The Running Event 2023 Kicks Off with Record-Breaking Exhibit Hall

#TRE23 welcomes run and outdoor specialty brands, retailers, and media to Austin, TX

AUSTIN, Texas (November 29, 2023) – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, will today open its doors to the 2023 exhibit hall. Taking place November 28-30 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, the 17^th edition of TRE is the largest in show history.

Welcoming market-leading brands within the run and outdoor space, the exhibit hall is home to approximately 310 exhibitors representing footwear, apparel, nutrition, recovery, technology, and more and spans 79,000 sq. ft.—a growth of nearly 20% from 2022. Back for a second year, Switchback at TRE features 41 outdoor brands and nearly doubled in size from its launch last year.

“We’re thrilled and so happy to welcome the run and outdoor specialty industry back to Austin for TRE 2023,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, TRE. “The record growth we’ve experienced this year reflects the strength of this industry and the incredible people who comprise it, and we’re honored to create a space for this community to gather, learn, conduct business, and continue growing.”

The Running Event 2023 conference was held Tuesday, November 28 and featured 23 educational sessions and dozens of expert speakers, as well as a keynote address by Melissa Gonzalez, Principal, MG2 and Founder, Lionesque Group. Presenters included representatives from leading companies, expert retailers, industry influencers, and more. Also on Tuesday, TRE held a trail cleanup in partnership with ASICS and the Low Impact Alliance, the Welcome Reception, hosted by HOKA, welcomed hundreds of attendees and exhibitors, and the top four finalists of the 2023 Best Running Stores were announced: Fleet Feet Louisville, Mill City Running, Palmetto Running Company, and Running Lab.

Highlights from the morning of Wednesday, November 29 included the RIDC CommUnity Run, powered by Saucony, and a special breakfast presentation led by The Conservation Alliance.

Upcoming TRE happenings include:

• Additional educational sessions at the Training Camp Theater, located in the exhibit hall
• The inaugural TRE livestream, hosted by PR Project’s Tommie Runz and Gary Koutsoubos
• The annual Indie 5K and KEEN’s One Mile Walk, kicking off Thursday morning at Camp Mabry
• The 2023 Industry Awards Dinner and 2023 Best Running Stores celebration

Retailers and media can still register for The Running Event 2023; click here to purchase a pass and gain access to the trade show floor and upcoming events.

For media inquiries, please contact Gordon Wright | [email protected]

About The Running Event

Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show. Each year, it attracts thousands of industry professionals seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. In 2022, TRE launched Switchback at The Running Event: an exhibit hall expansion showcasing outdoor brands. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive and forward-looking conference programming, and dynamic product demonstration and discovery, TRE is the can’t-miss trade show for run and outdoor specialty. For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com.