posted on 21/07/2008

Event: BMC Technical Conference 2008

BMC Technical Conference 2008
Have you ever wondered how climbing helmets are tested, or who tested your latest shell jacket? Interested in the future of bolting, or wondered why there are no standards for belay devices? Find out about all these and more at the BMC Technical Conference taking place at Plas y Brenin on 25 October 2008.

Open to all climbers and mountaineers, this years event follows on from a successful and over-subscribed conference in 2006.

Industry experts will be on hand to provide insight into the design, testing and use of mountaineering equipment through an interesting mix of demonstrations and lectures. Held once again at the fabulous venue of Plas y Brenin, there is plenty of mountain action to be had nearby for those making a weekend of it.This years speakers and experts include:

Ken Ledward
Ken is the owner and founder of KLETS equipment testing. Many modern clothing and footwear systems have been field tested by Ken and his team before going into production.

Fred Hall
Fred is Technical Director at DMM, and his legendary engineering skills have helped that company produce some of the finest climbing hardware on the planet for the last few decades. A hard man to track down, even harder to drag him away from his new forging press!

Dr. Mark Taylor
Mark is a Research Fellow at the School of Performance Textiles, the University of Leeds. Marks PhD was based on research into the performance of climbing helmets.

LATEST NEWS! Gore-tex to present lecture at conference.

Charlie Thwaites of W.L. Gore & Associates
Will present an overview of some of the topics / tests that are considered when evaluating how protective a garment is for its respective environment

Price
BMC members £40
Non BMC members £80

To download a provisional programme for the event, click here.

To download a booking form, click here.

For the helmet testing demo, please bring any old or damaged climbing helmets you own. These will not be usuable afterwards! Drop dan@thebmc.co.uk an email if you are bringing one so we have an idea of numbers.

Booking early is advisable. Registration includes morning refreshments, lunch and afternoon tea & cake. There will be an evening lecture by one of DMM's sponsored climbers.

A wide range of accomodation is available nearby including PyB, local B&B's and camping.

For booking enquiries contact Becky Ellwood rebecca@thebmc.co.uk

For conference enquiries contact Dan Middleton dan@thebmc.co.uk


By Dan Middleton