Sessions

Creating a Fans First Experience for your Organization

Jared will share how The Savannah Bananas – the most fun team in sports – has built a culture that focuses on loving people and building fans no matter who you serve, what you do, or what role you’re in. Get ready to laugh, cry, and Go Bananas

Running Game Show with Laura Green

The Running Game Show was created as a way to distract runners from their pre-race nerves and have a good laugh at their own expense. With the support of ASICS, It is now a staple at many of the biggest race weekends in the US, with contestants ranging from Emma Bates to professional comedians who have never run a day in their life.

Panel: Disruptive Sports and what can the running industry learn from them

This panel examines the rise of “disruptive” sports—from hybrid fitness racing to high-production spectacle events—to identify the unique strategies driving their rapid growth and cultural relevance. Experts will discuss how the traditional running industry can adapt these innovative community-building and engagement models to remain competitive in an evolving athletic landscape.

Navigating the Evolution of Sports Travel

Sports tourism is no longer just about the Olympics or the World Cup. This session dives into the sophisticated ecosystem of sports tourism and mass participation events. We will analyze the direct and indirect economic impacts—from hotel occupancy rates and infrastructure development to long-term brand equity for host cities. We will break down the economic lifecycle of an event weekends, from the expo floor to the post-race brunch, and discuss how organizers can partner with local municipalities to turn road closures into revenue opportunities. Join us to discover how to turn a weekend event into a sustainable economic engine.

World Athletics: Global State of the Running

As mass participation events enter a new era of innovation, this session provides a comprehensive update on the global health and strategic direction of the sport

Choose your adventure: Building with AI

Who says product development happens behind closed doors? We’re building an app live, and the crowd is in control. Through a series of interactive votes, you’ll direct an AI to assemble a custom application in real-time.

Inside the Bandit Grand Prix 2.0

The running industry is evolving, and the Bandit Grand Prix has officially shifted from a “first of its kind” experiment to a proven cultural phenomenon. Following its second successful takeover of the Brooklyn Storehouse, the stakes—and the lessons—have never been higher.

Join Steve Finley of Bandit for an updated, deep-dive look at the business case and creative execution of this high-octane event. With two years of data and experience, Steve will share how the team refined the F1-style course design, scaled the integration of major music acts, and managed the complexities of a growing competitive field.

The Architecture of Authenticity: Building a Life on Local Roots

What happens when you stop looking at the world for inspiration and start looking at the ground beneath your feet? Renowned chef Sean Brock shares the profound connection between personal passion and local identity. In this session, Brock shares his journey of reviving lost flavors and why “home” is the most powerful resource any creator has. Learn how to cultivate a vision that honors where you came from while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.