The Running Event 2023 Widens its Reach Within the Run and Outdoor Industry

Retailers, brands, and media came together for the largest TRE in the event’s 17-year history

PORTLAND, Maine (December 4, 2023) – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, hosted thousands of industry professionals at its record-breaking 2023 event this November 28-30 in Austin, TX.

More than 4,000 specialty retail professionals and brand representatives gathered for the 17^th edition of TRE—a 27% increase in attendance from 2022. The 79,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall—nearly 20% larger than last year—featured 314 brands showing the latest footwear, apparel, technology, nutrition, and more. In addition to seeing the latest products, attendees accessed dozens of educational sessions and networking opportunities at TRE 2023.

“Last week was a special one for our industry and for the TRE team,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, The Running Event. “We’re always asking ourselves, ‘How can we be better? How can we be more than a trade show?’ From the education and networking to the new opportunities available, we left Austin feeling inspired by and proud of the run and outdoor specialty industry—and our attendees and exhibitors feel the same.”

TRE 2023 opened Tuesday, November 28 with a trail cleanup at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, held in partnership with ASICS and the Low Impact Alliance. Soon after the conference program began, featuring 23 sessions focused on the latest industry insights and best practices. Also on Tuesday was 2023 Keynote “Running Through Today’s Retail Landscape,” presented by Melissa Gonzalez, Principal, MG2 and Founder, Lionesque Group. Tuesday closed with a Welcome Reception hosted by HOKA, where hundreds of attendees and exhibitors celebrated the start of TRE 2023.

The largest exhibit hall in TRE’s history opened Wednesday, November 29 to a long line of attendees and media. In addition to exploring the latest products coming to market, attendees accessed more educational sessions at the Training Camp Theater and received professional headshots at The Hub. Visitors learned about the business opportunity pickleball presents—while getting some playing time on a regulation size court—and experienced Year Two of Switchback at TRE, which hosted 41 outdoor brands.

Wednesday also kicked off the inaugural TRE Livestream, hosted by PR Project’s Tommie Runz and Gary Koutsoubos. Creating a more inclusive and transparent event, enthusiasts and industry professionals at home had the opportunity to hear from brands, retailers, and more while gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s largest trade event. Broadcasted directly from the exhibit hall, all interviews featured on the livestream can be found here.

Thursday, November 30, was action-packed. Starting with the annual Indie 5K and KEEN’s One Mile Walk at Camp Mabry—and Sound Running’s Cross Champs starting close behind—participants visited the onsite post-race expo before heading back to the Austin Convention Center for more meetings, networking, and educational sessions on the trade show floor.

The Running Event closed on a celebratory note with the 2023 Industry Awards Reception, which included the 2023 Best Running Stores celebration. After recognizing all 62 of the 2023 Best Running Stores, the Top Four Finalist were honored: Fleet Feet Louisville, Mill City Running, Palmetto Running Company, and Running Lab. Palmetto Running Company was named Store of the Year.

Additional coverage highlights of the 2023 event will be available at therunningevent.com and on social media channels. The Running Event 2024 will take place November 19-21 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Stay updated about The Running Event at therunningevent.com/stay-informed/.

Interested in exploring exhibiting opportunities in 2024? Contact TRE Sales Manager Glenn Dulberg at [email protected]. 

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.