2017 Recap:

The record setting 2017 Annual Benefit Dinner was truly a night to remember. The tribe gathered and great things happened: inspiring panels discussed problems facing the growing sport of climbing, old friends reunited, a record amount of money was raised for our conservation and advocacy program, Washington's Senator told us to "go get a dog", and we honored 5 very deserving climbers. All in one day!

Get the full 2017 Annual Benefit Dinner Weekend Recap here!

Press Room:

Climbing legend Conrad Anker tells of ‘out-of-sorts’ year, what climbers could teach Trump
"I participate, I talk to people — I’m not going to run for office. I’m an atheist and I think football is dumb."
      - Seattle Times interview

Alpinist Article on the 2017 Award Winners

Look Who's Coming to Seattle:

Click HERE to see which stars of climbing, industry leaders, and friends of yours are coming to the Dinner!

Weekend Schedule:

February 23, 2017

Memorial Celebration for Past AAC President Nick Clinch
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: Mountaineers Clubhouse, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
RSVP by February 15th by following THIS LINK or by emailing Vickie at [email protected]

February 24, 2017

Annual AAC's Member Meeting
Time: 4pm - 4:30pm
Location: REI Flagship Store, Meeting Room, 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Climbers' Gathering
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: Vertical World, 2330 W Commodore Way, Seattle, WA 98199

All Saturday events hosted at Seattle Marriott Waterfront, 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121

Panel - The Education Crux: Together We're Smarter...or we should be
Time: 10am - 11:15am
AAC Education has been endeavoring to educate climbers for over a century, but rarely have all the disparate voices in climber education coalesced into a single mediated conversation. Today, more than at any point in climbing history, the American climber hungers for information, and a myriad of voices presume to fulfill their appetites.  At this special moment in climber education, the AAC will convene key voices, thinkers, educators, writers, to explore its historic vision of competent climbers and healthy landscapes.

Panel - From Counterculture to Mainstream
Time: 11:30a - 12:45pm
We are drawn to climbing because it provides adventure and fulfillment and uncovers the best in our partners and ourselves. The sport has grown significantly as the number of climbing gyms has increased and more people have access to the sport and lifestyle. 

As climbing transitions from its counterculture heritage in natural settings to urban and indoor environments, how does the climbing community build on its legacy as a foundation for inclusivity? What influence does social media, climbing gyms, coaches and the Olympics have on the way climbers transition from the gym to natural climbing landscapes?

Melissa Arnot Reid - Partnership & Mentorship in the Mountains
Time: 1pm - 2pm
In 2016, Melissa Arnot became the first American woman to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen. Rather than rest after this monumental achievement, she sought her next adventure. With a friend she set her sights on the speed record for summitting the highest point in each of the 50 states state - completing the challenge in just 41 days! Melissa will share stories and photos from a year of challenge, record setting and mentoring the next generation of explorers. 

Book Fair
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Authors Include: Conrad Anker, Jenni Lowe Anker, Kit DesLauriers, Topher Donahue, Hans Florine, Ron Funderburke, Arno Ilgner, Bob Kandiko, Jason Martin, Simon McCartney, Peter Potterfield, Pam Roberts, David Stevenson

VIP Reception* 
Time: 5pm - 6pm
    *By invite only

Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
Time: 6pm - 7pm

Dinner, Awards and Keynote by Conrad Anker
Time: 7pm - 10pm

February 26, 2017

VIP Brunch with Conrad Anker and 2017 Award Winners*
Time: 10am -11:30am
Location: Seattle Marriott Waterfront, 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
    *Included with VIP Tables and Patron Tickets

Presented By:

Supported By:

Sponsorship:

To find out about sponsorship opportunities email Heidi at [email protected]