RIA Summit 2025 Snapshots
In addition to programming and brand presentations, a few of the highlights included:
CEO Panel
Jen McLaren from Altra, Koichiro Kodama from ASICS, and Dan Sheridan from Brooks answered member questions. Topics included Gen Z marketing, best business practices, DTC, DEI, and tariffs.
Fashion Show
Models from local Big Peach Running Co. and West Stride showed off Best In Show products and made sure the Summit kicked off with a bang.
Morning Runs
Each morning started perfectly with runs led by Big Peach Running Co. team members! Special thanks to ASICS, Nike, On and Shokz for hosting and providing try-ons and giveaways!
Programming Sessions
Kathy Gates from The Running Well Store led an extremely informative session, “The Color Conundrum”, Shelly Whitechurch from Upper Quadrant shared best practices for a PDC training, and RIA President Harry Chandler, Vice President Lindsey Mulder, Board Member Elyse Braner, and Jen Brummit from Gazelle Sports led a Run Specialty DEI Panel. Over 2 days, 15 emerging brands gave lightning round presentations to introduce their products to retailers.
Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Hugh Gaither from Feetures, and Ellen and Ed Griffin from Fleet Feet Syracuse who were inducted to the Run Specialty Hall of Fame. Ed and Ellen started Fleet Feet Syracuse in 2000 while Hugh founded Feetures in 2002. Read more here.
Brand Presentations
With the “Your Show, Your Way” format, retailers were able to schedule meetings directly with brands, attend set presentations, and visit brand and partner booths. We loved seeing the energy throughout the conference halls and rooms - from the emerging brand hallway to the ballroom exhibit hall.
RIA Industry Party
As usual, Brooks sponsored industry party was the perfect way to socialize and celebrate a successful Summit. This year, we took to the pickleball courts at The Painted Pickle and wore our best Wimbledon white.
Best In Show
To close out the show, retailers voted on the Best In Show awards to recognize their favorite new products. Title recipients were the ASICS SuperBlast 2 ‘Tokyo Pack’ for Best Footwear, Sky Manufacturing’s Lux Dry Short Sleeve for Best Apparel/Accessories, Wahoo Fitness KICKR RUN for Best Emerging Brand product, and Mount to Coast’s R1 for Overall Best In Show. Read more here.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Summit for bringing a positive, welcoming, productive energy to the event! We’re already looking forward to 2026 and can’t wait to share more details. As a reminder, please fill out the Summit survey emailed to you and feel free to reach out to the RIA anytime - your feedback helps us immensely with our planning.
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