Session Descriptions
What's included? Session descriptions below can help you determine the right session schedule for you! Note that there are three separate tracks on Thursday; however, you are free to move between the tracks to create your own educational agenda.
View the full agenda in a simple agenda here.
Wednesday, July 21: General Sessions
Wednesday’s single-track sessions provide a breakdown of the lessons from 2020 and the options for events in 2021.
Symposium Kickoff: The State of the Industry
1:00pm-2:00pm ET (10:00am PT, 11:00am MT, 12:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sd-itqTwpHtVGWibnWogzi06JCi-AX1HU
Events are roaring back in 2021. Bob and Allison review the current state of fundraising and endurance events, signs for the future, and what’s changed since 2019. Then, they will cover upcoming technology improvements and how you can leverage technology to grow your fundraising events, turn your supporters into ambassadors, and raise more.
Fundraising Events Roundup: The Best Ideas from Around the Industry
2:10pm-3:00pm ET (11:10am PT, 12:10pm MT, 1:10pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sd-itqTwpHtVGWibnWogzi06JCi-AX1HU
What is a fundraising event? For many, it’s a run/walk/ride organized by a nonprofit or in support of a nonprofit. But to get the most out of your fundraising events, it’s time to think outside the box and engage with supporters in new and exciting ways. This session looks at creative events from around the industry to get you thinking about how your fundraising event can set itself apart.
Fundraising Events Quick Hits
3:10pm-4:00pm ET (12:10pm PT, 1:10pm MT, 2:10pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sd-itqTwpHtVGWibnWogzi06JCi-AX1HU
The problem with robust technology? It’s all too easy to miss a setting or feature that could save you time, make your event more engaging, or help you raise more for your cause. This rapid-fire session will break down the most-missed, highest-impact features of GiveSignup | RunSignup.
Fundraising Events Panel
4:10pm-5:00pm ET (1:10pm PT, 2:10pm MT, 3:10pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sd-itqTwpHtVGWibnWogzi06JCi-AX1HU
Learn from the true fundraising event specialists - your peers. Event organizers will share their strategies for success as the take the lessons of 2020 and transition from a virtual model to a new hybrid one.
Thursday, July 22: Targeted Educational Tracks
Aside from the Summer of Joy 5K and recap, Thursday sessions are divided into three smaller groups to allow for more targeted discussions and detailed training. These micro-sessions are hyper-focused on your priorities, with concurrent tracks for nonprofits, race directors, and timers. Session rooms are open throughout the day - stay in one, or switch between them to meet your needs. All highlights will be recorded and shared.
Summer of Joy 5K
All Tracks
Summer of Joy 5K
5:30am-11:30am ET (2:30am-8:30am PT, 3:30am-9:30am MT, 4:30am-10:30am CT)
Run anytime within the race window!
Join us for a FREE virtual 5K on Thursday morning, wherever you are. It’s simple - hop on RaceJoy, hit start, and your “race” results will
be automatically submitted. Not up for a run? Use the time to explore RaceJoy from the view of a spectator! You're automatically registered when you sign up for the Symposium!
Summer of Joy 5K Wrap-Up
12:00pm-12:20pm ET (9:00am PT, 10:00am MT, 11:00am CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sd-itqTwpHtVGWibnWogzi06JCi-AX1HU
Join Shelly and James Harris for a recap of the Summer of Joy 5K, including an overview of the features you experienced and how they were leveraged for a more interactive virtual experience.
Nonprofit Track
This track is for nonprofits looking to connect with your supporters, diversify your fundraising strategy, and raise more via fundraising events and online donations.
Technology and Your Nonprofit
12:30pm-12:50pm ET (9:30am PT, 10:30am MT, 11:30am CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
What does technology have to do with your fundraising efforts? We discuss how technology can save you time and ultimately help you raise more by targeting your communications, streamlining your campaigns, and providing insight into your successes.
