Attend Switchback Spring

Switchback Spring 2027

May 22-24 2027 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans, LA

Join us for the third edition of Switchback Spring this May 22-24 in New Orleans, LA! Experience three days of education, business, and connection, all built to support and advance the outdoor industry.

Quick Links

Explore last year’s list of 2026 Exhibitors
Check out last year’s Schedule-at-a-Glance
Learn more about last year’s education program
Keep your industry knowledge sharp with Switchback’s webinars.
Read the latest Switchback news
Follow along on social media at @Switchbackevent

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 last year’s networking opportunities by browsing the 2026 agenda.

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. Check out our 2026 exhibitor list for an overview of a variety of brands that were on the show floor.

Retail Education

The Switchback Spring 2026 education program was centered around the theme Equipping the Outdoor Industry for the Future and came to life through dynamic, timely learning opportunities to strengthen the outdoor industry for long-term success. Topics ranged from leadership and change management, outdoor culture and community building, supply chain management and merchandising to AI, cybersecurity, and modern marketing strategies. Learn more about 2026 education here.

A Good Time

In addition to business, networking, and education, Switchback is about celebration. We celebrated the outdoor industry community and everyone who comprises it, through show floor happy hours, evening receptions, a featured film screening.

“The outdoor industry’s big energy, big ideas and big personalities were on full display at Switchback Spring in New Orleans. It’s a remarkable thing to see an event in only its second year draw this kind of interest and support from the surrounding community.”

Sean Smith

Switchback Event Director

Looking Back: The Second Annual Switchback Spring

Switchback Spring, the business and education event for the outdoor industry, concluded its second-annual event last week with a robust list of outdoor specialty brands, retailers, and working media. Over three days, Switchback Spring drew 1,262 attendees from 46 states and 16 countries for three days of business and learning in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Switchback Spring delivered on a key metric for success – at-show business opportunities – as both brands and retailers lauded the efficiency of the format, the quality of the attendees, and the tangible elevation of Switchback Spring as the national gathering point for all sectors of the outdoor industry.

Following the conclusion of the gathering, organizers announced that Switchback Spring will return to New Orleans next year on May 22-24, 2027. The choice of location and timing was made with the input and cooperation of event partner Outdoor Industry Association, and drew positive reactions from industry leaders who lauded the shifting of the dates to the beginning of the wholesale buying calendar. Click here to read more about Switchback Spring 2026.