New Breakout Sessions Announced for the 2025 Running USA Industry Conference Presented by haku

August 26, 2024

Louisville, KY – August 26, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 2025 Running USA Industry Conference, presented by haku, will include exciting new breakout sessions, organizers announced today.

The 21^st industry conference is taking place at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, from Sunday, February 2 to Tuesday, February 4, 2025. These newly announced sessions are designed to offer invaluable insights and practical strategies for professionals across the running industry.

The newly added sessions are:

• Risk Assessment for Events – Led by Virginia Brophy Achman, Principal at VPrepared, this session will delve into effective strategies for identifying and managing risks associated with event planning and execution.
• Integrating Participant Advocacy into Customer Service – Astrid Grimes, Manager of Customer Service at Chicago Event Management, will guide participants on how to seamlessly blend advocacy and customer service to enhance participant experiences.
• How to Attract and Keep Sponsors with the Help of Data – Francis Dumais, Managing Partner & Co-founder of Elevent, will present on leveraging data to attract and retain valuable event partners and sponsors.
• Leadership as a Marathon: How to Plan, Train, Adapt, and Sustain Yourself as a Leader – Dr. Meg Hancock, Associate Professor of Sport Administration at the University of Louisville, will offer strategies for sustained leadership in the dynamic environment of the running industry.
• Mental Health for Running Industry Professionals – Kate O’Bryan, Director of Mental Health & Performance at University of Louisville Athletics, will address the crucial topic of mental health support for industry professionals.
• Inspiring the Next Generation: Effectively Integrating Youth Events – Wendy Wheless, CEO of Marathon Kids / Austin Runners Club, will share insights on successfully incorporating youth events into broader running programs.

Not yet registered for the world’s best and largest business-to-business event conference? A price increase is set for Sept. 3 at midnight, so register today.

In addition to these exciting new sessions, Running USA has already shared the following event highlights and reminders:

• Keynote Speaker: Tori Murden McClure, renowned educator and explorer, will deliver the conference opening address.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Available for organizations interested in showcasing their support and gaining exposure.
• Expo Booths: Now open for booking, offering a platform for vendors in the event space, brands and organizations to connect with attendees.
• Emerging Leaders Program: Through Sept. 13, applications are currently being accepted for this program.
• Opening Night Reception: The Sunday night opening event will be held at the Muhammad Ali Center, adjacent to the Galt House Hotel.
• Hotel Registration: Special event rates at the Galt House Hotel, with scenic views of the Ohio River and proximity to all of downtown Louisville’s nightlife and historic landmarks, are available for attendees.
• Speed Networking: The popular speed networking sessions will return, offering valuable opportunities for connections.
• Content Tracks and Focus Groups: Detailed content tracks and focus group topics have been announced to tailor the conference experience.

Registration for the 2025 Running USA Industry Conference is open now. Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot – the price goes up Sept. 4!

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.

About the Industry Conference

Since its origins as a small gathering of Running USA’s founders in Southern California in 2004, the Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku is the best-attended, most esteemed gathering of running industry professionals from around the world. Moving locations each year, the conference has been held in Los Angeles, San Diego, Savannah, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Orlando and heads to Louisville, KY for the 2025 event.