1. Timing is everything
November is the ideal month to attend a running industry trade expo in Amsterdam as it perfectly aligns with the European market's commercial rhythm. Falling right after major autumn marathons like Berlin and Frankfurt, the timing provides fresh data on consumer trends and gear performance.
This end-of-season reflection allows brands to showcase upcoming spring and summer collections exactly when independent specialty retailers are planning budgets and placing wholesale orders. By wrapping up these vital business moves in November, industry professionals can secure their strategic partnerships early, leaving December to unwind and recharge ahead of the new year.
Additionally, this autumn timeline offers an exclusive preview window for race directors, media, and influencers to test emerging footwear, nutrition, and apparel technologies. It bridges the gap between late-season race strategy sessions and the major consumer shows that take place early the following year. Holding the expo during this period ensures maximum B2B engagement in a major hub, allowing suppliers and buyers to capitalise on the energy of the concluded season, finalise their deals, and enter the festive downtime with absolute peace of mind.
2. World class athletes
Get up close and personal with world-class athletes at the International Running Expo (IRX) 2026, with more exciting names to be announced. This year's stellar line-up features some of the biggest names in the sport, offering a unique opportunity to hear from them in person.
The star-studded roster includes Allyson Felix, the most decorated female track and field Olympian in history whose advocacy and resilience continue to inspire generations. She will be joined by retired Dutch sprinting powerhouse Dafne Schippers, a double 200m world champion and Olympic silver medallist who now impacts the sport as a tournament director. Fans will also have the chance to meet Olympic and world-record-setting triathlete Alex Yee, celebrated for his dominant gold medal performances at the Tokyo and Paris games. Additionally, the expo will feature extraordinary endurance runners, including British ultrarunner and SheRACES founder Sophie Power, known for her viral advocacy for women in racing, and famed multi-stage ultra runner and Peloton coach and training specialist Susie Chan.
3. Join the Industry Powerhouses
Claim your seat at the table alongside 100+ elite brands already confirmed for The International Running Expo 2026. This is your premier opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with market-leading innovators. You will network with footwear giants like Skechers and SCOTT, alongside wearable technology trailblazers like Suunto and Coros. Discover the latest gear from Nike Vision and Red Bull SPECT Eyewear, meet the performance experts behind Precision Fuel & Hydration, and explore cutting-edge products from FootBalance, Veloci, and Vaga.
This line-up represents a complete cross-section of performance footwear, wearable technology, recovery, accessories, and sports lifestyle innovation. By joining these industry heavyweights, you position your brand directly inside the epicentre of global running growth.
Beyond brand visibility, IRX is a launchpad for business growth. Exhibitors gain access to structured networking, live activations, and actionable market insights. With expert-led panels, hands-on workshops, and roundtables, the event gives both visitors and exhibitors the edge needed to thrive in a competitive market.
4. Industry Leader Access
Stepping away from the digital connection requests to meet industry leaders in person offers a completely different level of professional connection.
The International Running Expo (IRX) 2026 provides exactly that opportunity, bringing you face-to-face with the decision-makers shaping the future of the sport. Attending gives you a chance to engage directly with influential voices like Alessio Punzi from World Athletics, Ben Aidan representing Protect Our Winters Europe, and Dan Trapp of Sports+Outdoor Mentors.
You will also gain perspective from brand and media experts including Dougie Musson from Coros, Fabrice Perrin of the UTMB Group, Guillaume Adam from Run Motion, and Letty Lundquist Esq of The Marathon Running Podcast.
The line-up also features valuable data and creative insights from Marc Anderman of Sporting Insights Ltd, Oscar Vermande from Runner's High, Paul Mellor of Mellor & Smith, and Urs Webber from Runner's World Germany. Being in the room for these discussions allows you to absorb unique industry insights, challenge your current business strategies, and build real, lasting partnerships that simply cannot be replicated online.
5. Unwind & Connect
Supplemental activities cultivate a fun and collaborative environment across the two-day IRX event, seamlessly blending business with interactive experiences. You can step away from the exhibition to recharge and reset in the Wellbeing & Recovery Lounge, which features expert-led yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and other restorative sessions.
The active energy continues with The Running Track, sponsored by Precision Fuel & Hydration. This live, high-energy feature runs throughout show hours to bring products and performance to life, giving you a hands-on, immersive way to experience innovation in action through shoe and apparel testing, athlete-led demonstrations, training takeovers, brand activations, and content creation.
Collaborative spirit extends beyond the venue walls into the city with social runs, an urban shakeout run, and specialised speed and skills labs, all culminating in the official IRX After Party at Escape Amsterdam to celebrate the industry and forge lasting partnerships.
