Explore 2026 Networking Events & Activities

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

Welcome Party

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, located off-site at Generations Hall

Switchback Spring officially kicks off with a Welcome Party at Generations Hall, celebrating our second edition in New Orleans. Following the Afternoon Featured Presentation, attendees can take a 5-minute walk from the convention center to the venue and enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and music while connecting with attendees, exhibitors, media, and partners. Join us alongside Merrell and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) in raising a toast to the outdoor industry as we come together for an evening of connection and fun.

The Details:

Generations Hall is a historic New Orleans landmark with modern flair. Originally built in the 1820s as a sugar refinery, the space is now fully updated while maintaining its classic New Orleans character.
The Welcome Party is open to all pass holders: retailers, exhibitors, industry representatives, media, partner organizations, and other industry members.
The Welcome Party is presented by Merrell and Outdoor Industry Association

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

Switchback Partner Social

4:45PM – 5:30 PM, located at Trailheads Theater Booth #1027

Join us at the Trailheads Theater for Switchback Spring’s first-ever Partner Social: a celebration dedicated to our partner organizations driving meaningful change across the outdoor industry.

You’ll meet the people behind the mission-driven work that makes our industry better: the advocates, educators, conservationists, entrepreneurs, and community builders who are expanding “who” belongs in the outdoors and how we can show up for the places we love, together. From protecting public lands to breaking barriers for underrepresented communities, our partners represent a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient outdoor industry.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of these organizations or want to learn about the work they do, we invite you to join us at the Partner Social. Participants will walk away with fresh connections and new perspectives to move the outdoors — and the industry— forward.

Exhibit Hall Happy Hour

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, located on the show floor at various booths

We’re closing out the first day of the show floor being open with our Exhibit Hall Happy Hour! Expect a lively atmosphere with interactive activations, delicious New Orleans snacks (like Beignets), and a variety of drinks to keep the celebrations going.

Explore the growing list of brands hosting a happy hour:

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

Morning Walk

6:45 AM – 7:45 AM, located off-site at Audubon Park

Start the day with fresh air and a guided walk or run throughout Audubon Park in New Orleans. Attendees will board a shuttle to the park, home to the Audubon Park Loop and some of the city’s most iconic Live Oak trees. Upon arrival, guests may walk or run as a group or independently. Once finished, participants will enjoy a light breakfast and coffee while connecting with Morning Walk sponsors to learn more about their products.

The Details:

Meet at 6:00 AM in Hall H lobby of the convention center for complimentary shuttles. Shuttles begin departing at 6:15 AM.
Audubon Park is a 20-minute drive from the convention center. Return shuttles depart at 7:45 AM, with arrival back to the convention center around 8:00 AM.
Grab & go breakfast sandwiches and coffee will be provided at the park for attendees to enjoy after their walk or run.
Click here for a map of Audubon Park, which features a dirt trail stretching just over two miles along the park’s perimeter. The trail is surrounded by more than 2,000 trees, including a large canopy of native Live Oaks, and is home to bird species such as Egrets, Herons, Double-Crested Cormorants, and Anhinga.
The Morning Walk is presented by Merrell (Title Sponsor), Aparso, CURREX, FKT Gear, Guntersville Breathables; Frogg Toggs, Instent Home of Vitabri, THE GEOPROJECT, and OS1st

Last Call in the Hall

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, located in the Exhibit Hall

The event will wrap up with Last Call in the Hall, a closing happy hour on the trade show floor celebrating the success of the second edition of Switchback Spring with snacks, drinks, and good vibes.