Guided by the theme “Better Together: Uniting the Running Industry,” the lineup will deliver action-driven sessions to strengthen business operations, consumer loyalty, and community engagement
PORTLAND, Maine (September 16, 2025) – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, today announced its 2025 education program, designed to equip specialty retailers with the knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving retail landscape. The program will center around the theme “Better Together: Uniting the Running Industry,” and will be brought to life through action-driven content and dynamic learning experiences.
The Running Event will take place December 2-4 at the Henry B. Gonzàlez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Education sessions will be held during the event’s conference portion on Tuesday, December 2, as well as at the Training Camp Theater in the exhibit hall throughout Wednesday, December 3, and Thursday, December 4. This year’s program will explore critical topics, including consumer behavior, leadership, digital transformation, retail efficiencies, and community-building. TRE is also moving away from a traditional keynote session and instead offering multiple “featured sessions” throughout the event, creating space for more voices and perspectives to deliver fresh, transformational ideas that reflect the running community’s depth and diversity.
“Each year, our education program is built around the real opportunities and challenges specialty retailers face,” said Caitlin Ewing, TRE conference manager. “For 2025, we’re excited to showcase sessions that are not only timely and actionable but also grounded in collaboration and innovation. Guided by our theme ‘Better Together,’ this year’s speakers will offer insights that retailers can immediately apply to strengthen their businesses, their careers, and their communities.”
TRE education sessions are designed for all corners of the run and outdoor specialty community, from store owners and buyers to marketers, HR teams, and event directors. Content proposals were sourced from a wide range of voices across the industry to ensure meaningful, relevant, and diverse programming.
Additionally, the Training Camp Theater will feature accessible, high-impact education in an engaging, casual format within the exhibit hall. Open to all TRE badge holders, the theater will showcase a lineup of dynamic presenters ranging from athletes, journalists, brand leaders, retailers, and non-profit organizations.
2025 Education Highlights:
- Unlocking Consumer Insights for Run Specialty Retail: How to Remain Authentic and Competitive in Today’s Market: Presented by David Durkin, Karnan Associates; Beth Goldstein, Circana
- Built to Perform, Styled to Inspire: How Design and Storytelling Shape the Culture of Running: Presented by Victor Diaz, Renegade Running; Carson Caprara, Brooks; Angela Medlin, HOKA; Jason Faustino, Saucony; Kylee Barton, Altra
- Why Run Clubs Are the New Growth Channel for Retailers: A Boulderthon Case Study: Presented by Michael Clemons, Running USA; Phil Dumontet, Boulderthon, Brooksee; Bailey Ness, Cooldown; Ross Rutherford, Cheribundi; Emilio Anaya, Fleet Feet Boulder
- How Run Specialty Retailers are Integrating Hybrid and Remote Employees: Presented by Jeff Anderson & Mary Sutton, Kelley’s Pace; Harry Chandler, Charlotte Running Company; Danny Smith, Running Insight
- Let Them Race: Making Space for All: Presented by Nick Kovaleski, A Runner’s Mind; Cal Calamia, non-binary club; Sofia Camacho
- A Deep Dive Into the History of Running Shoe Technology: Presented by George Lane, Superior Foot Supports, LLC & Synergy Health Foot and Ankle, LLC
“We look forward to joining everyone in the running community at TRE this year,” said David Durkin of Karnan Associates. “From new store nuts and bolts to established store growth and best practice strategies, there’s something for everyone at TRE. The diversity of thought and programming provides a place for everyone to leave more knowledgeable and empowered than when they arrived.”
Attendees can access the full education program and more than 350 exhibitors by registering for TRE 2025, taking place December 2-4 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Click here to register while early bird rates are still in effect.
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About The Running Event
Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals each year who are seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive conference programming, and dynamic product demonstrations and discovery, TRE has become the must-attend event for the run and outdoor specialty markets. In 2022, TRE expanded with the launch of Switchback, a dedicated space showcasing outdoor brands. Upcoming dates include Switchback at TRE
(Dec. 2-4, 2025, San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2026, New Orleans, LA). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.
Media Contact: tre@obviouslee.com
