Your 1st Business Conference or your 4th TRC: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of the TRC Experience

Stepping into your first business conference or your tenth - can feel like a mix of excitement and nerves. A packed schedule, new faces everywhere, big topics and even bigger opportunities - it’s a lot. But with a little planning and the right mindset, your first conference can become a career-defining moment.

Whether you’re attending to learn, network, or explore new partnerships, here’s how to set yourself up for an inspiring and successful event, remember this is a safe business space as your are surrounded by fellow Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Members.

✅ 1️⃣ Set Clear Goals Before You Arrive

Why are you going?

✔ To learn valuable insights?
✔ To grow your network?
✔ To explore potential collaborations?
✔ To discover new innovations?

When you understand your purpose, you can focus your time and energy where it matters most.
Quality over quantity — every session or conversation should count.

🔍 2️⃣ Study the Agenda and Do Your Homework

Before you walk through the door:

📌 Review the schedule
📌 Identify key speakers or exhibitors
📌 Shortlist must-attend sessions
📌 Look for networking opportunities

Knowing who will be there helps you tailor your conversations and make the most of your time.

👋 3️⃣ Perfect Your Introduction

You’ll be asked — a lot — “So what do you do?”

Prepare a short, confident introduction that covers:

• Who you are
• What you do
• Why you’re there

Think: clear, friendly, authentic. The goal is to spark curiosity and conversation.

🧩 4️⃣ Be Curious and Open - Explore Beyond Your Niche

Some of the best insights come from unexpected places:

✨ Try sessions slightly outside your usual area
✨ Ask questions — lots of them
✨ Embrace new perspectives

Stepping outside your comfort zone = growth.

🤝 5️⃣ Networking: Focus on People, Not Business Cards

Networking doesn’t have to feel forced. Aim for:

• Meaningful conversations over quick exchanges
• Listening as much as you speak
• Finding ways to help others, not just ask for help

Relationships built at conferences often last long after the event ends.

🏃 6️⃣ Stay Present, Comfortable, and Engaged

Business conferences are full-on. Help yourself thrive:

✔ Dress professionally but comfortably
✔ Stay hydrated and take breaks
✔ Don’t skip the socials — connections happen everywhere

Confidence comes from feeling at ease in your own skin.

✍️ 7️⃣ Capture Key Takeaways - and Use Them

Take notes during sessions, in conversations and while exploring. After the event:

✅ Follow up on LinkedIn
✅ Send thank-yous
✅ Share insights with colleagues
✅ Turn new contacts into new opportunities

The conference doesn’t end when you leave the venue — often, that’s when the real work (and magic) begins.

🎯 Final Thought

Your first business conference is a chance to:

🔥 Grow your network
🔥 Level up your knowledge
🔥 Expand your business thinking
🔥 Connect with a community that shares your passion

Go in prepared. Stay curious. Be bold.
And most importantly - enjoy the experience.

It’s not just an event…
It’s a step forward in your professional journey. 🚀

Taking place at Loughborough University and Burleigh Court, TRC25 is the fourth edition of the flagship annual industry gathering for RIA Members. The event brings together over 400 business leaders, brands, retailers, events, and organisations from across running, triathlon, and endurance sport for three days of connection, collaboration, and future-facing discussion.

About TRC25

The Running Conference presented by haku (TRC25) is the flagship annual members’ conference of Running Industry Alliance. TRC25 takes place from 7th to 9th December 2025 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University and is a curated, boutique B2B gathering for the running and multisport industry. The event features dedicated content tracks, keynote sessions, panels, workshops, and networking activations, plus the debut of the Running Industry Awards for 2025.

A key theme for 2025 will be new research, data, and insights shaping the year ahead and future of Running.

More info: www.therunningconference.com
Membership: www.runningindustryalliance.com/membership