Sports & Entertainment Eventos en Netherlands
The International Running Expo
The International Running Expo: Shaping the Future of the European Running Industry
The International Running Expo (IRX) is not just another tradeshow it’s the only European event dedicated exclusively to the running industry. As a newly launched but already highly anticipated platform, IRX connects over 6,000 retailers, brands, athletes, media, and influencers from across the continent and beyond. Held in a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere, the event brings the heartbeat of the running world into one space inspiring new ideas, fostering key business relationships, and spotlighting innovation.
For those in the running sector whether you're a brand owner, distributor, coach, athlete, or product developer this event is an essential destination to stay ahead of customer demand and understand the evolving landscape of the sport.
A New Chapter for Europe's Running Market
IRX has entered the scene to fill a major gap: a single, focused event that brings together all players in the European running industry. What makes this expo unique is its multi-dimensional approach combining product showcases, business networking, and athlete-driven engagement all under one roof.
With over 300 brands exhibiting, the expo includes major names in running shoes, apparel, wearable tech, accessories, nutrition, and training services. But what really sets IRX apart is its spotlight on over 100 challenger brands up-and-coming players who are redefining performance gear and runner-focused innovation.
What to Expect at the International Running Expo
IRX is designed to be much more than a passive showcase. It's an immersive, three-dimensional experience that includes:
Interactive product launches: See, test, and compare the newest gear before it hits retail shelves.
1-2-1 buyer meetings: Schedule direct business conversations through the IRX app with retailers, wholesalers, athletes, and influencers.
Trend forecasting and talks: Attend expert-led sessions to understand what's next in running — from shoe tech to sustainable sportswear.
Meet the Buyer Programme: A curated platform that connects emerging brands with top decision-makers in retail.
These features help participants forge real partnerships, uncover actionable insights, and generate commercial opportunities in a targeted, efficient way.
Community, Culture, and Connection Beyond the Booths
Unlike traditional trade events that focus solely on transactions, the International Running Expo celebrates the culture of running. It recognizes that running is more than a product market it's a lifestyle, a mindset, and a global community.
Attendees are invited to start each day with “shakeout runs” casual group runs that offer both physical engagement and informal networking. These runs provide a relaxed setting where CEOs, brand reps, and elite athletes can jog side-by-side, forging connections far from the showroom floor.
Later in the day, meetups and informal sessions continue to build relationships beyond business cards. And when it’s time to wind down, there’s the invitation-only Cool Down Party, where the industry’s brightest minds and most energetic personalities celebrate what they’ve discovered and what lies ahead.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss IRX
Here’s why The International Running Expo is already a must-attend event for serious players in the running space:
1. Focused Exclusively on Running – No distractions. No off-topic booths. Just the full spectrum of the running industry.
2. 300+ Exhibitors, Including 100+ Challenger Brands – Discover innovation from both industry giants and bold disruptors.
3. Business Matchmaking Tools – Set up pre-arranged meetings that lead to real opportunities.
4. Morning Runs & Cool Down Party – Engage with the running community in a meaningful and memorable way.
5. Real Industry Insight – Learn from the experts and stay ahead of shifting trends and customer expectations.
With these features, IRX goes beyond a trade event it becomes an industry accelerator.
A Global Vision With a European Focus
Though rooted in the European market, IRX welcomes a global audience. It fosters a diverse dialogue among innovators from across continents who influence trends in shoe technology, recovery tools, running apps, nutrition science, and sustainable apparel. This international mindset is what gives IRX its edge and ensures that the European running community remains globally competitive.
The expo is also designed to support sustainability and social responsibility, highlighting brands and technologies that promote ethical sourcing, eco-friendly materials, and inclusive design.
Running Toward the Future
The International Running Expo has already proven that the running industry is ready for a centralized, focused, and professional platform tailored to its needs. It connects the dots between performance innovation, customer demand, and cultural engagement all while building a sense of community that only the running world truly understands.
Whether you're a legacy brand seeking relevance with younger consumers, or a startup bringing your first product to market, IRX offers everything you need to succeed and then some.
National Sport Trade Fair
The National Sports Trade Fair in the Netherlands: Where Passion for Sports Meets Innovation
In the heart of the Netherlands, once a year, something remarkable happens a vibrant convergence of minds, movers, and motivators in the world of sports. The National Sports Trade Fair isn't just an exhibition it’s a one-of-a-kind event where sports officials, club managers, and facility operators connect with leading service providers and suppliers to shape the future of the sports industry.
With over 5,500 visitors from across the Dutch and Flemish sports sectors, this event is a dynamic hub of collaboration, creativity, and community. Whether you run a local football club or manage a nationwide sports complex, the fair offers unmatched opportunities to learn, network, and get inspired.
