Switchback at The Running Event 2024, November 19-21 in Austin, TX
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Switchback Spring, June 16-18, 2025 in Nashville, TN
June 16-18, 2025 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, TN
Based on conversations with our community, partners, brands and retailers, as well as the data at hand, we identified a need in the outdoor industry for a gathering place that brings outdoor retailers, brands, and media together. Switchback builds on the positive momentum of the fall gathering at TRE.
Over the last two years, the event has experienced robust growth in attendance from outdoor retailers, media, and brand leaders in backpacking, apparel, and footwear. And while interest in Switchback at TRE is growing it’s important TRE continues to be run-centered as Switchback expands.
By creating a twice-yearly home for its growing core attendees and exhibitors, Switchback is openly welcoming the sizable population of outdoor industry members who have lapsed from regular attendance at open national trade events.
Nashville was a clear choice from the start of our location search. It is centrally located and easily accessible for both retailers and brand representatives in multiple sales regions. It is less than a half day drive from Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and St. Louis.
For those traveling farther, Nashville has daily direct flights from more than 90 domestic airports including, Boston, Bozeman, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, Tampa and Washington DC.
The venue (Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center) also had availability that aligned well with the industry calendar, making Nashville a combination of the right time, right place.
Switchback is for outdoor specialty brands, retailers, media, and organizations with a focus on hiking and camping, trail running, outdoor lifestyle, and more.
Expect a lineup of leading and emerging outdoor brands, spanning categories including footwear, apparel, hiking, camping, trail running, hydration, nutrition, accessories, technology, and first aid. The Switchback exhibitor list will be made available early next year.
Switchback will attract mostly US-based, outdoor specialty retailers and welcomes individuals at all experience levels; common job titles may include Store Owner, Store Manager, Marketing Director, Buyer, Sales Manager, Sales Associate, Merchandiser, Designer, Editor, and many more.
We’ve had strong early interest from both brands and retailers. We expect that interest to grow among organizations spanning camping, hiking, trail running, and more from all territories, particularly the southeast, midwest and northeast. The industry is excited about a gathering with a fresh approach, and we look to build on that excitement in 2025.
Now in its 75th year, Diversified Communications (Diversified) is a third-generation, family-owned business headquartered in Portland, Maine. Diversified connects, educates and strengthens business communities through market-leading events, digital products and publications. Learn more here.
Switchback will be an experience-driven event that leads with education, peer connection, and business opportunities—with the outdoor specialty community at the center of it all. Attendees and exhibitors can expect to find valuable business opportunities, networking events, and educational sessions and presentations.
Click here for a look at the Switchback agenda. A more detailed program will be available in the coming months.
Yes. Switchback will offer targeted, actionable education for both retailers and brand leaders throughout each day of the event. Day one will consist of a full day of educational programing, with additional educational sessions occurring throughout Days Two and Three. The educational program at The Running Event has proven to be incredibly valuable to attendees. The same proven formula will be applied to Switchback 2025.
Experiences and dedicated time for connection—created with attendee and exhibitor goals in mind—will happen intentionally throughout Switchback. This will include a platform to schedule meetings and connect with attendees and/or brands, dedicated areas for meetings and serendipitous conversations, and onsite celebrations, networking hours, dinners, and other organized events.
Switchback will collaborate with a number of outdoor industry organizations. Our partner list will be shared in the coming months.
June is crowded because it’s the right time for buying conversations and brand discovery. To create the most valuable event for both brands and retailers, the right timing is critical.
One of the largest differentiators between Switchback and other industry events will be the learning opportunities available. Switchback will offer dozens of actionable educational sessions for outdoor specialty executives, business owners, managers, buyers, and associates. Switchback will also offer a central location with creative and meaningful networking events and an intimate, community feel.
Built with intention, Switchback will offer a fresh approach to a B2B outdoor gathering. To remain relevant and valuable, the Switchback team will hold year-round conversations with retailers, brands, partners, and industry experts—and is willing and ready to shift direction to best support the industry’s needs.
The Switchback 2025 Call for Education will open in the fall of 2024. Sign up for event updates to be notified when the Call for Education opens.
If a retailer sends three or more employees, each employee qualifies for a discounted group rate. For details and to secure this rate, please email Attendee Relations Coordinator Emma Galeckas at [email protected].
Non-exhibiting manufacturers/sponsors and non-profit organizations are welcomed to attend Switchback under the appropriate registration category. Available pass types and pricing will be shared soon.
No: Switchback is only open to members of the outdoor industry.
Attendees will be able to book hotels as soon as registration is live in early 2025.
Christina Henderson, Event Director
[email protected]
214-263-4706
Beth Gordon, New Business Development Director
[email protected]
949-293-1378
Emma Galeckas, Attendee Relations Coordinator
[email protected]
207-842-5607
