What does it take to deliver a great sporting event? For race directors, the answer goes far beyond the start and finish line. It requires careful planning, leadership, effective risk management, engaged volunteers, collaborative community partnerships and the ability to adapt to an increasingly complex event environment.
Those challenges, and the people responsible for meeting them, will take centre stage on November 21, 2026, when BC Athletics, Cycling BC and Triathlon BC co-host the 13th Annual Race Directors Conference in Richmond, British Columbia.
The annual conference brings together event organizers, sport administrators, volunteers and industry professionals for a day of education, discussion and networking focused on improving the delivery of sporting events.
Now in its 13th year, the conference has established itself as a unique opportunity for event professionals to share practical experience and learn from one another. Sessions will explore issues including event operations, participant safety, risk management, volunteer engagement, sport tourism, sustainability and the changing expectations of participants and communities.
“Endurance events are becoming more complex, and race directors are being asked to do more than ever before,” said Allan Prazsky, Executive Director of Triathlon BC. “The Race Directors Conference creates an environment where people can step away from their own events, share what they have learned and take new ideas back to their communities. Ultimately, that makes our events safer, stronger and offer a better experience for participants.”
Learning from a lifetime in sport
The 2026 conference will feature Canadian cycling legend Svein Tuft as keynote speaker.
A former professional cyclist, winning a stage at the Tour de France in the Team Time Trial and wearing the race leader’s pink jersey (Maglia Rosa) at the Giro d’Italia, and holder of 13 National Championship titles during his career, Tuft brings decades of experience competing at the highest level of international sport. His career has taken him around the world and has provided a unique perspective on endurance sport.
The conference also highlights the broader impact of sporting events within their communities. Well-organized races can generate significant economic activity, support local businesses and tourism, create volunteer opportunities and provide pathways for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport.
“The strength of our sporting events ultimately comes from the people who deliver them,” added Prazsky. “This conference is about recognizing that contribution while giving race directors the tools, connections and knowledge they need to continue moving events forward.”
Since its inception in 2013, the Race Directors Conference has provided a forum for event organizers to connect, collaborate and share best practices across the sporting community.
2026 Race Directors Conference
Date: November 21, 2026
Location: Richmond, British Columbia
Audience: Race directors, event organizers, sport organizations, municipalities, destination tourism, volunteers and industry professionals
For registration and conference information, visit BCRDC.CA
The Race Directors Conference is a collaborative project delivered in partnership with BC Athletics, Cycling BC & Triathlon BC.
BC Athletics is the Provincial non-profit amateur sport organization for Track & Field, Road Running, Marathons/Ultras, Cross-Country/Trail Running and Race Walking. A Branch member of Athletics Canada, BC Athletics is made up of individual members, member clubs, and affiliated organizations. The purpose of the Association is to promote, encourage, and develop the widest participation and the highest proficiency in the sport of Athletics.
Triathlon BC is a registered non-profit, member-based organization that is the governing body for multisport in British Columbia, dedicated to forstering safe, inclusive opportunities for participation and competition across the province. As an affiliate of Triathlon Canada and World Triathlon, Triathlon BC upholds the highest standards in sanctioned, multisport events.
Cycling BC is the provincial governing body for cycling, supporting riders, coaches, officials, and clubs across disciplines including road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, BMX, and para-cycling. Through events, development programs, and advocacy, Cycling BC fosters participation from grassroots to high-performance levels, while promoting cycling as a lifelong sport that builds health, community, and sustainability.
