EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Two of the region’s fastest-growing fitness festivals are joining forces. The River City Fit Expo announced a strategic partnership with the Music City Fit Expo, a move organizers say will unify the Midwest and Southeast fitness communities while expanding opportunities for athletes, brands, and creators across multiple states.

The collaboration, announced November 30, was made possible through longstanding connections within the Nashville fitness community and the growing industry presence of Optimize U, one of the expo’s presenting partners.

Co-founded by Trevor Baker and Derek Shelton, the River City Fit Expo enters the partnership with a shared vision: building a multi-state fitness network with deeper visibility, bigger stages, and more opportunities for everyone involved.

“The Music City Fit Expo has set the bar for what a modern fitness festival can be,” said Baker. “Through our relationships in the Nashville fitness community, we’re excited to create a bridge between our two events. Together, we’re building something that will move the needle for athletes, vendors, and fans across the entire region.”

Shelton, who also leads the rapidly expanding Optimize U performance and recovery brand, said the collaboration marks a major milestone for both expos.

“This partnership is a massive win for both expos,” Shelton said. “Music City Fit Expo brings national-level energy and influence, and combining that with what we’re building in Evansville creates something truly unique. This collaboration will expand our reach, elevate our athletes’ platforms, and give our sponsors and vendors a multi-market footprint. This is how you grow an industry.”

Attendees, vendors, and competitors will see coordinated promotions, crossover vendor opportunities, shared stage talent, expanded media coverage, and joint marketing efforts backed by Optimize U’s growing network. Organizers say the collaboration is designed to strengthen the regional fitness economy and attract an even broader audience.

The inaugural River City Fit Expo will take place May 16, 2026, at the Old National Events Plaza in Downtown Evansville. The event lineup includes:

• SPF Powerlifting Meet

• NPC Indiana Muscle (presented by Active Nutrition, Optimize U, and Eric Schmidt Productions)

• Mr. & Ms. Transformation Challenge

• Quartet Jiu-Jitsu Exhibition Matches

• Strongest First Responder Competition

• Additional events to be announced

“We’re creating a true festival of strength, athleticism, and transformation — now amplified by a partnership that crosses state lines,” Baker said. “Whether you’re from Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, or Ohio, both expos will offer something incredible.”

The collaboration merges Nashville’s national influence with Evansville’s central location — a crossroads within easy reach of Louisville, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Nashville. Organizers say this geographic connection strengthens their goal of building an integrated fitness culture across the Midwest and Southeast.

Under the new agreement, both expos will roll out:

• Shared marketing campaigns

• Athlete and exhibitor crossover programs

• Optional combination exhibitor packages

• Joint media and creator content

• Extended brand visibility

The River City Fit Expo is an annual celebration of fitness, strength, and personal transformation in Downtown Evansville. The event is presented by Active Nutrition, Optimize U, and The Baker Group, and brings together athletes, competitors, creators, and fitness enthusiasts from throughout the region.

More information is available on their website or on Instagram.

Author: Tala Shatara