Setting the Pace: The Running Industry Diversity Coalition’s Exciting Plans In Austin During TRE 2023
By Kiera Smalls, Executive Director, and the RIDC team
VIEW OUR PHOTOS FROM TRE 2023
As a partner of The Running Event (TRE), we're dedicated to ensuring increased visibility, access, and inclusion for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). Our offerings promise to be even more impactful this year. Check out the back story. Keep reading below for our 2023 plans!
ALL WEEK LONG
Support BIPOC businesses in Texas. While our concerns about conducting business in Texas persist, our commitment to the success of BIPOC businesses and residents remains unwavering. The RIDC is collaborating with local BIPOC-owned companies and residents for our board retreat, TRE booth needs and event staffing, and the planning and execution of our community event, THE COOKOUT. Our educational sessions will be guided by BIPOC leaders, and we will be patronizing BIPOC-owned or operated restaurants for our dining experiences. Let's all work together to empower and elevate the local communities and businesses.
Increase BIPOC presence. We’ve challenged registered brand and retail partners to bring people of color from their teams to attend, participate, and have access to the event’s resources and benefits. We're thrilled to offer an increased number of scholarships to Black, Indigenous, and other people of color working in retail–from owners and managers to frontline employees!
MONDAY
RIDC board retreat: The RIDC staff and board will be in Austin a few days earlier for our annual board retreat. We use this time for reflection, strategic planning, and reinforcing our commitment to continuous racial equity and racial justice training. This photo was taken at last year’s retreat dinner!
TUESDAY
9:30 AM Youth and Running Deep Dive: What the Next Generation Actually Wants and Needs to Run. Join us for a dynamic 90-minute panel deep dive centered on the next generation of runners! Driven by our latest research insights and industry conversations, we recognize the crucial role of youth engagement in running for many retailers and brands. In this session, we will discuss the perceived and actual barriers to access and participation, the role mentorship in youth programs and events plays in growing the sport of running, and the powerful tool that youth engagement can have on future generations. Note: This session is open to retailers and brands and will be located in the Hilton. This photo was taken at our deep dive session last year.
6:30 PM Private: RIDC x On Mixer for scholarship recipients and friends. We're thrilled to welcome our special guests to TRE on Tuesday evening with a private mixer. It'll be a great opportunity for networking, as teams from both RIDC and On will be in attendance. (Scholarship recipients: Details will be emailed to you!)
WEDNESDAY
6 AM CommUnity Run/Walk to the Trail of Lights, powered by Saucony. Connect and run with local Austin-run groups and running industry leaders from across the country for a unique experience to one of Austin’s most beloved traditions, the Trail of Lights. Be the first this season to experience this jubilant display of holiday illumination. We'll kick off the run with an opportunity to celebrate our differences. Let us know that you’re coming by registering today.
11 AM Kinship Building: Creating Inclusive, Diverse, Safe, and Meaningful Spaces. Hosted and Presented by Rising Hearts. Join us for an insightful discussion from organizational and athlete perspectives as we share what it takes to go beyond a one-time opportunity, creating meaningful relationships rooted in reciprocity and spaces where we see ourselves. The panel will also share how to engage with Brands and Companies to create safe, inclusive, diverse spaces, where athletes and communities feel protected in who they are, the communities, and the causes they represent and support. (training camp theater)
3:15 PM Interactive: The Power of Community. Hosted and Presented by the RIDC and On. We are all constantly hearing about the importance of building community – as individuals, to impact community, and as businesses. What we miss out on is the “how.” On and the RIDC have partnered to bring you “The power of community,” a conversation on how we can all show up to drive participation, inclusion, and success in the running industry. In this session, our attendees and panelists will discuss the unmet needs of underrepresented groups in our industry and how we can all show up to make an impact and drive change. (training camp theater).
THE COOKOUT, RIDC first-ever fundraiser kickoff.
To our communities of color and our engaged allies, we cordially invite you to THE COOKOUT on November 29, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm CST. in Austin, Texas, located at The Riley Building on 315 Lavaca Street. Grab your plates of flavorful food, and enjoy rhythmic music, networking, and more all while helping fundraise for the RIDC.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Stride Leaders of THE COOKOUT for their generous donation: Superfeet, Brooks, HOKA, Altra, New Balance, GU, Saucony, ASICS, and Feetures.
6:30 PM THE COOKOUT.
To be invited to THE COOKOUT signifies being entrusted with a valued place at our table, within our community, and alongside our family. This invitation comes with a responsibility to respect the cultures present and nurture connections beyond this singular occasion. The event is free to enter and there will be a cash bar. Get the details about the event and our fundraising efforts.
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY
All Day. The RIDC booth will be the place to be. Our staff, board, and community members will be at the booth throughout the two days, and we can’t wait to see you there. We will have resources, merch, and giveaways.
We also encourage you to visit our annual member organizations and their booths as well.
See you at the TRE Awards ceremony for a special announcement ;)
We will keep this post regularly updated! Latest update 11/7.
