Holiday INN express – Metrotown
November 22, 2025
7:45 – 8:30 Registration, Coffee & Networking
8:30 – 8:40 Welcome & Housekeeping, Steve Fleck (Emcee)
8:40 – 9:00 Keynote: Ihor Verys, Lessons from the Barkley Marathons; Resilience, pushing limits, and the importance of staging great events.
9:00 – 9:30 Nicole van Zanten, Marketing & Brand Growth; Strategies for building community, aligning sponsorship, and driving participation.
9:30 – 10:00 Darren Rayner, Creative Storytelling for Events; Visual storytelling techniques and emotional resonance in endurance events.
10:00 – 10:15 Nicole & Darren Q&A / Joint Discussion; Moderated discussion tying marketing & creative storytelling together.
10:15 – 10:30 Morning Break
MIDDAY – RISK TO REALITY
10:30 – 11:15 Crisis & Risk Management, Aaron Billesberger & Jordan Myers; Case reflection, and group takeaways.
11:15 – 11:45 Group Debrief / Key Insights; Creating an actionable checklist.
12:00 – 12:45 PSO Roundtable (Lunch Session); Kevin O’Connor (BC Athletics) & Allan Prazsky (Triathlon BC) lead updates and open Q&A on policy, sanctioning, and collaboration. Steve Fleck moderates.
1:00 – 1:45 Diversity in Sport Panel, Facilitated by Alyssa Reyes; practical accessibility strategies and representation for events.
1:45 – 2:10 Problem-Solving Circles; Breakout discussions with panelists and facilitators.
2:10 – 2:20 Afternoon Break
2:20 – 2:55 Case Study: Dave Michael, Peach Classic; Deliberate growth strategies, sponsorship alignment, and revitalizing a community event.
2:55 – 3:15 Lightning Lessons & Open Forum; 5-minute “quick wins” from peer organizers, with Steve and Dave moderating.
3:15 – 3:30 Closing Reflections & Commitments
Informal discussions, sponsor conversations, and follow-up with speakers and PSO leaders.
Optional, informal networking and social dinner.
Can’t make the 2025 Race Directors Conference? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our Digital Information Bundle!
You don’t have to miss out on the valuable insights, industry secrets, and expert tips shared at the Conference!
Get full access to all the exclusive content from the 12th Annual Race Directors Conference, right from the comfort of your living room. The digital bundle includes:
MC & Professional Race Announcer
Ultra Runner, Multiple 100 mile Wins
Chief Growth Officer, ICUC Social
Head of Creative, Magnafire
Sernior Director, Event Safety Alliance Canada
Event Operations & Inclusion Specialist
Peach Classic Triathlon, Race Director
Non-Stadia Program Manager, BC Athletics
Executive Director, Triathlon BC
Public Safety & Emergency Specialist
4405 Central Boulevard, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4M3
Located in Burnaby, the venue offers a modern, comfortable setting for our conference, with convenient access to shopping, dining, and local amenities. Enjoy a welcoming space designed for networking, learning, and connecting with fellow sport leaders.
Special Rate: Limited rooms available!
