Since it was first founded in 2012 by Rockbridge cofounder/CEO Jim Merkel, RTRX has grown exponentially into an event that attracts more than 1,000 attendees from public and private sector businesses beyond the hospitality sphere.
The experience, held each year during the first week of August in Columbus, OH, adjacent to Pelotonia’s Ride Weekend, has raised more than $7 million for cancer research. The event immerses attendees in an unexpected mix of leadership, connection and learning. They engage, learn and grow through uniquely curated programming from mainstage keynote speakers to masterclass workshops that challenge thinking, open minds and hearts to new ideas and empower us to shape the future. Some past speakers have included Danny Meyer, founder, Union Square Hospitality Group & Shake Shack; David Gergen, former White House advisor and political analyst; David Brooks, NY Times columnist and bestselling author; and Tom Izzo, Michigan State head basketball coach.
The 2024 edition of RTRX focused on the ability to shape tomorrow, both personally and collectively, to solve problems and create a world full of hope, curiosity and conversation. This year’s mainstage speakers including Jimmy Chin, Academy Award-winning director and National Geographic photographer; Damon West, motivational speaker and bestselling author; Michelle Gethers, culture architect and author; and Tucker Bryant, innovation strategist and poet. Topics explored included risk taking, the power of one to create transformation, unlocking innovation with creativity and creative approaches to inclusion. Masterclass workshops ranged from a functional approach to managing stress, creating vital leadership, personal branding and responsible use of AI, a sound-bath experience and cocktail making.
“RTRX 2024 was an experience like none other,” said Suraj Hinduja, managing director, RTRX. “It reminded us of the power in bringing organizations and individuals together to shape tomorrow. Our attendees left inspired and empowered to shape their tomorrows across all aspects of their lives—within their families, friendships and communities, and in their businesses as leaders and teammates. If you value curiosity, innovation and making an impact on the people and problems around you, the RTRX experience will fuel your optimistic spirit.”
—Gregg Wallis
