Puppy Happy Hour Returns for Third Straight Year at the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference, Supported by TicketSocket

December 4, 2025

St. Louis, Mo. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Running USA announced the return of its wildly popular Puppy Happy Hour at the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, marking the program’s third consecutive year of bringing joy and wagging tails to attendees, while supporting a good cause. The 2026 edition of Puppy Happy Hour is proudly supported by TicketSocket, whose partnership helps make this uplifting experience possible.

Hosted at the historic Union Station Hotel in St. Louis during the conference dates February 1–3, 2026, Puppy Happy Hour gives industry professionals a chance to unwind, network, and enjoy quality time with adoptable dogs from the Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis (CARE STL). Attendees can expect a dedicated space where they can pet, cuddle, and play with puppies, all while supporting an important local cause.

As part of this year’s event, Running USA and event sponsor TicketSocket will make a donation to CARE STL, reinforcing the conference’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it visits. This contribution will help support the lifesaving work of pet adoption, animal rescue, veterinary care, and advocacy.

TicketSocket is a leading white label ticketing and registration platform built to give organizations full control over their data, branding, and revenue. Designed for events of all sizes, from endurance races and festivals to conferences and attractions, TicketSocket provides a powerful suite of tools including customizable checkout flows, real-time analytics, robust integrations, and flexible ticketing features.

“Puppy Happy Hour has become a fan favorite, and we’re thrilled to bring it back with the support of TicketSocket. It’s a meaningful way to create joy for our attendees while supporting the valuable work of St. Louis-based rescue organizations,” said Michael Clemons, Operations Director of Running USA.

“Few things bring people together like puppies. We’re thrilled to help make Puppy Happy Hour happen again this year and to support the important work of rescue organizations in St. Louis. It’s the kind of feel-good moment that makes this industry special,” said Jamie O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Sales and Customer Success at TicketSocket.

Puppy Happy Hour first debuted at the 2024 Running USA Industry Conference and immediately became one of the most anticipated moments of the event. The 2026 Running USA Industry Conference takes place February 1–3, 2026, at the Union Station Hotel. Registration is available here.

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.