(April 11, 2024) – European Athletics, Running Industry Alliance (RIA) and Running USA are proud to announce a landmark partnership that will enhance the global running industry’s business landscape. This new collaboration between the three prominent organizations signifies a milestone in showcasing innovation and growth within the B2B running industry.
As part of this strategic alliance, the three running business conferences produced by each organization either annually or biennially will support each other in terms of best practices, cross-promotion, content, suppliers, services and sponsors. The effort will build bridges and connections for industry leaders, stakeholders and members to be able to access unparalleled networking opportunities, thought-provoking discussions and access to cutting-edge insights and trends shaping the global running industry.
“Together, we will empower businesses, foster collaboration, and inspire positive change within the running industry business ecosystem. We all complement each other through conference connection and focus, and we will create greater reach by a collaborative approach whilst still remaining independent to our members, associations and alliances.” said Rebecca Richardson, Co-Lead of Running Industry Alliance UK & Ireland.
“Delivering value to Running USA members and sharing the successes of those members with the global industry are key goals of this organization,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “We are excited about the increased output of content, best practices and productive conversations that will come with working closely with our friends and partners at Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics.”
Running USA will offer the member rate to all members of Running Industry Alliance. It will also offer reciprocity on select member benefits with Running Industry Alliance UK & Ireland offering the same for Running USA members.
“European Athletics shares a vision with Running USA and Running Industry Alliance on the continued growth and development of running,” commented European Athletics CEO Christian Milz. “It is a critical branch of our sport, through which we can engage with a wide demographic of people, explore wider commercial opportunities and provide a valuable service to members of the running community across the world.
“The European Running Business Conference (ERBC) brings together major race organizers, our member federations, suppliers, and running media every two years so that we have a stronger and larger running industry in Europe. Together with RIA and Running USA, we look to expand the influence of the ERBC and its partners globally, by sharing knowledge and resources with our colleagues from the UK, Ireland and the USA. We look forward to collaborating closely on our Global Running Conferences to deliver best practice and be at the forefront of the international running industry,” added Milz.
B2B Running Conference Upcoming Dates:
● European Running Business Conference, November 8-10, 2024 in Athens, Greece – For Running Events; https://erbc2024.european-athletics.com/
● The Running Conference presented by haku, December 8-10, 2024 in Loughborough, UK – For the UK & Ireland Running Industry; https://www.runningindustryalliance.com/
● Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, Feb. 2-4, 2025 in Louisville, USA – For Endurance Running Events, Vendors, Non-Profits, Media and More; https://www.runningusa.org/
About European Athletics
European Athletics is the continental governing body for the sport of athletics. Founded in 1970, the organisation is responsible for the international administration of the sport across 51 Member Federations and staging many of Europe’s most important athletics competitions including the European Athletics Championships and European Athletics Indoor Championships.
The European Running Business Conference (ERBC) is organised by European Athletics and was inaugurated in 2017 with the aim of being as one of the world’s pivotal gathering points for running industry specialists.
Now a biennial event, the ERBC attracts professionals from every corner of the globe, who come together to explore, innovate, and shape the future of running.
About Running Industry Alliance UK & Ireland
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) UK & Ireland is a member-based independent national trade organisation built for purpose for the UK & Ireland Running Industry, and with the aim to collectively assist RIA Members to drive the Running Industry forward to improve the Sport and Business of Running. RIA brings together defined verticals of the Running Industry landscape including Brands, Retailers, Events, Charities, Communities, Media, NGB’s, Services, Suppliers, Buying Groups and Distributors.
The Running Conference presented by haku is organised by RIA and takes place from 8th to 10th December 2024 in the UK. It is the largest annual RIA Member in-person meet up and features content specifically and purposely curated for RIA Members based on topics that are relevant, timely, and impactful for the sport and business of Running. For more information please visit www.runningindustryalliance.com and www.therunningconference.com .
About Running USA
Running USA is a non-profit organization committed to the growth and success of the running industry. Our promise is to deliver quality education, exceptional industry content, valuable research and ample networking opportunities. We connect. We support. We educate. Running USA brings together an entire community. As the voice of endurance running, we’re all about connection and collaboration. Whether we’re connecting race organizers with sponsors, partners and athletes, or connecting our members with vital information and best practices, our goal is to raise the profile of running and help more people get more out of it. For more information, visit runningusa.org.
