Two major organizations in the sport of running, The Running Event (TRE) conference and expo and the Running Industry Association (RIA), the nonprofit trade group representing independently owned running retailers and the brands they sell, announced a partnership agreement focused on helping specialty running retailers excel during TRE 2018, to be held Nov. 27-30, 2018, at the Austin (TX) Convention Center.
The announcement was made by Bill Springer, executive vice president of TRE owner Diversified Communications based in Portland, ME, and Terry Schalow, RIA executive director, based in Carlsbad, CA.
Members of the RIA will receive discounted registration which will provide access to the conference and expo, including two buyer-focused conference sessions presented by RIA on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
RIA members will have full access to the expo floor and its over 260 exhibitors, including platinum TRE sponsors ASICS, Balega, Brooks Running, New Balance, On and Saucony. They will also be eligible to compete in the popular Indie 5K race and attend the Best Running Stores in America Awards and Banquet, both on Thursday, Nov. 29.
“Ever since assuming control of TRE earlier this year, Diversified Communications has impressed us with their understanding of the running market and the importance of working closely with independent specialty retailers, the brands and the companies that provide services and support to the channel,” said RIA executive director Terry Schalow.
TRE event manager Christina Henderson added, “We share with the RIA a dedication to drive the running industry forward. TRE will help accomplish that goal by providing an exceptional four days of networking and retail education in one of America’s finest cities.”
