Running USA, the national US non-profit trade organization for running events and associated businesses, has created a new annual forum, The Next Evolution presented by Events.com, which takes place on 28-29 June in Chicago.
The Next Evolution takes a look at important industry topics, with this year’s focus on non-traditional races. The event, the first of its kind for this particular segment of the industry, includes a schedule focused on marketing, best practices, medical, traditional versus non-traditional events and round-table programming, ‘perfect for every type of race director’.
Since 2009, Running USA notest that non-traditional events, which includes mud, obstacle, colour, foam, electric, zombie and other themed running events, have grown from participation numbers in the low six figures to a staggering 4 million finishers. The rapid growth in participation continues to see a younger, socially-driven and technology-focused base, creating what could arguably be labeled another running boom.
“There is much traditional road races can learn from these mostly un-timed, mud, obstacle and themed events,” said Running USA CEO Rich Harshbarger. “Running USA is proud to again bring leaders from both sides together to discuss this business evolution.”
In addition to the diverse program of topics at The Next Evolution forum, The Color Run Founder and CEO Travis Snyder is set to keynote. The Color Run currently holds the title of the largest running event in the world. Since early 2011, Snyder has grown The Color Run from a start up to over 200 annual events and over 2 million annual participants in countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, UAE, Australia, and Asia.
For more information on Running USA’s The Next Evolution presented by Events.com, supported by Running USA’s education partner Leslie Jordan, visit: www.runningusa.org/running-usa-conference. The conference will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Chicago – Magnificant Mile on Sunday and Monday, 28 & 29 June 2015. Registration will open at 11:00 on Sunday 28 June and several speakers will address the group on Sunday afternoon, followed by a welcome and networking reception. Monday’s speakers present from 08:00 to 14:00.
Limited sponsorship opportunities are available. If interested, please contact Christine Bowen via Christine[at]RunningUSA.org.
Running USA is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the status and experience of distance running and racing in the United States. Through collective marketing and promotions, information and communications within the industry and to the national media, along with services to events and industry members, Running USA seeks the advancement of the sport and the provision of value to each of its members’ events and businesses.