A Unique Concept That Brings the Sports Industry Together
What makes the National Sports Trade Fair so special is its ability to unite an incredibly diverse group of stakeholders from public institutions to private companies, from sports innovators to everyday enthusiasts all under one roof. It is this shared passion for sports that fuels the energy and authenticity of the event.
The fair is carefully curated to provide real value to its attendees, not only in the form of products or services but also through knowledge-sharing and live experiences that resonate far beyond the event itself.
Core Participants:
Sports clubs looking to modernize operations
Municipalities planning and managing local facilities
Facility operators overseeing indoor and outdoor venues
Service providers offering equipment, technology, and support
Industry professionals and consultants
(Ex-)athletes, coaches, and trainers
Enthusiastic visitors with a deep interest in sports development
The Knowledge Program: Insightful, Actionable, and Engaging
One of the most celebrated elements of the National Sports Trade Fair is its versatile knowledge program. Designed to keep pace with the fast-moving world of sports management, this series of talks, panels, and workshops brings together recognized experts, coaches, policy-makers, and business leaders to address both current challenges and emerging opportunities.
Key Topics Typically Covered:
Sustainable facility management
Digital transformation in sports clubs
Health & safety standards in modern sports centers
Fan engagement and community building
Innovative sports financing models
Youth development and inclusive sports programs
Attendees don’t just sit back and listen they engage, debate, ask questions, and share their own experiences. This two-way exchange makes the learning personal, practical, and immediately applicable.
Sports Activities That Get You Moving
Unlike most trade fairs, which stay firmly within the bounds of exhibition halls and presentation rooms, the National Sports Trade Fair invites visitors to actively participate. Whether it’s taking a shot in a 3×3 basketball match, swinging a padel racket, or joining a mini football game, the energy here is contagious.
Sports Activities Include:
Padel courts with live demonstrations and free-play
3×3 basketball tournaments for all skill levels
Football challenges and clinics with pro-level coaches
Interactive zones for new and emerging sports
Live coaching sessions with (ex-)athletes and trainers
These activities serve as more than entertainment; they offer insight into how sports can be integrated into everyday life from community clubs to corporate wellness programs.
A Platform for Connection and Business Growth
Beyond the adrenaline and energy, the National Sports Trade Fair in the Netherlands is a powerful networking platform. For professionals in the sports ecosystem, the fair is a golden opportunity to forge new partnerships, discover innovative suppliers, and stay ahead of market trends.
Networking Highlights:
Speed networking sessions between clubs and providers
Exhibitor lounges with opportunities to present products
Expert panels and open discussions with thought leaders
Casual meetups and break areas for informal conversation
Access to decision-makers from across the public and private sectors
Whether you’re an up-and-coming entrepreneur with a new piece of sports tech or an established facility manager searching for sustainable solutions, this is where the right conversations begin.
Entertainment That Celebrates Sports Culture
While business and education are key pillars of the event, entertainment plays a major role in making the National Sports Trade Fair an unforgettable experience. From inspiring speakers to entertaining live shows, the event ensures that the spirit of sports is celebrated in all its forms.
Entertainment Features Often Include:
Meet-and-greets with famous (ex-)athletes
Live interviews and podcasts from the exhibition floor
Behind-the-scenes stories from top coaches and team managers
Interactive contests and giveaways
On-site food courts with healthy and local sports-themed cuisine
These elements add emotion and fun to the fair, making it just as appealing to casual visitors as to serious professionals.
Why the National Sports Trade Fair Stands Out
Many countries host trade fairs for specific sports sectors but few can match the interdisciplinary reach and community-driven energy of the National Sports Trade Fair in the Netherlands. Its success lies in its balance: business meets passion, and learning meets leisure, all within one exciting day.
What Sets It Apart:
Broad focus: From grassroots sports to elite facilities, all levels are welcome.
Engaging format: Talks, demos, matches, and networking all in one event.
Community building: Uniting municipalities, clubs, companies, and fans.
Up-to-date content: Every edition reflects the latest trends and needs.
Inspiration: Real stories from real people who are shaping the future of sports.
More Than a Fair, It’s a Movement
The National Sports Trade Fair in the Netherlands is not just an industry event it’s a reflection of how sports can unite people, ideas, and progress. It connects visionaries with practitioners, solutions with needs, and passion with purpose.
For anyone involved in the sports world whether on the pitch, in the boardroom, or behind the scenes this trade fair offers something essential: a chance to grow, connect, and be inspired.
If you're passionate about sports, curious about innovation, or simply want to experience the energy of a thriving sports community, then mark your calendar. Because once you step into the National Sports Trade Fair, you'll realize you're not just attending an event. You're becoming part of something bigger.
