Mark Agnew Keynote Speaker

Mark Agnew is a world recording setting adventurer.

Mark Agnew made history in 2023 when he and his three teammates became the first people to kayak the Northwest Passage. For over a decade, teams have attempted to complete the historic passage with human power, without motors or sails. It was a race in the mould of the classic Arctic adventures, a race which Mark and his team won. He has subsequently been awarded the prestigious “European Adventurer of the Year” for the record breaking expedition.

The journey was arduous, exciting, incredible and gripping. It speaks to the limit of human potential. Yet Mark focuses on his failures during his talks, and how they shaped his approach to this epic success.

Prior to the Arctic, Mark failed to row the Atlantic twice. The news was splashed across the British tabloids. The experience left Mark gutted and in a mental health spiral. He re-examined his definition of success to give himself meaningful steps to recover his health and ultimately succeed in the Arctic.

Mark’s other adventures have included London to Mongolia, kayaking through the Indonesian archipelago, and running ultra-marathons in uninhabited corners of Asia. He is also the Outdoor & Extreme Sports Editor for the South China Morning Post.

Mark shares his lessons and makes them applicable to school and work environments. He also hosts afternoon workshops for groups looking for an immersive, activity based, session.

His debut book There Will Be Headwinds has been shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Prize, the most prestigious prize in adventure, exploration and outdoor writing.