6. IRX Hosted Buyer Programme
The Hosted Buyer Programme at the International Running Expo (IRX), RAI Amsterdam acts as a highly curated matchmaking initiative designed to remove the noise of a traditional tradeshow floor. It brings senior retail and e-commerce decision-makers face-to-face with key manufacturers and global running brands
For Hosted Buyers, the programme offers a streamlined, VIP-style experience. This allows procurement leaders and buyers to maximise their time. They engage in focused, pre-scheduled 1-to-1 meetings to evaluate new products, negotiate commercial terms, and discover innovations. This structure turns a sprawling expo into an efficient, highly productive business trip
This setup is equally beneficial to the broader attendee base, which largely consists of B2B delegates, athletes, and industry professionals. By concentrating the most influential brands and senior buyers in dedicated meeting spaces, the expo floor remains an active hub of industry collaboration. General attendees benefit from a robust, future-focused market that is driven by high-level partnerships and clear consumer trends. Furthermore, it allows regular visitors and delegates to focus on the event's varied educational content, interactive brand activations, and live networking sessions without competing for attention with impromptu sales pitches.
7. Unlock two industry events with one ticket
The strategic co-location of the International Running Expo (IRX) 2026 alongside ISPO at the RAI Amsterdam (November 4–5) delivers a massively efficient masterclass in business networking, specifically because a single ticket grants entry to both complementary events.
While ISPO brings a broader, multi-sport retail audience to the venue, the true value for specialists lies in the hyper-focused, running-specific expertise showcased at IRX. By positioning IRX directly alongside this wider sporting goods ecosystem under one unified pass, attendees can easily cross over to explore shared innovations in material tech, digital retail, and sustainable manufacturing without losing focus on their core running business.
For international brands, retailers, and distributors, this dual-access format provides a highly cost-effective, single-trip gateway to the European and global market. Instead of purchasing separate passes and booking multiple flights to various trade shows, decision-makers can streamline their annual procurement, explore cutting-edge footwear, and network with a wider pool of sports professionals simultaneously with one ticket. This condensed format respects tight corporate calendars and maximises return on investment, making it a masterfully time-efficient hub where the core running community takes center stage, while still allowing instant connection to the broader sporting goods market.
8. Discover new global brands and innovations
The International Running Expo (IRX) is the definitive global destination to discover industry-shifting innovations and spot emerging trends before they hit the mainstream. Attracting top-tier established brands and ambitious start-ups from across the UK, Europe, the U.S., and Australia, the premier platform brings the entire global running market under one roof.
At the heart of the expo is The Discovery Zone, a dedicated launchpad specifically designed for pioneering brands under two years old, offering a first look at the industry's rising stars. Whether you choose to showcase your business as an exhibitor or explore the floor as a delegate, IRX provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with key decision-makers and secure a critical competitive edge
9. Location, Location
Known as the "Venice of the North" for its iconic UNESCO canal ring, Amsterdam perfectly balances business and leisure. It stands as a top 2026 conference destination, offering world-class venues, excellent connectivity, and a rich cultural backdrop. Here, corporate efficiency meets a sustainable, relaxed, and cosmopolitan energy.
The city’s unmatched accessibility makes it a standout choice for international delegates. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol connects to over 300 global destinations and is just a brief 13-minute train ride from the city center via the frequent Airport Sprinter service. For regional attendees, an extensive high-speed rail network provides swift connections from major European hubs like London, Paris, and Brussels. Once in the city, an efficient, eco-friendly public transit system - including the high-capacity Noord/Zuid (North-South) Metro Line 52 - ensures attendees can easily navigate between major hubs like RAI Amsterdam.
Beyond the meeting rooms, Amsterdam’s unique cultural landscape ensures a memorable experience for delegates. The compact, highly walkable centre features UNESCO-listed canals, nearly 7,000 monumental buildings, and world-renowned institutions like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Combined with a thriving culinary scene, exceptionally high English proficiency, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and innovation, Amsterdam delivers an inspiring environment that perfectly balances work and leisure.
10. Cultivating collaboration-focused spaces and experiences
- Executive Roundtable Discussions - Step into curated networking sessions designed to spark actionable collaboration. These intimate roundtables unite run leaders, brands, and industry experts for candid, strategic conversations around key industry challenges. Walk away with practical insights, peer-tested solutions, and fresh, innovative strategies to implement within your business.
- Coffee & Connect Sessions - Start your day with purpose at our facilitated networking meetups. Enjoy complimentary coffee at the Run Café while engaging in structured, peer-to-peer conversations. It is the ideal environment to exchange industry intelligence, forge meaningful partnerships, and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
- VIP Lounge - Elevate your networking experience in an environment specifically designed for high-level collaboration. This exclusive space blends comfort with connectivity, offering the perfect backdrop to strategize with industry leaders, align with elite athletes, and build valuable partnerships in a sophisticated, focused setting.
The super early-bird ticket is set to expire at midnight on Tuesday 30th June so register now to benefit from the lowest priced ticket at just €29.