Switchback Spring, the nascent outdoor show’s first stand-alone event, held in Nashville, TN, drew 194 brands, 290 retailers and 1,286 attendees.
For 2026, Diversified Communications, the show organizer and operator, announced that it will hold the trade show in New Orleans from June 16 to 18 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The Running Event (TRE), also operated by Diversified, first debuted the outdoor-focused Switchback section at its annual running trade show in November 2022.
Held from June 16 to 18 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the first day of Switchback Spring focused on educational programming, including a keynote address by Jim Weber, the former CEO of Brooks Running. Topics ranging from data on the buying behaviors of today’s outdoor consumers to the latest updates on public lands and tariffs sparked conversations throughout the three-day show. The day concluded with the opening party at the resort hosted by Merrell and the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA).
The trade show attracted several “anchor brands,” including Merrell and The North Face, stepping up as official summit sponsors. Other exhibitors included Asics, Arc’teryx, Marmot, Birkenstock, Altra, Smartwool, Teva, Berghaus, Cotopaxi, Scarpa, Life is Good, and Mountain Hardwear.
At the end of each day, there was the traditional “Happy Hour”; however, business was also evident in many of the crowded educational sessions, offsite gatherings, and retailer and brand meetings.
“It was fantastic. We connected with brands that we’ve only known virtually in the past and made some new relationships as well,” said Cody Whelan of Treeline Outfitters, an independent specialty retailer from Portsmouth, NH. “Many 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.”
Julie Menard, VP of Sales at Cotopaxi, said the show “was a great brand showcase,” referencing the event as “a place to show newness and bring people up to speed on the latest with our brand.” She said Cotopaxi had a few retailer appointments booked in advance and a large number of drop-ins. “It exceeded our expectations for sure,” Menard noted.
“We opened a few accounts and have orders in hand, which is validating for our young brand,” said Beth Steele, outdoor sales director at Mimikai Insect Repellent. “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.”
Switchback Show Director Christina Henderson said 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 Henderson. “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.”
Diversified said the company selected the Louisiana site for the 2026 show based on input from Switchback Spring partners, brands, and specialty retailers, as well as the organizers’ desire 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 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.”
Diversified noted that transportation to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) includes 15 airlines offering direct flights from 57 cities and five countries, including outdoor industry hubs such as Seattle, Denver, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Boston.
New Orleans also offers over 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, which runs from the edge of the historic French Quarter through many of the city’s neighborhoods.
Switchback will continue to maintain a section as part of The Running Event (TRE), which will be held this year from December 2 to 4 in San Antonio, TX.
Image courtesy Diversified Communications
***
To read more coverage SGB coverage of the 2025 Switchback Spring show, see below.
EXEC: OIA Study Finds Outdoor Stores Still Missing Emerging Casual Consumers
