Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/918219
42 runninginsight.com ©2017 Formula4media LLC. A mong the highlights of The Running Event conference and trade show was a presentation by Dave Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports Chicago and Steve Ginsburg of Ram Racing that won accolades for its candor. The duo shared the story of how they overcame a rivalry to work together and help each other's businesses. Zimmer traded his races to Ginsburg for his stores and the two now collaborate on promotions and marketing. "We chose to focus on our core business and it's really paying off," said Zimmer who recently moved his flagship to a new location. The RIA in conjunction with Superfeet hosted a Shoe Guru fit certification program in which some 70 retailers were "certified" in shoe fitting. Big Name runners were everywhere in Austin. Imagine how locals felt one morning when they saw Meb Keflezighi, Leo Manzano and Nick Symmonds out for a casual run together. Keflezighi likely ran an "extra" marathon at TRE. He appeared on a panel, showed bits of the documentary, "The Home Stretch," with the producer and appeared at just about every booth from his sponsors (see list on page 32). Edward Cheserek appeared at the Polar and Skechers booth on Thursday. Cheserek was not the only attraction at Skechers that day. The shoe company had a packed booth thanks to the charismatic runner and its takeout from Austin's legendary Franklin Barbecue. The shoe branded hosted 60+ retail appointments during the trade show. Austin resident Manzano worked the expo with friends who founded Correr Sin Fronteras, a Spanish language magazine for runners. Several top female runners were also at TRE. Deena Kastor held court in the ASICS booth and previewed her upcoming book. Emma Coburn and Jenny Simpson made their second consecutive TRE appearance at the New Balance booth and Krissy Moehl repped Pro-Tec at the Friday recovery breakfast. Saucony had a packed house for its annual food for thought breakfast which featured VP of marketing Amanda Reiss and social media experts Amber Mac and Michael Richeson. ASICS and Girls On The Run took a group of retailers to the Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary School, located approximately 25 minutes from the Austin Convention Center, where they worked with students on a variety of projects including making toys and blankets for needy pets. Betsy Hughes of Track Shack said it was the highlight of TRE for her. n More TRE Highlights...