Technology Student
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.
Russell McPherson, Founder, Gear re-Store
Russell 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.
James Friedrich, Senior Merchant for Mountain Equipment Company
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.
Robert Bleier, Founder of Tempus 3D
Born and raised in the Kootenays, Robert Bleier spent the first part of his career in banking after studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He made into the transportation and resources industries in 2013 and then returned to the Kootenays with his family a few years ago. Founding Tempus 3D in June of 2020, Robert is delivering on his vision of building a sustainable manufacturing Hub in the Kootenays built on industry 4.0 philosophies and providing high-skilled and exciting jobs for the residents of the Kootenays.
Cam Shute, Owner of Dark Horse Innovations
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.”
Dr. Bryn Crawford, UBC Materials & Manufacturing Research Institute
Dr. Bryn Crawford is an engineer with technical expertise in materials, process and multi-physics modeling, artificial intelligence methods, logistics and supply chain management among other topics, particularly in the contexts of research and development towards commercialization. He has worked in both academic and industrial settings, including as the Manager of Test Engineering global programs at Fox Factory and is currently the Program Manager of circular economy-related projects and initiatives at the University of British Columbia’s Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute.
Dustin Adams, CEO, We Are One Composites
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.
P.J. Hunton, Senior Design Engineer, Norco Bicycles
P.J. Hunton is a self-proclaimed mountain bike addict of 30 years and has been at Norco Bicycles for the last 15 of those years. Starting out as Engineering Manager, he steadily built up a strong design and engineering team that went on to design multiple award-winning bicycles. In 2017 P.J. took on his current Senior Design Engineer role at Norco when his family made the decision to move to Kimberley where he now works remotely and where they enjoy the Kootenay lifestyle together.
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 te 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.
Katrina Hillyer, Founder, Earth Warrior
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.
Adam Marchand, Engineering Manager, We Are One Composites
Adam was born and raised in Ontario where he first fell in love with cycling through road riding and triathlons, but quickly caught the mountain biking bug when he started university. After working in tech and Silicon Valley for a few years, he realized he was much more passionate about the outdoors space and decided to make an engineering career out of it. He joined Kamloops, BC-based We Are One Composites in 2020 to take the Arrival trail bike from a few prototypes to over 1,000 shipped units, and he’s been along for the ride ever since. 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.
Beth Gallup, Executive-in-Residence, KAST
An artist and innovator, Beth Gallup brings new ideas to life. In her role as Executive-in-Residence for KAST, New Ventures BC and Accelerate IP, she mentors early-stage technology entrepreneurs. She is deeply versed in the outdoor rec industry, having managed a snow-cat skiing operation, co-founded a mountain bike guide service, and taught business to students in COTR’s Mountain Adventure Skills Training Program. Her academic qualifications include an MBA, plus further study at the European Summer School for Advanced Management. Beth will be giving a joint presentation with Thomas Archer 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.
Thomas Archer, Executive Director, KAST
Thomas Archer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to KAST, backed by a diverse background in leading nonprofits across various sectors. Notably, Thomas played a pivotal role in spearheading a technology organization that successfully propelled the growth of the technology sector in Saskatchewan, earning recognition as a vital economic pillar within the provincial economy. Beyond the nonprofit endeavors, Thomas has proven to be an accomplished entrepreneur, with a history of owning and investing in small businesses ranging from retail clothing to art galleries and bath and body ventures. This entrepreneurial background has equipped Thomas with a unique perspective on driving success in diverse industries. Thomas will be giving a joint presentation with Beth Gallup 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.
Rob Gomme, CEO, KUMA Outdoors
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.
Where & When
The 2023 KORE Outdoor Rec-Tech Summit will take place October 11-13, 2023 with an optional day to stay and play on the 14th.
The event is being held at Kimberley Alpine Resort’s Conference Centre in Kimberley, British Columbia.
Accommodations
➡️ Trickle Creek Lodge and Polaris Lodge are located adjacent to the Conference Centre. Rates range from $96/night for a Studio Suite to $215 for a 3-bedroom suite. Visit tricklecreeklodge.com and polarislodge.com for accommodation options but be sure to call 1-877-282-1200 ext 2 and quote the group name “KORE Summit 2023” to receive the discounted rate.
➡️ The Larix Hotel in Kimberley is offering a 10% discount to Summit attendees. Call the hotel directly at 250-427-1500 to receive the discount.
➡️ Alpine Lodging has added a promo code of KORE2023 to their booking engine to receive a 20% discount for all properties available Oct 17-23. Peruse the properties and book directly at alpinelodging.ca.
➡️ Simply Kimberley owns and operates resort-base chalets and condos in and around the city. Lodging options can be seen on their website and you can email info@kimberley.com for Summit attendee lodging rates.
➡️ Kimberley Riverside Campground is offering a 15% discount for Summit attendees on top of the already low price of $40 for a campsite.
➡️ Visit Tourism Kimberley’s “Stay” page for accommodation providers.
SPEAKERS
• Jonathan Audet – “Commercializing the world’s strongest aluminum for the ski industry.”
• Tanner Fandrey – “How manufacturers can support progression and allow disabled athletes to compete at the highest possible levels without barriers.”
• James Friedrich – “Peek behind the curtain of more than 5,000 products to discover the secrets to explosive growth and save yourself years of trial and error.”
• Jeff Polster – “Creating a Category.”
• Phil Shellhammer – “Creating a cluster of outdoor rec-tech entrepreneurs in Arkansas.”
• Russell McPherson – “End of life versus end of first life for your gear.”
• Kailey Allan – “How to think sustainably and use design and digital technology as a tool to better our futures.”
• Dr. Bryn Crawford – “Partnering with UBC’s world-class MMRI initiative for advancing technologies.”
• Robert Bleier – “How 3D printing, injection molding, and CNC machining can be used at different stages during product development lifecycle.”
• Cam Shute – “Managing new product development and the key tools that are required.”
• Dustin Adams – “Overcoming manufacturing challenges – workforce, retention, space, zoning and more.”
• P.J. Hunton – “Creating the fastest downhill racing bicycle the world has ever seen.”
• Katrina Hillyer – “Upcycling solutions and sustainable business practices for textile waste.”
• Emilia Steinbock – “The innovation of personal protective equipment for female athletes including a unique avalanche airbag.”
• Adam Marchand – “How a young engineer can get their foot in the door in the outdoors industry and turn a passion into a paying career.”
• Beth Gallup & Thomas Archer – “How KAST and New Ventures BC can help your business.”
• Rob Gomme – “Moving the Sustainability Needle.”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
When you register for the full symposium, the following is included:
- Two full days of sessions featuring knowledgeable and entertaining speakers and presentations
- Breakfast and lunch on each day of the symposium sessions
- Appies and snacks at the welcome reception, and the last day’s networking event
- An optional “stay and play” day on the 14th with local experts
GETTING HERE
Kimberley is located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, 16 km from the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) in the city of Cranbrook. It’s also an easy, and beautiful, 4-hour drive from Calgary and a 10-hour drive from Vancouver.
STAY & PLAY
On Saturday, October 14th there will be an optional day for attendees to enjoy the recreational amenities of Kimberley including:
- Mountain biking the Nature Park and Lois Creek
- Biking the Rails to Trails
- Shuttle biking Bootleg Mountain
- Indoor climbing at Spirit Rock Climbing Centre in Kimberley
- Outdoor climbing at St. Mary’s and Perry Creek
- Hiking in the Nature Park
- Fishing on St. Mary’s River
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OUR PARTNERS
PacifiCan
PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.
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
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
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
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
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
MEET THE KORE
