Tools:

Share:

OPENING SESSION KEYNOTE SPEAKER: SKIP YOWELL
Vice president for global public relations, JanSport

Nothing says, Skip Yowell, like the great outdoors. Skip along with two other colleagues founded JanSport in 1967, forty years ago, while in search of the perfect hiking pack. What began as a passion for climbing and hiking turned into the number one selling day pack in the world. But Skip’s innovative ideas did not end there; he is also credited with creating the first dome tent, waist-suspension flexible frame pack, travel pack, and the panel-load daypack.

In a pursuit to share with the world his love for climbing and the outdoors, in 1971, Skip Yowell and famed mountaineer Lou Whittaker began an annual celebration called the “Mount Rainier Climb” held in Washington State. This climb would familiarize JanSport dealers and suppliers with JanSport products and allow them to experience the joys of mountain climbing firsthand. It was a huge success and is still a big part of JanSport’s many traditions, for over thirty-five years.

Keeping with his drive to inform young people about the beauty of outdoors Skip currently serves on the board of the Outdoor Industry Association and the Big City Mountaineers. OIA is a trade organization that creates opportunities to promote the outdoors in a positive way and Big City Mountaineers is a non-profit organization that encourages under privileged youth to better their lives through the magnificence of nature.

Today Skip holds the title, Vice President of Global Public Relations at JanSport and consults with JanSport International businesses in Europe, Asia and South America. Skip travels the world giving presentations and slide shows on the history of JanSport which include expeditions and adventure travel to Tibet Everest, Kangchenjunga, Kilimanjaro and many other destinations around the globe.

Skip now resides in Pleasanton, California with his wife Winnie and published his first book in January 2007 titled, “The Hippie’s Guide to Climbing the Corporate ladder and Other Mountains”.