As we discussed on our GEAR:30 podcast, we’ve got a really exciting lineup of panel discussions for our upcoming Blister Summit. Take a look at the schedule below, and submit any potential topics or questions via this form.
SUMMIT A: Feb 20 – 23, 2022
SUNDAY, Feb 20
5:30pm – 7:00pm: Welcome Reception
MONDAY, Feb 21
8:30am – 4:30pm: On-Snow Demos
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Panel Session 1: How We Review Gear (Blister reviewers)
- Paul Forward
- Kara Williard
- Jonathan Ellsworth
- Dylan Wood
5:45pm – 6:30pm: Panel Session 2: Bindings Design & Real-World Considerations
- Francois Lefebvre, global product line manager, bindings, Amer Sports
- Chris Davenport: Skier, US Ski Hall of Fame inductee
- Paul Forward: Blister reviewer, physician, & lead heli guide, Chugach Powder Guides
- Chris McKearin, Commercial manager, Salomon Alpine
TUESDAY, Feb 22
8:30am – 4:30pm: On-Snow Demos
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Panel Session 1: Athletes & Entrepreneurship
- McKenna Peterson: Skier (K2) + AK Fishing Captain
- Julian Carr: Skier (Icelantic) + Founder of Discrete
- Chris Davenport: Skier (Kaestle) + Guide + Revelshine co-founder
5:45pm – 6:30pm: Panel Session 2: Ski Design
- Renoun founder & ski designer, Cyrus Schenck
- K2 Skis designer, Jed Yeiser
- Rossignol product manager, Jake Stevens
- Folsom Custom Skis owner & designer, Mike McCabe
WEDNESDAY, Feb 23
8:30am – 4:30pm: On-Snow Demos
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Panel Session 1: Blister Labs: Projects & Personnel
- Blister Labs Intro Video
- Jonathan Ellsworth: founder of Blister
- Jeni Blacklock: manufacturing processes & mechanical engineering
- Sean Humbert: robotics & systems design, mechanical engineering
- Greg Vanderbeek: mechanical engineering & fabrication
- Lauren Cooper: mechanical engineering & engineering education
5:45pm – 6:30pm: Panel Session 2: Ask Us Anything + Summit Recap
- Jonathan Ellsworth & Blister reviewers
SUMMIT B: Feb 24 – 27, 2022
THURSDAY, Feb 24
5:30pm – 7:00pm: Welcome Reception
FRIDAY, Feb 25
8:30am – 4:30pm: On-Snow Demos
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Panel Session 1: How We Review Gear (Blister Reviewers)
- Luke Koppa
- Kristin Sinnott
- Sascha Anastas
- Jonathan Ellsworth
5:45pm – 6:30pm: Panel Session 2: Ski Boot Design
- Christoph Lentz, Fischer boots product manager
- Tom Pietrowski, K2 boots product manager
- Greg Klein, product development & owner of Willi’s Ski Shops
SATURDAY, Feb 26
8:30am – 4:30pm: On-Snow Demos
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Panel Session 1: Backcountry Safety & Safety Eqpt.
- Backcountry Access (BCA) co-founder, Bruce Edgerly
- Salomon skier & filmmaker, Drew Petersen
- Lead guide, snow safety director, & former ski patroller, Megan Paden
- Lead avalanche forecaster, Zach Guy
5:45pm – 6:30pm: Panel Session 2: Athlete Panel: The Mental Game
- John Collinson, Volkl
- Sander Hadley, Dynastar
- Drew Petersen, Salomon
- Wendy Fisher, Head
SUNDAY Feb 27
8:30am – 4:30pm: On-Snow Demos
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Panel Session 1: Women in the Ski Industry
- Kjerstin Klein: Winter Divas founder & co-owner of Willi’s Ski Shops
- Kara Williard: boot fitter & Blister reviewer
- Louise Lintilhac: skier, brand manager, PR
5:45pm – 6:30pm: Panel Session 2: Ask Us Anything + Summit Recap
- Jonathan Ellsworth & Blister reviewers
Ski design panel is a beautiful combo. Nice work. Looking forward to watching that recording when it comes out!