Attend Switchback Spring

Switchback Spring 2025

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

The new Switchback Spring builds 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 new June dates, Switchback now provides a twice-yearly home for a growing core of specialty retailers, media, and brand leaders in backpacking, apparel, and footwear – as well as openly welcoming the sizable population of outdoor industry members who have lapsed from regular attendance at open national trade events.

Hosted in a central location that’s welcoming to all parts of the country and scheduled in the optimal timeframe for buying conversations, the June event will be centered around key industry priorities. Click here to read Switchback Spring FAQs.

A key driver of Switchback's growth has been from the encouragement of our cornerstone exhibitors, retailers, and industry partners, as they’re eager to see the energy and engagement around this style of event continue. We’re also inspired by the opportunity to build a bridge between the known need for discovery – of new brands, new relationships, and new ways to grow — and the large number of outdoor industry members who are openly searching for an event that delivers on it all."

Christina Henderson, Switchback Event Director

What to Expect

Attendees 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 be in touch over the coming months as more event information is available. Registration for Switchback Spring will open early next year.

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.

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. The Switchback 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.

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.

Stay Up-to-Date

FAQs

Find answers to your questions about Switchback Spring.

Learn More

Switchback in the News

The Rock Fight: OIA Teams Up With Switchback

Kent Ebersole, Outdoor Industry Association President, discusses OIA's partnership with Switchback on outdoor industry podcast The Rock Fight

Listen Now

Outdoor Industry Association Partners With Switchback

From SGB Media - OIA has inked a strategic partnership with [Switchback] to support the now semi-annual outdoor trade show.

Learn More

Switchback Stands Alone

Christina Henderson, Switchback Event Director, sits down with Running Insight to share an inside look at the new Switchback Spring.

The Running Event Is Expanding Switchback...

A Footwear News Exclusive: The first standalone Switchback event will take place in June 2025.

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“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Get In Touch

Emma Galeckas

Attendee Relations Coordinator

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

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