Climbing Icon Tommy Caldwell to headline Public Lands Summit in Salt Lake City

Climber Tommy Caldwell will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural Land We Share Summit on Oct. 3 at Westminster University. Photo: Land We Share Summit

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Professional climber and conservation advocate Tommy Caldwell will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural Land We Share Summit, scheduled for Oct. 3 at Westminster University.

The one-day event, hosted by Stewardship Utah at the Gore School of Business, is designed to bring together nonpartisan voices from across the West to develop long-term strategies for protecting public lands.

Caldwell is regarded as one of the most accomplished climbers in the world, with achievements spanning sport climbing, traditional climbing, first ascents and speed records. His career has been defined by resilience in the face of extreme challenges, including surviving a hostage situation in Kyrgyzstan and adapting to the loss of an index finger in a table saw accident.

In 2015, Caldwell and partner Kevin Jorgeson completed the first free climb of Yosemite’s Dawn Wall after a 19-day push that drew international attention, generating more than 34 billion media impressions and earning recognition from President Barack Obama. The ascent was later chronicled in the documentary The Dawn Wall and Caldwell’s 2017 memoir The Push: A Climber’s Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits.

Beyond climbing, Caldwell has become a prominent voice for public lands protection. He has testified before Congress and the Senate in support of climate legislation and regularly uses his platform to advocate for conservation.

Organizers said the summit will unite Tribal Nations, conservation nonprofits, outdoor industry leaders, policy experts and community advocates to address issues such as watershed health, biodiversity, land-use policy, accessibility and cross-boundary collaboration.

The day will also include interactive breakout sessions and a public lands–inspired art experience reflecting Utah’s landscapes.

Stewardship Utah described the event as the launch of a statewide strategy aimed at fostering collaboration and building momentum for conservation.

“Safeguarding the sacred landscapes that define our identity, sustain our economy, nurture our health and inspire our future requires unity and real solutions,” the group said in its announcement.

More information is available at landwesharesummit.org.