Skechers booth, TRE, 2017, photo by the Running Event
La Sportive booth, photo by The Running Event
The 2018 Running Event is the most important event in the business of running in the year. It is a time to assess the year, look at 2019 and interact with the community. Big ideas happen in Austin, do not miss it!
SPECIALTY RUNNING RETAILERS RETURN TO
AUSTIN FOR THE 13th ANNUAL
THE RUNNING EVENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO
Leverage the “Indie Edge,” Beat Amazon and the Big Boxes, and
Learn How Digital is Changing the Customer Journey, November 27 to 30, 2018
PORTLAND, Maine (Aug. 27, 2018) – North America’s independent specialty retailers will once again travel to their home away from home when The Running Event (TRE) returns to Austin for its 13th annual conference and expo, November 27-30, 2018, at the Austin Convention Center.
This is North America’s largest running specialty trade convention, attracting 2,500 industry professionals who convene in the Texas capital to buy the latest in running footwear, apparel, gear and services from an estimated 260 exhibitors. Exhibitors confirmed for 2018 include platinum sponsors ASICS, Balega, Brooks Running, New Balance, On, Saucony, and many more.
New this year is the SportStyle Select area, a curated presentation which will include a sock bar, instruction on proper sports bra fitting techniques and an array of functional, yet stylish sportswear popular in today’s athletic market; and Trailhead, a collection of presentations by the American Trail Running Association focusing on opportunities in the growing, dynamic trail running category.
“TRE is constantly adapting to the times, seeking educational seminars and events precisely tailored to the needs of the specialty retailer,” says Christina Henderson, Event Manager.
“More than a conference and trade show, TRE is an opportunity for the entire industry to share best practices, and learn techniques to enhance profitability.”
A separate professional development track is aimed at race directors and retailers interested in profiting from the events business. A luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 28, will celebrate the release of the BibRave 100, the 100 best races in North America, including the top 20 marathons and half marathons, the top fifteen 10Ks and 5Ks, and other non-distance category lists (thebibrave100.com).
Keynote speakers at TRE 2018 are:
* Barbara Thau, contributing retail writer for Forbes.com who will focus on “What Specialty Running Stores can Learn from the Big Guys While Leveraging Their Indie Edge.”
* Dr. Mike Lorence, serial entrepreneur, founder and general partner of Magnolia Buyout Partners, will explain, “How to Beat Amazon and the Big Boxes at Their Own Game.”
* Dan Mann, former retailer turned author, and founder of The Mann Group, will describe, “How Digital is Changing the Customer Journey.”
Special events at TRE this year include the Opening Night Reception on Tuesday, Nov. 27; a Retailer/Vendor Speed Networking session on Wednesday, Nov. 28; a morning fun run followed by the Retailer Breakfast Seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 28; and the popular Indie 5K and the Best Running Stores in America Awards and Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 29.
Trade show hours: Nov. 28 from 3 to 7 p.m., Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 30.
For the full program, view therunningevent.com.
The Running Insight digital magazine will once again serve as the official TRE program, offering running specialty and multi-sport retailers information about new products, trends and analysis, brand updates, retail profiles and key developments in the market. Retail registration is available starting August 27, 2018 by logging onto TheRunningEvent.com/register.
For more information about exhibiting at TRE 2018: Christina Henderson, [email protected], 214 263 4706, or view therunningevent.com/trade-show
About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products, Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 14 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information visit: http://www.divcom.com
Editor’s note: Working Media on assignment can pre-register in advance starting September 6, 2018, by logging onto: TheRunningEvent.com/register
