Fort Lauderdale, Florida will again play host to the Annual Road Race Management Race Directors' Meeting and Trade Show on November 6-8. One hundred fifty race directors, race officials, corporate sponsors, advertising and public relations executives, and others interested in road running attend this annual fall gathering. "It's our 20th Anniversary and we expect a great turnout at the meeting and trade show," said meeting coordinator, Jeff Darman. "Fort Lauderdale offers a great destination for runners to not only obtain valuable information, but also as a great spot to unwind," he added.

The weekend offers informal "networking" opportunities and race officials also get a chance to "shop" for all their equipment and service needs at the two-day Trade Exhibit, held in conjunction with the meeting. Exhibits include clocks, awards, competitor numbers, banners, fencing, finish-line services, computer products, t-shirts, jackets and other apparel, magazines, photographic services and web services.

Sessions will include information on security and the threat of terrorism at races, event and board governance, promotions, marketing, advertising, and planning for extremes (rain, cold, ice, snow, etc.). Jeff Darman will give the keynote address. Darman is a recipient of the Fred Lebow Award, bestowed by the Distance Running Hall of Fame, an RRCA Hall of Famer, a former President of the RRCA, USATF LDR Official and USATF Board member and current AARC President. He is a sports marketing consultant to several companies in addition to having founded and directed some of the country's most prominent races (SGMA Capital Challenge, Credit Union Cherry Blossom, Nike Women's Race). Looking back over 20 years, Darman, known for his concise and no nonsense analysis, will give his view of where we have been and where we might go.

The Road Race Management meeting is supported in part by the following: AllSport Central, Atlanta Track Club, Gasparilla Distance Classic, Gatorade, Leslie Jordan, Inc., MarathonFoto, Running Times, and Winning Time U.S.A. Chip Timing.

The 2003 Faculty includes:
Jeff Darman - Marketing and Promotions Consultant (Moving Comfort, Road Race Management, and Running Times); Director SGMA Capital Challenge; President, AARC

Julie Isphording - Olympic Marathoner (1984), Radio Talk Show Host, Media and Marketing Professional, Director Thanksgiving Day Race (Cincinnati)

Creigh Kelley - President BKB Ltd and Winning Time USA

Jim Marino - Director Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Volunteer Coordinator Citizens Bank Philadelphia Marathon and Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run

Dave McGillivray - Director Boston Marathon and Peoples Beach to Beacon; Marathon Foto/Road Race Management Race Director of the Year (2000); President, DMSE

Al Odenthal - Deputy Chief, Spokane, WA Police Department, Board Member Lilac Bloomsday

Carl Sniffen - Former RRCA President, Lawyer, Consultant on Corporate Organizational Structure

Phil Stewart - Editor and Publisher Road Race Management; Director Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile