The Running Event (TRE), the premier trade show in the running specialty industry that is produced by Diversified Communications, announced the opening of its 2019 event registration for the annual expo held in Austin, Texas. This year’s event will be held on December 3-5, 2019 and will provide attendees with numerous opportunities to share best practices , discover new ways to engage customers and explore the latest products in the running market today. To support the future growth of the event, TRE also announced the appointment of corporate marketing and strategic development veteran Anne Gray as event director of TRE.
The Running Event is North America’s largest running specialty trade show, hosting 260 exhibitors and over 2,500 total attendees. The newly adjusted three-day event is comprised of breakout conference sessions for both retailers and race directors, two days of exhibitions, demos and more. The 2019 show will also debut new opportunities to learn, share ideas and even engage in friendly competition. Noteworthy to The Running Event in 2019 include:
- New Product Showcase – set up on the trade show floor, attendees can scope out what’s new and vote on their favorite product. One winner will be announced at the Industry Awards Party and will be gifted $1,000 to the charity of their choice.
- The Big Pitch – attending retailers have a chance to win up to $5,000 for presenting a winning idea to some of the best in the running business. The challenge: develop and share a campaign that would attract younger customers to their stores.
- Training Camp at TRE – an area on the trade show floor will be dedicated to bite-sized learning opportunities and product demos. Wednesday will be all about the Wide World of Run, and Thursday will focus on all things trail running.
“We listened to the feedback from our exhibitors and retailers, and we’ve made some significant changes this year – we are excited to add more peer-to-peer networking time, more interactive learning and a diverse education program,” said Christina Henderson, event manager for The Running Event. “It is our mission to improve and curate The Running Event to be much more than just another trade show, but rather a platform to share best practices and learn new techniques that can benefit everyone in the running industry today and in years to come.”
The Big Pitch, which will debut this year at TRE, is a Shark Tank-like competition presented by Brooks and sponsored by Balega, BodyGlide and Amphipod. The Big Pitch is open to stores with sales of less than $1.5 million annually. To enter The Big Pitch competition, stores must submit entries of 350 words or less addressing how they would use the prize money to drive a new, younger consumer into their stores.
“We’re excited to be back at The Running Event celebrating another year of Running Happy with the industry. Each year, we leave this event energized and excited to come back,” said Matt Weiss, Brooks director of marketing, retail, events and sports marketing. “One of our favorite new components to this year’s show is The Big Pitch, which will award a retailer for a fantastic idea for driving new, younger runners into their stores. Presenting this event gives us the chance to further engage with and support specialty retail, and we’re looking forward to hearing some amazing pitches.”
With a background in outdoor retail and direct marketing at L.L. Bean, including a strong focus in new store design, merchandising, advertising and events, the appointment of Anne Gray brings a wealth of experience in marketing, event planning, logistics and project management to The Running Event’s future success. Gray has been tasked with overseeing new opportunities for TRE, Best Running Stores, and Running Insight and to maximize growth for years to come.
“I am thrilled to join the talented Diversified team in producing The Running Event, Best Running Stores and Running Insight Magazine serving the running industry,” said Anne Gray, event director for Diversified Communications. “The specialty run community is an engaged and motivated group that uniquely supports their customers and promotes healthy living in their communities, making it an exciting industry to be part of.”
For retailer or exhibitor questions and information, contact Christina Henderson, TRE event manager, chenderson@divcom.com or visit https://www.therunningevent.com/register.
For attending media registration, visit here.
About The Running Event - Launched in 2006, The Running Event is North America’s largest running specialty trade show, attracting 2,500 industry professionals who convene each year in Austin, Texas to buy the latest in running footwear, apparel, gear and services from an estimated 260 exhibitors. The newly adjusted three-day format provides attendees with numerous opportunities to share best practices, discover new ways to engage customers and to explore the latest and greatest products in the running market today. To learn more about The Running Event’s official media partner Running Insight or its sister event Best Running Stores, visit www.therunningevent.com.
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
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