Attend Switchback Spring

Save the Date for Switchback Spring 2026

June 16-18, 2026 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans, LA

The next edition of Switchback Spring will be held in New Orleans June 16-18, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Click here to submit your information to receive the latest Switchback event news and updates.
Questions? Contact the Switchback team today for more information:
Questions about attending: [email protected]
Questions about exhibiting: [email protected]
Media inquiries: [email protected]

Switchback Spring 2025

June 16-18, 2025 | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | Nashville, TN

The new Switchback Spring was built on the momentum of its original fall gathering, which launched in 2022 as a specialty outdoor showcase at The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show.
With the addition of June dates, Switchback became a twice-yearly home for a growing core of specialty retailers, media, and brand leaders in backpacking, apparel, and footwear – while also welcoming back many outdoor industry members who had lapsed from regular attendance at national trade events.
Hosted in a central location that was accessible from all parts of the country and timed to align with peak buying conversations, the June event focused on key industry priorities. Click here to read the recent press release with an overview of Switchback Spring 2025.

Quick Links
Read the latest Switchback news
Follow along on social media at @Switchbackevent
Check out the 2025 Schedule-at-a-Glance for an idea of what’s ahead for 2026
Learn more about the 2025 education program, and stay tuned as the Switchback team curates the 2026 program

“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. 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."

Christina Henderson

Switchback Event Director

What to Expect

Retailers and other outdoor industry professionals will access three days of business, education, and networking with dozens of educational sessions to select from, exciting networking events, and hours of exhibit hall time to discover products and connect with new and current vendors. The Switchback team will continue to share event updates and news over the coming months.

New Connections

Experiences and dedicated time for connection—created with the attendee experience in mind—will happen intentionally throughout Switchback. This will include a platform to schedule meetings and connect with peers and brands, dedicated areas for meetings and serendipitous conversations, and onsite celebrations, networking hours, dinners, and other organized events. Learn more about upcoming networking opportunities by previewing the 2025 networking & activities.

Access to Top Brands

Switchback Spring will feature a lineup of leading and emerging outdoor brands, spanning categories including footwear, apparel, hiking, camping, trail running, hydration, nutrition, accessories, technology, and first aid. Look back at the 2025 exhibitor list to gain an overview of a variety of brands on the show floor. The Switchback Spring 2026 exhibitor list will be made available early next year.

Industry Insights

Switchback will offer targeted, actionable education for retailers 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. Explore the 2025 education program, and stay tuned as our team curates the 2026 program.

A Good Tme

In addition to business, networking, and education, Switchback is about celebration. We’ll be celebrating the outdoor industry community and everyone who comprises it, whether it’s through show floor happy hours, evening receptions, or off-site adventures.

“I’m excited to see a show in the East that's closer and more economical to attend. Also, it's great to be able to see all the new and great trail-running brands at one time. This is a growing market we all need to stay on top of.”

Ed McAlisterOwner, River Sports Outfitters, Knoxville, TN

“TRE has a great format for retailers, and we look forward to a new event that features more outdoor and active lifestyle brands and new categories.”

Chris GroomOwner, Mountain High Outfitters

“Switchback has been a valuable new trade show opportunity for SCARPA. We can effectively show off our brand and products–and meet with many specialty retailers–in a very positive and supportive industry-only environment.”

Mark MathewsVice President of Sales, Scarpa

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Switchback Official Event Partner

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Get in Touch
Emma Galeckas:
Attendee Relations Coordinator

Questions about attending? Email Emma at [email protected] for support.