Want to learn more about your climbing gear? How it works and when it doesn't. The BMC have organised a Technical and Training Conference, open to all, at the National Mountaineering Centre, Plas y Brenin on Saturday 21st October

The speakers include Michael Beal of the rope company Beal; Vittorio Bedogni of the Italian Alpine Club who has undertaken extensive research into the forces generated and the energy absorbed whilst belaying; Neville McMillan the Vice President of the UIAA Safety Commission and a member of the BMC Technical Committee; Steve McClure, one of the UK's top climbers and a mechanical engineer; Roger Chaldecott and Pete Robertson, wise men of Lyon Equipment; Jon Garside of the BMC/MLTE Training Officer, and Neville McMillan and Oliver Milling of the BMC Technical Committee. You couldn't be in better hands with this array of experts.

Throughout the day there will be lectures and practical demonstrations on :

Impact forces and energy absorption of ropes.

Runners, friction and impact force.

Ropes, belay devices and forces.

Karabiner and runner failure.

Be prepared to be a gear know-it-all at the end of the day and have a greater understanding of the essential climbing safety systems. At 5pm there will be a question and answer session, dinner is at 7pm and then the day is rounded off by a presentation from Steve McClure. It costs £40 for BMC members, £80 for non-members. More details and booking information at the BMC website