Switchback Spring, June 16-18, 2026 in New Orleans, LA
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Switchback at TRE, December 1-3, 2026 in San Antonio, TX
June 16-18, 2026 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
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 The Running Event (TRE).
Over the last few years, TRE 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 Spring expands the outdoor industry community.
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.
Switchback is for outdoor specialty brands, retailers, media, and organizations with a focus on both hard-and-soft good categories, including footwear, apparel, hiking, camping, trail running, hydration, nutrition, accessories, technology, first-aid, and more.
The exhibitor lineup includes leading and emerging outdoor brands spanning hard-and-soft good categories. This spans footwear, apparel, hiking, camping, trail running, hydration, nutrition, accessories, technology, and first aid.
Explore the Switchback Spring 2026 Exhibitor List here.
Switchback attracts 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.
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 programming, with additional educational sessions occurring throughout Days Two and Three.
Click here to explore the Switchback Spring Call for Education 2026.
Click here to review the Post-Event Report to see education highlights from Switchback Spring 2025.
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.
Find the Switchback Spring Schedule-at-a-Glance here. Check back frequently as more details will be available soon.
Switchback Spring will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and will host hotel blocks in the surrounding area. Hotel rates are coming soon, please check back to learn more and book your hotel.
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. See all networking activities here.
Find available 2026 pass options and pricing, coming soon to this page.
Find available 2026 pass options and pricing, coming soon to this page.
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].
Switchback collaborates with several outdoor industry organizations, including Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), our Official Event Partner. Check out our list of Switchback Partners here.
Like Outdoor Industry Association, Switchback is also committed to driving the future business growth and overall health of the outdoor industry. With OIA as the Official Event Partner, we are ensuring that the gathering is as valuable and successful for the industry as possible. Learn more about our partnership here.
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 its advisory board as well as with retailers, brands, partners, and industry experts— Switchback is willing and ready to best support the industry’s needs.
Comprised of outdoor industry leaders representing brands, retailers, and organizations, these individuals will support Switchback with their expertise and experience. The board will guide Switchback education focus areas and networking opportunities while representing the needs and challenges of the outdoor industry community. Learn more about the advisory board here.
The Switchback Spring Call for Education 2026 is now open! Application will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
Our team is looking for thought leaders and industry experts who can deliver actionable content across a broad range of topics to our audience of outdoor specialty retailers, brand professionals and industry leaders.
Click here to learn more about the Call for Education and apply today, or email [email protected] with questions.
Click here to explore the 2025 Post-Event Report to review educational highlights from the debut Switchback Spring.
Non-exhibiting manufacturers/sponsors and non-profit organizations are welcomed to attend Switchback under the appropriate registration category. Available pass types and pricing can be found here.
No, Switchback welcomes brands whose products fall in various categories, from soft-goods to hardgoods to accessories and more. As long a brand has a stake in foundational outdoor experiences such as hiking, camping, trail running, etc., they are welcome at Switchback.
Switchback Spring welcomes media staff and freelancers working on assignment from industry, news, and consumer-focused media outlets related to the outdoor industry. The complimentary press badge provides access to Switchback in full. Check back often as we prepare the media registration page for 2026.
Approved attending media will have full access to the event to explore the exhibit hall and discover new products and trends. They will also have access to a meeting-scheduling platform, all education sessions and networking events, and a private media room for a complete onsite experience. Attending media will receive comprehensive pre-event communications as well as support before, during, and after the gathering. For questions, email Michael Collin (Pale Morning Media) at [email protected].
No. Switchback is only open to members of the outdoor industry.
Founded in 1949, 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.
Questions about attending? Email Emma at [email protected] for support.
