NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (June 18, 2025) – Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, wrapped up its debut event today after 194 brands and 290 retailers gathered for three high energy days of educational programing, business meetings, and face-to-face connection.

Sizeable crowds at the opening party, happy hours, and offsite gatherings were evidence that the outdoor industry enjoyed the variety of opportunities for connecting and engaging at Switchback Spring. 

Business was the clear focus of event goers as industry members new and old leaned into retailer and brand meetings and eagerly filled the seats at educational sessions. Topics ranging from groundbreaking data about the buying behavior of today’s outdoor consumers to the latest on public lands and tariffs sparked conversations throughout all three days of the event.

“It was fantastic. We connected with brands that we’ve only known virtually in the past and made some new relationships as well. A lot of shows are either just focused on big brands or solely focused on the small ones, but Switchback had both. That combination created some great entrepreneurial energy that you could feel throughout the event,” said Cody Whelan of Treeline Outfitters, an independent specialty retailer from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

“It’s been a great brand showcase for us, a place to show newness and bring people up to speed on the latest with our brand. We had a few retailer appointments made in advance and a ton of drop bys. It exceeded our expectations for sure,” said Julie Menard, VP of sales for Cotopaxi.

“We opened a few accounts and have orders in hand, which is really validating for our young brand. We even had some larger accounts come by, as well as some unique and interesting conversations with state parks, campgrounds, and other state-owned organizations that opened our eyes to the potential that’s ahead for our company,” said Beth Steele, outdoor sales director for Mimikai insect repellent.

Over three days, Switchback Spring drew 1,286 attendees from 41 states and nine countries, with exhibiting brands and organizations covering more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space. The event included 46 speakers and 26 education sessions, including a live broadcast on the show floor with The Rock Fight podcast and a morning hike hosted by Merrell at Shelby Bottoms Greenway, a popular Nashville multi-use area.

Switchback Spring kicked off Monday, June 16, with a standalone Education Day followed by two days on the exhibit floor where leading and emerging brands showcased the latest outdoor gear in hiking, backpacking, camping, apparel, and outdoor footwear.

“The success of Switchback Spring was truly a team effort. Credit goes to our event team, our advisory board, our partners at Outdoor Industry Association, and most importantly, the outdoor community,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback director. “As successful and energizing as this debut event was, it also showed us where the opportunities are to lean in and further support the outdoor industry.”

Embracing the opportunity for flexibility at future gatherings, organizers announced today that the next installment of Switchback Spring will be held in New Orleans June 16-18, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The new venue was selected based on input from Switchback Spring partners, brands and specialty retailers, as well as the desire of the show organizers for a venue with more flexibility and additional capabilities that can support the evolving gathering.

“As brands and retailers have embraced Switchback Spring, they’ve really made it their own with new ideas, new initiatives, and incredible energy. We knew we needed a space to support that momentum,” added Henderson. “We’re excited for New Orleans, and for the energy and flexibility the venue will provide Switchback Spring in 2026.”

New Orleans is an iconic southeast destination with a tradition of welcoming visitors from all parts of the country for world-class events. Transportation to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) includes 15 airlines offering direct flights from 57 locations and five countries, including outdoor industry hubs such as Seattle, Denver, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Boston.

New Orleans also offers more than 800 eateries within walking distance of the convention center and downtown hotels, as well as a variety of outdoor activities including its 1,300 acre City Park and the Lafitte Greenway that runs from the edge of the historic French Quarter through many of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback at The Running Event (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA).

To learn more about Switchback, visit www.switchbackevent.com.

ABOUT SWITCHBACK SPRING

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin ([email protected]) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.