TriFind Race Director Summit

United States flag Newport Beach, California, United States

4 days left

TriFind Race Director Summit runsignup.com
Date 31 Oct, 2026
Races 2 distances
Entry fee $50.00 – $100.00
Runner rating Be the first to rate
TriFind Race Director Summit

About the event

The Future of Multisport Starts Here

The TriFind Multisport Race Director Conference brings together the industry’s most influential race directors and brand partners for an afternoon of insight, collaboration, and recognition.

With representatives from 1,600+ multisport races invited, this gathering is designed to deliver real data, actionable strategy, and meaningful connections that shape the future of endurance racing.

Can’t Join Us in Person? Attend Virtually!

The TriFind Race Director Conference is also available virtually, giving race directors the opportunity to participate from wherever they are.

Virtual registration: $50 plus processing fee.

Who’s Invited

  • 900+ NGB races
  • 600+ Non-NGB races
  • Leading brands and sponsors seeking 2027 partnerships
  • Industry media and nonprofit leaders

Important Registration Information

This registration is intended for race directors attending the TriFind Race Director Summit.

Sponsors and brand partners are warmly invited to participate, but must register through the 2026 Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes race registration at the sponsor rate.

This ensures sponsors receive the appropriate race weekend access, exposure, and activation opportunities, while allowing the summit sessions to remain focused on race director collaboration.

What You’ll Experience

Hear from experienced race directors and industry leaders, explore actionable research, connect with potential partners, and recognize excellence across the sport.

Featured Speakers & Sessions

Bob Babbitt

The State of Triathlon & Where the Sport Is Headed

Bob Babbitt brings decades of experience in endurance sports as a co-founder of Competitor Magazine and host of Breakfast With Bob. He’ll share his perspective on the evolution of triathlon, the current state of the sport, and where he sees the industry heading.

Thom Richmond

U.S. Triathlon Market Size & the 2026 State of the Sport

Thom Richmond will present the latest data on the size and health of the U.S. triathlon market, including 2026 participation numbers and trends. He’ll examine what the numbers mean for race directors and provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the U.S. market.

John Lunt

From the Olympic Stage to the UK Market: Lessons From London 2012

John Lunt will share lessons from his experience directing the triathlon competition at the 2012 London Olympic Games, including the planning, logistics, and delivery of a world-class event. He’ll also provide his perspective on the current state of the UK triathlon market and the trends shaping the industry.

Tony Sapp

Athletes First: Putting the Athlete at the Center of Race Production

Tony Sapp will share how he puts an athlete-first philosophy into practice at the Houston Kids Triathlon. He’ll provide practical examples of how registration, communication, accessibility, financial assistance, and event design can work together to create a better experience for every athlete.

Carl Darrington — Spudman Triathlon

The Spudman Model: Building a Race With a Strong Community Identity

Carl Darrington will share lessons from his experience leading the Spudman Triathlon, one of the sport’s most distinctive community-driven events. He’ll explore how race directors can build strong volunteer networks, preserve local identity, and create an athlete experience that keeps participants coming back.

Actionable Research & Insights
Channel and consumer research presentations you can apply immediately to grow and strengthen your races.

Brand & Sponsor Engagement
Connect with companies actively seeking race partnerships and activation opportunities for 2027.

Race Director Awards
Honoring excellence and leadership in the industry, including:

  • Most Innovative Race
  • Most Collaborative Organization
  • Additional peer-recognized honors

Hosted & Emceed By
Bob Babbitt — Breakfast With Bob, the voice of endurance sports.

Registration & Giving Back

Introductory Registration: $100
100% of proceeds benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).

Your registration directly supports athletes with physical challenges, reinforcing the multisport community’s commitment to inclusion and impact.

Conference Hotel & Room Block

A limited block of hotel rooms is available at a discounted rate for attendees.

We strongly recommend booking early, as availability is limited and rooms are expected to sell out.

Reserve your discounted room here.

Exclusive Race Director Benefit

Registered race directors are invited to compete at no cost in the 2026 Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes on November 1, 2026.

The longest-running triathlon in the world operating continuously from the same venue — a chance to race, connect, and celebrate the sport alongside your peers.

Why Attend

  • Gain clarity on where the sport is headed
  • Learn what’s working and what’s next
  • Build relationships that power future races
  • Be recognized for the work you do
  • Give back to a cause that strengthens our community

Secure Your Spot

Limited capacity. Early registration recommended.

Benefiting CAF

Races offered

31Oct

In-Person Conference

Others

Distance
In-Person Conference
Start time
13:00
Entry fee
$100.00
31Oct

Virtual Conference

Others

Distance
Virtual Conference
Start time
13:00
Entry fee
$50.00

Weather history

3-year monthly averages for October in Newport Beach.

Temperature14.4° / 22.9°
Feels like14.3° / 22.2°
Sunshine hours9h 47m
Rainfall0.5 mm
Snowfall—
Wind8.1 km/h (Light breeze)
Humidity79.1%
Max UV indexModerate (4.0)
Sweat lossModerate
Course conditionsFirm and slightly soft
Sunrise06:57
Sunset18:16

About Newport Beach

Learn more about the host city, Newport Beach.

Scenic view of

Newport Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, California, United States. As of the 2020 census, Newport Beach had a population of 85,239. Located about 40 miles (64 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles, Newport Beach is known for its sandy beaches. The city's harbor once supported maritime industries; today, it is used mostly for recreation. Balboa Island draws visitors with a waterfront path and easy access from the ferry to the shops and restaurants.

Read more

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