Attend Switchback at The Running Event

Welcoming the Outdoors In

Switchback at The Running Event (TRE) delivers an elevated onsite experience where outdoor retailers can source new, quality products, develop meaningful peer relationships, and gain industry insights to stay ahead of trends and better serve their customers.

Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s largest running specialty trade show, offering three days of networking, education, business, and celebration to retailers and event management professionals from across the US.

In 2022 The Running Event, in response to growing crossover of the outdoor and running markets, launched Switchback at TRE. Expanding both the exhibit hall and educational offerings, TRE 2022 invited outdoor specialty retailers and brands to create a new space for the outdoor industry to gather and grow.

Back for the second year, Switchback at The Running Event 2023 is a one-stop, cost-effective opportunity to connect with industry peers, access top run and outdoor brands, and gain valuable, actionable education to advance your business and career.

“Switchback at The Running Event creates one-of-a-kind moments of productivity, continued learning, and celebration among attendees and brands we don’t see or experience anywhere else. Our mission to advance the running industry is unwavering, and we are thrilled to welcome outdoor retailers and brands once again in 2023 to both support that mission and provide a valuable opportunity for the outdoor specialty industry.”

Christina Henderson

Event Director, The Running Event

2023 Exhibitor and Attendee Highlights

Switchback at TRE Exhibitors

Switchback at TRE exhibitors represent the brands leading the way in outdoor specialty. Click here to see our full #TRE23 exhibitor list.

adidas Terrex
Alegria
Allrounder by Mephisto
Arc’teryx
Black Diamond Equipment
Dansko
Deuter
EMU AUSTRALIA
Farm to Feet
Flipmits
Fortress Group
Fox River
GOES Health
Haflinger
Jason Markk
jbrds
Kahtoola
KEEN Footwear
Kneed Footwear
Knockaround
Kreedom Eyewear
Lamo Sheepskin
LOWA Boots
NITECORE
Oboz Footwear
Optic Nerve Eyewear
Outdoor Research
prANA
PSUDO
Rab
SCARPA
SplashRobe
Spring Energy
Sunski
Switchback Foods
WhitePaws RunMitts
Wildsense
Zamberlan

TRE Exhibitors

The Running Event already has a strong foundation of exhibiting brands that sell into outdoor specialty. From market-leading companies to up-and-coming brands, these exhibitors will bring innovation and excitement to the trade show floor.

#TRE23 Exhibitors Include:

HOKA
Brooks
Birkenstock
Osprey
Salomon
The North Face
Craft
Merrell
Topo
La Sportiva
Nike
Saucony
Therabody
GU
Garmin

Click here for a full list of #TRE23 exhibitors.

Influential Attendees

Each year, The Running Event welcomes specialty retailers, event directors, and industry professionals from across the US—and all organizational levels—to Austin, TX.

By delivering a diverse trade show floor, valuable educational content, endless networking opportunities, peer-to-peer mentorship, and industry celebration, The Running Event has become attendees’ go-to source for inspiration, education, and connection—powering professional development and new business into the next year.

#TRE22 attending companies included:

REI
Public Lands
Salt Lake Running Company
Fleet Feet (corporate and franchisees)
Marathon Sports
Pacers Running
A Runner’s Mind
Naperville Running Company
Road Runner Sports

Click here for a full list of #TRE22 attendees.

Outdoor Industry Networking

Switchback at TRE 2023 will deliver impactful networking opportunities for outdoor retailers. As our team builds this year’s schedule, here’s a look at what took place in 2022.

Switchback at TRE Base Camp

Switchback at TRE Base Camp was an open area in the exhibit hall for attendee networking hours and activities.

Set Out at Switchback:

Attendees headed to Base Camp for meet-and-greet networking, coffee, and a build-your-own energy mix station. They also had the chance to personalize their #TRE22 badge, making it even easier to connect with others and get the conversation started.

Summit at Switchback:

Attendees visited Base Camp to rest, recharge, and reconnect with their new industry friends. Attendees got their hands on a Switchback t-shirt, carbo-loaded on soft pretzels, and filled up on coffee for an energy boost.

Trail Cleanup

On Tuesday, November 28, Switchback at TRE will host a trail clean up. Taking place the first day of the event, participants will head out to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail—a treasured Austin trail spanning 10 miles that takes visitors from the water’s edge to nearby neighborhoods and cultural attractions. Together, we’ll leave Austin better than we found it. Stay tuned for more details.

“[TRE] is a great, positive atmosphere with tons of opportunities to network with peers and improve your craft, as well as get a sneak peek at upcoming products."

“This was my first year at TRE and I am so glad I attended. We brought back a ton of ideas from talking to vendors and other stores, and I can't wait to start implementing all of them!”

“If you want to make sure your shop features the latest, best, and most exciting products, The Running Event is the best place to see those products and vendors.”

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2023 Education Highlights

The 2023 conference program will provide education with actionable takeaways developed for specialty retail professionals across multiple levels of experience.

Significantly Grow Your Business without Adding Locations
Retail Sales 2024: Back to the Future
How to Use AI for Marketing, Customer Service, and more
The Low Impact Alliance Presents: The Impact of Events: Hosting Zero-Waste Events

SEE THE FULL PROGRAM

The Running Event Features Expanded Outdoor Focus with Switchback at TRE

Switchback at TRE brings outdoor specialty retailers and brands new opportunities, connections, and continued growth.

LEARN MORE

Keep Learning

Hear The Running Event & Switchback at TRE Event Director Christina Henderson’s conversation with Rick Saez on episode 352 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast!

Interested in Partnering?

Contact our team to discuss how your company can get involved with Switchback at The Running Event.

Christina Henderson, Event Director
[email protected]
214-263-4706

Genae Salinas, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
207-842-5647