Diversified expands leadership team to oversee continued growth of The Running Event and Switchback

December 1, 2025

December 1, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Diversified, the owner and operator of The Running Event (TRE) and Switchback, this week announced the expansion of their leadership team to strengthen and guide premier initiatives in the Run and Outdoor market sectors.

The staffing investment is the natural next step to support the growing momentum of both events and reflects Diversified’s commitment to elevating leaders while growing the next generation as well.

Christina Henderson, the current director of both TRE and Switchback, will ascend to the role of vice president of the Diversified Endurance group, from which she will oversee the strategy of Run and Outdoor categories. Henderson’s elevation comes after 10 years of guiding TRE, which includes yearly recording-breaking growth in both exhibiting brands and attending specialty retailers; the 2022 launch of Switchback at TRE; and the 2025 launch of the standalone Switchback Spring.

Genae Salinas will take the helm as TRE director after nearly seven years with Diversified. Previously, Salinas worked side by side with Henderson to lead marketing and communication efforts for both TRE and Switchback. Since Salinas came on board, TRE has increased retail attendance each year while expanding to welcome international run specialty retailers, outdoor specialty retailers, and comfort shoe stores. Salinas was also actively involved in the development and launch of Switchback Spring.

“To best serve the growing needs of both Run and Outdoor, it’s essential to build out our team with leaders who are specifically focused on those markets. The future is incredibly bright for TRE and Switchback, and we’re looking forward to their next chapters,” said Henderson.

Both promotions will take effect on January 1, 2026. As part of her new role, Henderson will also oversee the selection and integration of a dedicated Switchback director who will join Diversified in early 2026. Both Henderson and Salinas will continue to remain directly involved with their previous roles during the transition period.

“It’s an exciting time for Run and Outdoor, as these vibrant markets are so committed to building community and creating opportunity. It’s inspiring and energizing to be part of this intentional effort to invest in these industries,” said Salinas.

The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to discover the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With a strong focus on innovation and industry growth, TRE provides forward-thinking conference programming, peer learning opportunities, and dynamic product discovery that help shape the future of run specialty. TRE kicks off this week in San Antonio, Texas (Dec. 2-4, 2025). To learn more visit www.therunningevent.com.

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry, and is held each fall in conjunction with TRE and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Following this week’s Switchback at TRE, Switchback Spring will take place June 16-18, in New Orleans, Louisiana. To learn more about Switchback, please visit www.switchbackevent.com.

About Diversified

Diversified is a global B2B events and media company that strengthens business communities by fostering a space, in person and online, for professionals and businesses to connect and grow. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, the global company has divisions and offices around the world in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Diversified is a third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: http://www.divcom.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.