COLUMBUS, OH—RTRX, planned in conjunction with Columbus’ Pelotonia ride weekend, will host its eighth annual three-day gathering at the Columbus Convention Center July 31 to August 3 with a goal of doing good while doing business. Noted author and TED speaker Casey Gerald and SoulPancake creative director Golriz Lucina will be keynote speakers.
Founded in 2012 by Rockbridge, RTRX was created to convene business leaders, visionaries and mavericks from across industries, disciplines and geographies to be inspired as individuals and connect with each other as partners, all while accelerating funding for innovative cancer research.
To date, the RTRX community has invested nearly $4.3 million in innovative cancer research, and the brightest minds, ideas, tools and technology needed to find a cure to cancer. The research is led by The Ohio State University Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC).
“RTRX is a movement. And each year proves to be more impactful than the year before,” said Rockbridge CEO and RTRX Founder Jim Merkel. “RTRX provides a unique platform to engage curious, compassionate business leaders to come together to produce action, conversation and change in thinking. Investing funds for cancer research is an extraordinary benefit to our event.”
Registration includes keynotes and featured speakers, catered breakfast and lunch, entrepreneurial Business Pitch Presentation and Competition, networking and happy hour, and a direct impact with Pelotonia to join the mission to end cancer.
Gerald, a graduate of Harvard Business School, authored There Will Be No Miracles Here, and often speaks on national platforms to the meaning of success. Lucina serves as head of creative for SoulPancake, an entertainment company about human connection, and is co-author of the New York Times bestselling book SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions. Additional speakers are to be announced in the days leading up to the event.
About RTRX: Marking its eighth annual meeting, RTRX serves to inspire curiosity, ignite conversation, and enable meaningful action. RTRX is the experience of authentic connection and meaningful conversation at the intersection of leadership, innovation and purpose. Each year, RTRX attracts leaders who are driven by curiosity and ambition—to achieve it, invent it and advance it—and connect with each other to invest funds in innovative cancer research. Nearly $4.3 million have been invested since 2011, while RTRX 2018 hosted more than 550 attendees and featured 290 members in the Rockbridge Peloton. For more information, visit RTRX online www.rtrexperience.com, or via Instagram @rtexperience.
About Rockbridge: Rockbridge, celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, has been investing in and building brands since 1999. The business has made more than 240 investments in 38 states worth over $7.4 billion in capitalization. Rockbridge’s continued success is a result of building a team and culture that are intensely collaborative, innovative, curious, and focused. These attributes are among a strong set that have positioned Rockbridge as a leading investor and partner. Recently, Rockbridge was honored as the top, philanthropic company in Central Ohio based on its number of employees. Learn more at www.rockbridgecapital.com and on Instagram.
RTRX Schedule
Wednesday, July 31
The RTRX Social – a business-development networking event
6-10 p.m.
Short North Pint House
Thursday, August 1
The RTRX Experience
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Greater Columbus Convention Center (Exhibit Hall D)
Friday, August 2
Pelotonia Opening Ceremony
4 – 9 p.m.
North Bank Park
Also: Business development activities; Team Rockbridge/RTRX Bike fitting
Saturday, August 3
Pelotonia 2019: Ride Weekend
7 a.m.