Networking & Activities

Explore 2025 Networking Events & Activities

Connection drives innovation and strengthens the outdoor industry, which is why you’ll find intentional, fun opportunities for networking and relationship building at Switchback Spring.

From the Welcome Party to exhibit hall happy hours and a morning hike, keep reading for an overview of the special events and features you’ll find this June in Nashville.

More networking & activities will be added to this page soon, so check back often!

Monday, June 16: Day One

Welcome Party, located at Water’s Edge | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Hosted by Merrell and Outdoor Industry Association

We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Nashville and kick off the debut Switchback Spring! At the Welcome Party, you’ll find food, drinks, live music, outdoor industry bingo, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Delta riverboats will also be available for tours, taking guests around the river that flows through the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

The party is open to all: retailers, exhibitors, media, non-profit partners, and other industry members.

Tuesday, June 17: Day Two

Exhibit Hall Happy Hour, located on the show floor | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Exhibit hall happy hours will take place on the trade show floor Tuesday evening. Grab a snack and a drink and start mingling! See which brands are participating below, and make sure you stop by their booths before wrapping up your busy day!

Helinox
The North Face
Merrell
PACKFIRE Inc.
Path Ahead Ventures (REI)
Oregon Outdoor Association

Wednesday, June 18: Day Three

Morning Hike, (location coming soon) | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Hosted by Merrell

Join us for a guided, all-levels hike to enjoy some fresh air and nature around Nashville! This relaxed outing is a great way to start your day, whether you want to exercise or just take in the scenery. Don’t forget your water and comfortable shoes!

Last Call in the Hall, located on the show floor | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

The Last Call in the Hall happy hour will take place on the trade show floor Wednesday afternoon. Celebrate the close of the debut Switchback Spring with snacks, drinks, and good vibes.

Exhibit Hall Features

All show floor areas will be open during exhibit hall hours: Tuesday, June 17 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Wednesday, June 18 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Retail Innovation Lab

Designed in partnership with 3 Dots Design, a leading retail merchandising firm, the Retail Innovation Lab is an interactive space in the exhibit hall. The lab will showcase versatile displays that will inspire retailers to present their merchandise in unique, engaging ways. Participating brands include:

The North Face
Merrell
Lems Shoes
NRS
RovR Products
Wigmam Mills Inc.

The Campground

The Campground is a hands-on tent display in the exhibit hall that will allow retailers to explore the latest tents from various brands. Participants can check out the full functionality, size, and materials of the tents, mirroring real-life usage. Participating brands include:

Liberty Mountain
Marmot Mountain
PACKFIRE Inc.
Teton Gear
White Duck Outdoors

Trailheads Theater

The Trailheads Theater is an open and engaging space in the exhibit hall featuring educational presentations and panels. Leaders from brands, partner organizations, and other industry experts will share data, lead timely discussions, and foster community and conversation.

Check out a few sessions:

The Outdoor Consumer Today: Who They Are, How They Get Outside, and How to Reach Them, presented by Kelly Davis, Outdoor Industry Association
Driving Value Through Public Lands Advocacy Public Lands, presented by The Conservation Alliance
The Augmented Outdoors: Culture, Technology, and Nature, presented by Highsnobiety
The Outdoor Recreation Archive: Preserving the History of the Outdoor Industry, presented by Chase Anderson, Utah State University
Industry Partnerships to Expand Outdoor Participation, presented by Lesford Duncan, Outdoor Foundation

To see the full education program, click here.

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