Online Giving Campaigns for Giving Tuesday (and Every Occasion)
1:00pm-2:00pm ET (10:00am PT, 11:00am MT, 12:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
The key to a successful online donation campaign is simple: keep it simple. Set up quick and easy donation forms and donation websites to make it easier than ever for supporters to donate in the moment. Capture donations while they are top of mind - and encourage recurring donations to keep them coming.
Activate Your Supporters with DIY & Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
1:30pm-1:50pm ET (10:30am PT, 11:30am MT, 12:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
A nonprofit fundraising team is usually a small but mighty group. To maximize your reach, it’s imperative that you engage and activate your supporters and turn them into ambassadors for your cause. Make peer-to-peer and DIY fundraising easy and accessible.
Cultivate Community Through Unique Ticket Events
2:00pm-2:20pm ET (11:00am PT, 12:00am MT, 1:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
Fundraising events are as much about building super-supporters as they are focused on directly raising money. To accomplish both goals, offer ticket events that are easy to sign up for, engaging to join, and incorporate donations directly into the purchase path.
Gamify Your Endurance Event Fundraising
2:30pm-2:50pm ET (11:30am PT, 12:30pm MT, 1:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
Don’t let your fundraising Run/Walk/Ride get stale. Add goals, milestones, and rewards to keep supporters motivated - and consider teams to keep them engaged.
Expand Your Reach with Social Marketing for Your Fundraising Event
3:00pm-3:20pm ET (12:00pm PT, 1:00pm MT, 2:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
You know your event is AMAZING...but the message doesn’t seem to be reaching the broader community. Take advantage of free and easy marketing tools in GiveSignup | RunSignup to expand your reach and find new supporters.
Manage Fundraising Event Volunteers
3:30pm-3:20pm ET (12:30pm PT, 1:30pm MT, 2:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
Volunteers are the heartbeat of your fundraising events. Manage them and communicate with a flexible, free volunteer platform built directly into your Run/Walk/Ride software.
Dedicated Websites for Every Fundraising Event (and Campaign)
4:00pm-4:20pm ET (1:00pm PT, 2:00pm MT, 3:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
Your online presence is the first point of contact for many supporters. Ensure the experience is always easy, professional, and mission-first by building websites for each of your fundraising events. The keys to success? Keep your branding consistent, focus on your cause, highlight your progress, and include strong calls to action.
Planning for a Hybrid Future
4:30pm-5:00pm ET (1:30am PT, 2:30am MT, 3:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-qhpzMtGtcRkIMe5j7Q4YsPaOrsJ79w
You went virtual in 2020 and brought a lot of new faces to your organization. But who are those virtual participants, and how do you ensure they return to your organization? Scale your fundraising efforts with a hybrid events strategy that maximizes in-person connections while cultivating virtual relationships. 
Endurance Event Track
This track is for event organizers looking to grow their events, streamline their processes, and create unforgettable experiences.
Build Your Brand with Custom Race Websites
12:30pm-12:50pm ET (9:30am PT, 10:30am MT, 11:30am CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
Your race website is the public representation of your event. Optimize it to highlight your brand, communicate key logistics, and encourage registrations.
Event Marketing Essentials
1:00pm-2:00pm ET (10:00am PT, 11:00am MT, 12:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
The endurance events industry is crowded. Set your event apart with free or low-cost digital marketing tools built for community engagement.
Optimize Your Marketing with RaceInsights Analytics
1:30pm-1:50pm ET (10:30am PT, 11:30am MT, 12:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
Use the data at your fingertips to maximize the impact of your marketing spend and ensure the best use of your limited resources. This session breaks down the myriad of reports on your Race Dashboard, and how you can get more from the information they share.
Get Social: Selecting the Right Group or Team Options for Your Event
2:00pm-2:20pm ET (11:00am PT, 12:00am MT, 1:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
Teams are THE way to encourage participants to invite friends and family - and ensure that they have fun when they arrive. Pick the right team options for your event.
