Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Facing Race Conference?

Facing Race is the nation’s largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference. Convening biennially, this one-of-a-kind gathering serves as a vital intersection where community organizers, activists, artists, educators, and movement makers come together to build collective power, sharpen strategy, and advance racial justice nationwide. Facing Race offers participants unprecedented access to resources, information, cultural experiences, and collaborative opportunities designed to push racial equity forward for all.

Over its 15-year legacy, Race Forward has consistently delivered this transformative experience, spotlighting cities such as Detroit, Atlanta, Dallas, Baltimore, Berkeley, New York, and St. Louis. Each chapter of Facing Race is intentionally rooted in place, honoring the people, histories, and movements that have shaped the ongoing struggle for justice while responding to the demands of the present moment.

We are honored to convene Facing Race 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the land, the people, and the history remind us what it means to be deeply rooted. Known as the “City of Oaks,” Raleigh stands as a symbol of resilience and fortitude, a community whose strength lies in roots that cannot be severed. North Carolina, and the South more broadly, has long been a cradle of civil rights struggle, cultural resistance, and organizing innovation. From the founding of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) at Shaw University in Raleigh an epicenter of grassroots organizing across the South to the enduring leadership of Indigenous nations whose stewardship of this land predates the state itself, to the labor, cultural resistance, and collective organizing of Black farmers, migrant workers, laborers, and freedom fighters who fought for dignity and justice in the face of systemic opposition.

By gathering in Raleigh, we honor the South not only as a site of historic struggle but as a place of imagination, cultural richness, and movement-building that continues to shape the path forward. Here, the roots of civil rights organizing run deep—and they continue to rise in power.

As we prepare to welcome thousands of attendees to Raleigh in November 2026, we remain committed to offering a safe, accessible, and deeply immersive in-person experience. Our return to the South reflects both a homecoming and a forward-looking commitment: to ground our work in ancestral legacies that guide us, to strengthen relationships across movements and generations, and to build the future in community—together.

Facing Race 2026 in Raleigh will be an unforgettable, power-building gathering—one that nourishes our spirits, sharpens our strategies, and strengthens our collective resolve for the work ahead.

Who should attend Facing Race? 

Facing Race is for all people who desire to build racial equity awareness, identify solutions to dismantle systemic racism, and come together with people who share a passion for racial justice. Facing Race welcomes people of all ages, races, ethnicities, occupations, sexual orientations, gender identities, faiths, and political ideologies.

When and where will Facing Race 2026 be hosted? 

The in-person Facing Race Conference will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, from Thursday, November 12 to Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Will FR26 be hybrid this year?

Facing Race will be hybrid, and the virtual component will be announced at a later date.  

When does Registration Close?

Registration will close on OCTOBER 12TH 2026!.  

Registration & Payment

Facing Race: A National Conference will take place Thursday, November 12 - Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Prices and Levels

Our ticket structure for Facing Race 2026 is designed to cater to various participants, ensuring that everyone can be a part of this essential conference.

Ticket Grid 

Trailblazer Ticket: This contributing ticket level covers the cost of ONE General Admission Ticket (for the purchaser) and helps Race Forward cover up to FIVE Subsidized Tickets. Thank you for sponsoring new participants to join the Facing Race community. The $2,800 is tax-deductible in the US to the extent permitted by law.

Supporter Ticket: This contributing ticket level covers the cost of ONE General Admission Ticket (for the purchaser) and helps Race Forward cover up to TWO Subsidized Tickets.Thank you for sponsoring new participants to join the Facing Race community. The $1,250.00 is tax-deductible in the US to the extent permitted by law.

Sustainer Ticket: If you are attending a Facing Race as part of an organization/ institution, or generate a sustainable income. This is the ticket level for you.

Connector Ticket: This discounted “general admission” ticket option is for independent racial justice professionals, organizers, freelancers, and activists who are covering the registration cost out of pocket and not an organizational budget.

Community Ticket: This “subsidized” general admission ticket is reserved for LOCAL (living in the host city) members of our Black and/or Indigenous community with low to no income who meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• Currently unemployed
• Youth/minors (under 18 years old)
• Undergraduate or young adults (under 21 years old)
• Trans/transgender/non-binary
• Living with disabilities

Student: This discounted student ticket is available to individuals currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.

Day Pass: This ticket tier admits only on the selected day and does not include admission to the entire Facing Race Conference.

What does registration include?

Full Conference Tickets Include  

• Entry to Thursday’s Opening Celebration
• Light morning refreshments, lunch, and a coffee break will be on Friday and Saturday of the conference.
• Access to Conference App
• Conference Materials Distributed Onsite
• All programming (Programming for 2026 will include the keynote presentation(s), plenary sessions, breakout sessions, cultural performances, art exhibit, local tours, exhibition, and vendor space, and much more.)

When does registration begin and end? 

Early Bird Rate

February 16, 2026 – March 16, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)

• Enjoy a 10% discount on select ticket levels.
• Eligible ticket levels: Sustainer and Connector.

Regular Rate

March 17, 2026 – October 1, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)

• All ticket levels are available at standard pricing.

Late Bird Rate

October 2, 2026 – October 12, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)

• A 20% price increase applies only to the Sustainer ticket level.

For more information, click here. 

Do I need to create a Whova login to register?

