The Running Event Announces 2024 Keynote Speaker and Education Program

August 29, 2024

Entrepreneur Johnny Cupcakes to headline as Keynote Speaker; robust education program to offer actionable insights for run and outdoor specialty professionals

PORTLAND, Maine (August 29, 2024) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, today announces Johnny Cupcakes, the creator of the world’s first T-shirt bakery, as the 2024 Keynote Speaker. Johnny Cupcakes will deliver his keynote address, “A Creative Recharge in Building Customer Loyalty & Memorable Retail Experiences,” on Tuesday, November 19 at 12:15 PM CT at the Austin Convention Center. TRE will also feature a comprehensive education program designed to equip run and outdoor specialty retailers with knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving retail landscape.

Keynote Speaker: Meet Johnny Cupcakes

Johnny Cupcakes, renowned for his unique approach to brand loyalty and memorable retail experiences, will share his journey in creating a bakery-themed T-shirt brand that has captivated customers worldwide. His keynote will explore how retailers can infuse thoughtful creativity and innovation into their business while providing specific, proven ideas, strategies, and insights—many of which can be implemented into stores quickly and with minimal cost.

“Although I trick hangry people daily with my fakery, 100% of my customers leave with an experience and a story to share,” said Johnny Cupcakes. “At TRE, I’ll be sharing my secret ingredients to building brand loyalty, inspiring innovation, and creating unique experiences in retail.”

2024 TRE Education Program:

Taking place Tuesday, November 19, the conference program will cover a range of pertinent topics and will feature more than 20 sessions, including “Empowering Female Runners: Strategies for Enhanced Safety and Confidence,” “Making the Unreal Real: How AI Can Work in Specialty Retail,” and “Route Map: Keeping Pace with Run Specialty in 2025.”  This year’s speakers include experts from organizations such as Retail Smart Guys, The Running Industry Diversity Coalition, Pacers Running, and Simplifying Entrepreneurship.

Happening in tandem with the conference program, the new-for-2024 Race Director Summit, presented by Race Roster, will offer peer networking and education for endurance event management professionals focused on marketing, sponsorships, building community through events, and more. Additionally, the Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) will hold its 50^th annual Symposium Monday and Tuesday, November 18-19, offering specialized content at an additional cost. Continuing throughout the event, the Training Camp Theater will host presentations on Wednesday and Thursday, November 20-21, in the exhibit hall. Open and free to all, theater presentations will feature a variety of TRE partners, industry experts, athletes, and influencers.

“Our education program is full of insights and actionable takeaways from industry experts and retail leaders,” said Caitlin Ewing, Conference Manager, TRE. “Johnny’s keynote will be packed with excitement and will provide action-oriented strategies learned from his innovative, personalized approach to retail. Combined with our educational sessions, we aim to deliver well-rounded, valuable content all attendees can begin implementing into their businesses as soon as they return from TRE.”

Register for The Running Event 2024

Attendees can access Johnny Cupcake’s keynote, the full education program, and more than 315 exhibitors by registering for TRE 2024, taking place November 19-21 in Austin, TX. Click here to register.

About The Running Event

Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show. Each year, it attracts thousands of industry professionals seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. In 2022, TRE launched Switchback at The Running Event: an exhibit hall expansion showcasing outdoor brands. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive and forward-looking conference programming, and dynamic product demonstration and discovery, TRE is the can’t-miss trade show for run and outdoor specialty. For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com.

Media Contact: Obviouslee Marketing, tre@obviouslee.com

Editor’s Note: Click here to access photos and logos.