Facebook, Apple, and Your Advertising Plan
2:30pm-2:50pm ET (11:30am PT, 12:30pm MT, 1:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
Facebook is one of the most used and most effective platforms for marketing endurance events. But the landscape is changing - we look at how Apple’s privacy policies are (currently) impacting Facebook advertising, what you can do about it, and how to keep up in the future.
Participant Management for 2021
3:00pm-3:20pm ET (12:00pm PT, 1:00pm MT, 2:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
Participant Management - including referrals, credits, and transfers - are more important than ever. Get a refresher on the need-to-know participant options for 2021.
Save Time with Better Participant Resources
3:30pm-3:20pm ET (12:30pm PT, 1:30pm MT, 2:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
Tired of answering the same participant questions over, and over, and over again? While we can’t coerce them into reading everything you send out, we do have a few tips to help get your key messages across and save your time.
Preparing for a Hybrid Future
4:00pm-4:20pm ET (1:00pm PT, 2:00pm MT, 3:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
Embrace hybrid future for more inclusive events and maximum reach. We review the best practices for engaging virtual participants alongside your in-person participants.
Race Directors' Corner: Most Asked Questions
4:30pm-5:00pm ET (1:30am PT, 2:30am MT, 3:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsc-ypqzsoGN0A8HCv4ZVjO88WAw06nG7B
We curated our support emails and social media channels for the most-asked questions of 2021 - and Bob & Bryan are here to answer them!
Timer Track
This track is for race timers looking to grow their businesses, improve race day, and take advantage of the latest technology.
Upsell Your Timer Services with the RunSignup Platform
12:30pm-12:50pm ET (9:30am PT, 10:30am MT, 11:30am CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
85% of timers offer services beyond race timing. Why? Expanding your services is the best way to increase your value to races and ensure a sustainable business. We run through key RunSignup tools that you can use to upsell your events and increase the value of every customer.
Customize Your Results Pages
1:00pm-2:00pm ET (10:00am PT, 11:00am MT, 12:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
At the end of the day, a timer’s first responsibility is to publish results - and ensure that participants can view, organize, and understand them.
Streamline RaceDay with the RaceDay CheckIn App
1:30pm-1:50pm ET (10:30am PT, 11:30am MT, 12:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
Streamline your RaceDay, eliminate lines forever, and make your packet pickup more efficient with the new and improved RaceDay CheckIn App.
Extend RaceDay with RaceDay Photos
2:00pm-2:20pm ET (11:00am PT, 12:00am MT, 1:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
Let your participants re-live race day with downloadable, shareable RaceDay Photos. Allow for auto-tagging for easy distribution, and add a watermark to promote your event.
RaceDay Scoring Introductory Overview
2:30pm-2:50pm ET (11:30am PT, 12:30pm MT, 1:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
Still using legacy scoring software? Learn how RaceDay Scoring can help you manage your RaceDay, train a full team of timers, and score a variety of race scenarios.
Shift to On-Site Events (Timer Approach)
3:00pm-3:20pm ET (12:00pm PT, 1:00pm MT, 2:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
Embrace hybrid future for more inclusive events and maximum reach. As the technology expert, your races rely on you to guide them into the new hybrid world.
Managing Timer Business
3:30pm-3:20pm ET (12:30pm PT, 1:30pm MT, 2:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
Dive into the tough questions with a frank discussion of how timers work with their races, set themselves up to succeed, and keep up with the technology of the moment.
RaceJoy Certified Timers: Quick Update
4:00pm-4:20pm ET (1:00pm PT, 2:00pm MT, 3:00pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
Certified on RaceJoy? Join for a quick refresh and an update on the latest features as you head back into in-person events.
Maximizing Your Relationship with Nonprofit Events
4:30pm-5:00pm ET (1:30am PT, 2:30am MT, 3:30pm CT)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGhrz8jHN1F0KcHhz2-u9gQs3_qHPfh
90% of races support a nonprofit organization. Fundraising may not be your specialty - it’s theirs - but knowing a few key features can help you better support your nonprofit events. When your events raise more, they come back for more years!