You do not need to create a Whova login to register for the conference. However, we strongly encourage you to make one if you’d like to access your registration ticket quickly to view breakout session information and other necessary information for the conference. A log-in account will also allow you to easily make any registration changes if you need to transfer or cancel your registration. Your Whova account will be the same account information you use for the event app. 

What is the conference event app?

We are excited to announce that Whova is the official registration and event platform for Facing Race 2026. This all-in-one system allows you to secure your tickets, build your personalized workshop schedule, and begin networking with fellow organizers and activists all in one place. Once you register, you’ll receive an invite to download the app to access our full digital program and real-time community updates.

Can I register for another person?

Yes, you can transfer an already purchased ticket to another person. 
To begin the process, please forward the Ticket Transfer Form to the person who will be using your ticket. Be sure to provide them with:
 

• Your full name (as listed on your registration)
• Your registration confirmation number
• Ticket level purchased

Form link: https://forms.gle/DCbMsjBEGExrbqNu8

The new attendee must complete the full form so we can update the registration in our system.
Once submitted, please allow up to 48 business hours for the transfer to be processed. A confirmation email will be sent directly to the new attendee once the update is complete.
 

If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].

What are my payment options?

After completing your online registration, you may pay immediately via credit card. If you have any issues with registering, please contact us at [email protected]. 

 Are GROUP SALES available? [LINK GROUP SALES PAGE ON FR WEBSITE]

• Groups of 3 or more enjoy a 10% discount on Sustainer and Connector tickets.
• Note: Group sale codes must be redeemed by October 12, 2026.

For more information, click here. 

Can I submit a list of my group members to Race Forward for registration?

No. The Facing Race Team does not register attendees on behalf of groups.  We ask for personal demographic information, which must be entered by the attendee of a member of their organization. 

What happens to my personal information after I register?

To support our programming and ensure it meets the needs of our community, we ask optional questions at registration to learn more about our audience. We understand privacy concerns, so these questions are optional and are not required for conference registration. Any information you feel comfortable sharing is secure and confidential, to be used in aggregate form and without identifiers (e.g., name, email). For more information, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Can  I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Yes, you can transfer an already purchased ticket to another person. Tickets can be moved anytime, and no money is refunded. Please email [email protected].  

After I’ve registered, can I add a pre-con to my ticket?

Yes, you can add tickets or add-ons after registering on Whova. Attendees can use the Attendee Registration Portal, accessed via the link in their initial confirmation email, to purchase extra items, such as workshops or merchandise. If the original ticket was purchased outside of Whova, the organizer may need to manually add it. 

Can I cancel my ticket? 

Yes, you can cancel your ticket by emailing [email protected].  

Please be aware that full refunds will not be issued for tickets canceled after August 30, 2026. 

What is your refund policy? 

• Request before August 30th, 2026: Receive 25% refund
• No refunds will be processed after August 30th, 2026
• Refunds requested within 90 days of the payment date will be issued via the original payment method to the person or organization that made the payment. Refund requests made after 90 days will be issued via check to the original payee. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.

Where is the conference venue? 

For safety and security reasons, the conference venue will not be shared publicly. Registered attendees will receive all venue details and logistical information after completing registration.

What is the closest airport? 

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Where can I find lodging for the conference?

Lodging for the conference will be provided to registered attendees in full detail after registration is complete. 

Are there discounted room rates at the selected conference hotels? 

Yes, special conference rates are available at all the conference hotels. You can book through the reservation links provided in your confirmation email to get the special rates. These rates apply to standard single and double accommodations. Guests should advise the hotel of any changes in length of stay at least 24 hours before check-in, as they will be charged for early departures.

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend the conference in person? Will rapid testing be available on-site at the conference?

Yes, proof of COVID-19 vaccination status will be required to register for the in-person event. Proof of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before the event will be required to enter the St. Louis Convention Center. A limited amount of testing will be available on location.

Will Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be provided on-site at the conference?

Masks will be required in all indoor spaces (regardless of vaccination status). While we will provide some Covid-19 PPE equipment for attendees, we ask that you bring your own, as supplies will be limited.  

Hand sanitizer and water bottle refill stations will be available throughout the convention center.

Will capacity be limited for in-person attendees?

Yes, Facing Race will limit in-person attendance to 3,500 attendees. This includes Race Forward Staff & contractors, presenters, speakers, artists, filmmakers, and performers.

We encourage groups with a large number of people who want to attend to consider purchasing a mix of in-person and online tickets to meet the varying needs of their delegation.

Will childcare be available at the conference?

Yes, childcare will be available at the Facing Race 2026 conference. Childcare is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach capacity. Parents and caregivers must supply proof of vaccination or proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event's start for all children 5 years or older attending Facing Race. 

When registering, please indicate whether you’ll need childcare.

What accessibility resources are available at Facing Race?

Facing Race strives to create an inclusive and respectful space for all attendees. To do so, we have incorporated several resources to increase accessibility, including language interpreters, all-gender restrooms, physical and emotional accessibility resources, fragrance-free spaces, and more.

How can I learn more about sponsorship opportunities?

To learn more about organization, foundation, university, and corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Development Department at [email protected].

Are there vendor opportunities?

Yes! We will be launching our call for vendors shortly! Please note that local to North Carolina vendors and exhibitors are offered priority placement in acceptance to the conference.

Race Flicks - Film Festival 

How do I apply?

Applications for Race flicks will open on April 17th, 2026. For more information, email the team at [email protected]