Since registration opened for Switchback Spring, interest in the outdoor industry’s newest gathering has been strong. We’ve confirmed more than 130 exhibitors, are building a strong list of non-profit partner organizations, and are putting the finishing touches on an impactful education program. 

A primary draw to Switchback is our deliberate focus on supporting the business needs of the industry. In the last month, however, other reasons for gathering have clearly moved up the list.  

Driven by the uncertainty around the future of public lands, the impact of tariffs, and other core concerns near the heart of outdoor businesses, momentum is growing among the outdoor industry to gather, face-to-face, and discuss these very real issues.  

People are hungry to lean in and are looking for the right tools and the right places to do it. 

While creating a positive business environment has always been the primary goal of Switchback, we’re also striving to create a home for the outdoor industry to hold bigger conversations with broader impacts.  

For many, the outdoor industry is more than just a field of business. It’s also a community, sometimes a family, and often even a culture that celebrates when things are at their best and rallies together when times get tough.   

At Switchback, we are eager to support the outdoor industry community in this moment. We recognize the gravity of these topics and their direct, critical importance to both outdoor business and culture. 

We also know that gathering the industry is a key step in the right direction, and we are embracing our role to provide that space and bring together a full spectrum of outdoor leaders, learners, and listeners.  

The outdoor industry has hit an inflection point, facing unknown outcomes from an unpredictable political climate. It’s not the first big moment for the industry, and it won’t be the last. But throughout all those moments, gathering the community has been the first step toward real progress. 

I hope you can join us, and the outdoor industry community, this June in Nashville.