361°, the Chinese-based athletic footwear brand launching in the U.S., is taking the helm as presenting sponsor of the One Body One World (OBOW) fitness conference Mar. 19 to 22 in New York City.

The event will be the first of several partnerships is with ECA World Fitness, an international organization best known for their industry leading fitness and wellness events and conventions. The 361° name will dominate the event with staff outfitted head-to-toe in 361° apparel and footwear and 361° signage and booth space taking over the Marriott Marquis event space. Thousands of group fitness instructors and personal trainers from the New York City metro area attend the event each year and 361° will capitalize on this expert audience to gain additional market information directly from the people using and wearing their product.

361° has also teamed up with top New York City trainers Eli Ingram and Stacy Schwartz. Both will be promoting the brand through marketing and PR initiatives. Ingram is developing a unique weekly 361° military style obstacle training run in Central Park this spring and Schwartz will promote the brand through Kentanga Fitness Retreats, a niche travel organizer specializing in active vacation packages. Kentanga holds promotions at various sports apparel stores around the New York City area and will feature exclusive 361° giveaways throughout the spring and summer, and all New York City promotions will tie into Paragon Sports where 361° will be sold starting March 1.

In addition to its efforts in New York City, Atlanta will also be getting the 361° makeover through it’s award-winning Catalyst Fitness training facilities known for their unique scientific approach to fitness. Catalyst trainers, who work with many top professional sports athlete, will be outfitted in 361° apparel and footwear and will work hand-in-hand with local retailers to build awareness for 361° in the Atlanta-metro area.
 
“This training initiative is just the start to many sport specific initiatives targeting the elite enthusiasts,” says 361° USA’s head of marketing Ed Goldman. “We feel trainers and people within the fitness community will help generate buzz and grow the 361° brand. We will continue to build on our grassroots marketing efforts in other major metropolitan cities.”