TBI Announces "Triathlete's Choice" Event Finalists

Triathlon Business International (TBI), an industry organization dedicated to promoting the sport and the business of triathlon, today announced the finalist events that were voted by triathletes as the “Triathlete’s Choice” best events in each of six categories. More than 830 voters from around the world participated in the nomination process. Now it’s time for triathletes to declare their choice for the very best in each category. The voting link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K8DR867. Voting closes on Tuesday, January 13th. The six “Triathlete’s Choice” events will be revealed on Monday, January 26 at the TBI Awards Celebration and Banquet that including the announcement of top retailers, innovative triathlon product, best published triathlon article, best published triathlon photograph, the Ron Smith Award winner and the Steve Hed presentation.

As voters look at each category - large, small, urban, scenic, tough, beginner – they should consider whether the event: challenges, inspires or brings out the best in participants; provides what the category represents (e.g., amazing scenery, urban experience); goes beyond the “call of duty” when it comes to customer service; has great organization and information, advice, race day assistance, great volunteers; and/or; raises money for charitable causes. Each person will be limited to one vote per category.

The finalists in the “Triathlete’s Choice” events are: (Events in each category are listed in alphabetical order.)

Best Large Race (1,000+ registrants)
1. Challenge Roth, Germany
2. Escape the Cape Triathlon, New Jersey
3. Ironman Lake Placid, NY
4. New Jersey State Triathlon, West Windsor
5. USA Triathlon National Championships - Milwaukee

Best Small Race (<1,000 registrants)
1. Beach Bum Triathlon, Hilton Head, SC
2. Central Florida Tri Series, Clermont, FL
3. Challenge/REV3 Florida, Venice, FL
4. Patriot Half, E. Freetown, MA
5. Portland Triathlon, OR
6. Pumpkinman, South Berwick, ME
7. Tri the Wildwoods, NJ

Toughest Race – Toughest Race
1. Black Bear Triathlon (Lehighton,PA)
2. Challenge/REV3 Quassy, CT
3. Ironman 70.3 St. George, UT
4. Michigan Titanium, Grand Rapids
5. SavageMan - Deep Creek Lake, MD

Best Urban Race
1. Garmin Barcelona Triathlon, Spain
2. ITU World Championship, Chicago
3. New York City Triathlon
4. Portland Triathlon, OR
5. USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, Milwaukee

Best Race for Beginners
1. Beach Bum, Hilton Head, SC
2. Beijing International - Sprint distance, China
3. Grand Rapids Tri, Michigan
4. Pumpkinman, South Berwick, ME
5. Tri the Wildwoods, NJ
6. WIN for KC Triathlon, Kansas City, MO

Most Scenic Race
1. Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, England
2. Challenge Atlantic City, NJ
3. Challenge REV3 Pocono Mtns, PA
4. Challenge Wanaka, New Zealand
5. Escape the Cape, Cape May, NJ

Voting link:         https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K8DR867
Voting deadline:  Tuesday, January 13, 2014, midnight

The TBI Conference, January 25-27 in Marina del Rey, CA, will be packed full of information and opportunities for everyone involved in the business and sport of triathlon. This is where the business of triathlon will get done. The Event Director’s track will continue from last year focusing on the issues and needs of this segmented group of industry professionals. Some of the topics and activities for this year’s TBI Conference include:

• Keynote speakers: Felix Walchsöffer, CEO of the Challenge Family of events; Scott Brown, president of Universal Sports Network, broadcast rights owner of the ITU World Triathlon Series; Gary Roethenbough, managing director, Multisport Research; Christian Toetzke, CEO, Lagardère Unlimited Events; and Matthew Le Veque, senior vice president, Rogers|Finn Partners and assoc. professor at University of Southern California
• Speed networking – one of the most popular sessions of the conference
• Panel discussions on: what’s new in triathlon; legal issues and challenges; business-to-consumer topics related to pricing, event experience, athlete suggestions to race producers; what can be learned from CEOs
• General Sessions: current research; social media; preview of the ITU Grand Finales and World Championships in Chicago; hot topics
• Event Director Breakout Sessions: financial management tools; business-to-business topics including minimizing litigation, sustaining the bottom line; Top 10 items every race director should know
• The Ron Smith Awards Celebration including announcement of top retailers, most innovative triathlon product; Top triathlon highlights of the year; Top events for the year; best triathlon article; best triathlon photograph; the Ron Smith Award winner and the Steve Hed presentation
• ACTIVEX morning workouts, and guided running and cycling routes

Sponsors of the 2015 TBI Conference include The ACTIVE Network, Ashworth Awards, FinisherPix, Lapio Inc., MyLaps Timing, Tritats, Chronotrack, Interbike, Life Time Fitness, Endurance SportsWire and IRONMAN.

Conference details and online registration are available at http://www.triathlonbusinessintl.com/2015-la-conference.html

About Triathlon Business International
Triathlon Business International is an industry organization dedicated to promoting the sport and the business of triathlon. Founded by a coalition of industry leaders, Triathlon Business International advocates for the interests of triathlon businesses, provides educational and informative programs, and encourages increased participation in the sport. For more information, please visit www.triathlonbusinessintl.com.

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