2026 Industry Conference Announces First Round of Enlightening and Educational Breakout Sessions

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Running USA today announces the first round of breakout sessions for the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, taking place February 1–3 at the historic Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. These sessions will provide actionable insights and innovative strategies for attendees, including event producers and staff, vendors, timers, non-profits, marketers, run clubs, technology providers and more.

Speaker applications for the event are still being accepted, and if you have a timely and engaging topic to submit, please do so here.

“Running USA is committed to bringing exciting and relevant discussions to the 2026 Running Industry Conference presented by haku,” said Jay Holder, Running USA’s Executive Director. “We are constantly talking to our members to understand what their priorities are and how to make sure this conference addresses the needs of event organizers and businesses in the running event industry.”

The newly confirmed breakout sessions are:

Running Together: Navigating Board and Staff Roles in Nonprofit Race Management

Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director, Big Sur Marathon Foundation

Working with a board of directors should be a challenging opportunity. Explore the critical relationships between nonprofit boards and race staff, and learn how to communicate effectively with your organization’s governing body and utilize board members’ talents and time.

No BS Marketing: How We Sold Out Nine Events in One Year

James Bryan, Director of Marketing and Communications, J&A Racing

Nothing makes people want to run your race more than telling them it’s “sold out!” Join J&A Racing for a refreshingly upfront dive into the diverse marketing strategies and communication tactics that led to a year of sellouts in races that range in size, demographics and distance.

Building Community with Culture & Movement

Tes Sobomehin Marshall, Founder and Race Director, runningnerds

Atlanta’s The Race 13.1 is more than just a run. Discover how events can be a powerful vehicle for culture, inclusivity and movement-building far beyond race day.

Keep Your Race Out of the Headlines: Course Accuracy and Operations Tips

Doug Thurston, Event Consultant

It can happen to the best of us. A mismeasured course or one misplaced cone. The results can be disastrous. Learn from decades of operational expertise to ensure your event is accurate, efficient and headline-free—for all the right reasons.

Beyond the Finish Line: Pig Works’ Blueprint for Engaging Gen Z

Doug Olberding, Executive Director, Pig Works

It’s not too late to start investing in your future runners. Get an inside look at how one organization is successfully engaging the next generation of participants with innovative programming and community-first thinking.

These early sessions are just part of an expansive schedule designed to inspire, educate, and connect running industry professionals.

Conference registration is open. Secure your spot today at: https://register.hakuapp.com/?event=04958b1fee4e66e9ebcf

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, Louisville and heads to St. Louis for the 2026 event.

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.