Darren Erasmus
Vertical safety and professional guiding
Conference archive · 2026
National Adventure Industry Conference
Bringing the adventure community together through reflection, practical CPD and industry development.
Dates26–30 June 2026
VenueATKV Drakensville, KwaZulu-Natal
StatusCompleted · Archive
The conference
Experience into excellence
The national conference returned to Drakensville with indoor and outdoor learning, practical technical sessions, professional-development discussions and space for meaningful connection.
The programme covered adventure tourism, LOTC, outdoor education, technical competence, business development and inclusive practice.
Five days
Programme
Friday 26 June
- Registration and welcome
- Meet-and-greet networking
- Fireside social
Saturday 27 June
- Adventure speed networking
- Industry and chapter updates
- San rock art and inclusive hiking
- Nature interpretation, facilitation, snake handling and water-safety workshops
- Evening keynote
Sunday 28 June
- Incident-management panel
- AI, school outdoor education and Warriors Academy presentations
- Alpine climbing, ropes rescue and overlanding workshops
- Industry Questions Café
Monday 29 June
- Wilderness first aid, safeguarding and steep-ground safety
- Student and aspiring-professional Q&A
- Business, guiding careers and mobile photography
- Prize giving and closing
Tuesday 30 June
- Breakfast and departure
People
Presenters and facilitators
David J. Allen
Leadership and body language
John Roff
Nature and geology guiding
Samantha Pennells-Ingle
Facilitation and resilience
Neil Margetts
Climbing and technical adventure
Walther Meyer
Wilderness medicine and rescue
Francois Nel
Outdoor recreation industry
Jessi Sunkel
SA AIA Executive Director
In their own words
Gallery and delegate reflections
“An incredible conference. My brain is full, my notebook is full and my heart is full.”
“A great blend of activities and discussions that built the SA AIA community and helped people grow professionally.”
“It was inspiring to connect with passionate professionals from across the industry.”
“Amazing brain trust present and a brilliant selection of speakers, topics and practical experiences.”