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

Switchback Spring once again opened with a full day of retail education sessions that fed the “head and the heart” with actionable business insights and inspiring storytelling. Beginning on Tuesday, June 16, the education program included an unveiling of insights from the 2026 Outdoor Industry Association participation report as well as a feature showing of the short film “Best Day Ever,” which drew a standing ovation for its messages of inspiration and action. Starting on Wednesday, June 17, adventurer and skier Griffin Post led a timely conversation about public lands alongside Paul Hendricks from The Conservation Alliance and Denise Anderson of The North Face.  

On the second and third days of Switchback Spring, June 17-18, the event’s focus shifted to the exhibit hall, which featured 235 brands spanning 40,000 square feet. Education continued on the show floor at the Trailheads Theater, where Switchback partner organizations and other industry experts hosted panels and presentations.  

“The outdoor industry’s big energy, big ideas and big personalities were on full display here in New Orleans,” said Sean Smith, Switchback’s event director. “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.”  

Switchback Spring also 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.  

  • “This was my first Switchback, and I was definitely impressed with the content, the education, and especially the brand presence. The brand quality definitely exceeded expectations and was incredibly helpful for me, as one of my big goals was discovery,” —Todd Buckley, Owner, Town to Trail Outfitters  
  • “This was great for us. This is our first show at Switchback, so it’s all new faces. We opened five or six new accounts today, which were all walk-bys and word-of-mouth, and we had a ton of great media visits, too,” —Ryan Sirianni, Co-Founder, Roark  
  • “We didn’t know what to expect because this was our first Switchback, but after just one day, we knew that we were 100 percent coming back, primarily because the quality of people in the room was really exceptional. We had high-quality conversations with retailers and other brands that were here and picked up six new accounts that we didn’t meet with at other shows this spring.” —Greg Anderson, National Sales Manager, Sunday Afternoons  

Following the conclusion of last week’s 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 the event partner, Outdoor Industry Association, and drew positive reactions from industry leaders who lauded the shift of the dates to the beginning of the wholesale buying calendar.  

  • “A sequel to New Orleans is another positive step for this national outdoor industry gathering. We are wholly behind Switchback’s long-term commitment to bringing the outdoor industry community together, and we’re excited to gather once again next spring,” —Kent Ebersole, President, Outdoor Industry Association  
  • “We see May as a really positive timeframe for us. Being that early in the buying season, it opens the door to shining a little more spotlight on product launches and being a little more impactful in the conversations we’re having with our retailers. And as part of the broader industry, it’s a great opportunity to be a part of an industry-wide kickoff event at the national level.” —Jonathan Degenhardt, Co-CEO, Scarpa   
  • “Switchback is a valuable event on multiple levels for us. It’s an opportunity to engage with our partners, our retailers, and the broader industry community. We’re excited about where it’s headed and are looking forward to next May.” —Ken Taylor, Vice President of Wholesale, Americas, The North Face  
  • “The earlier the show dates, the better. By late May, samples are no problem; sales meetings are already done for almost everybody, and a strong national show will create excitement before all the regionals. And when you have a summer show before school gets out, travel is cheaper and easier.” —Julie Menard, Vice President of Sales, Wholesale, Cotopaxi  

To learn more about Switchback, go here 

About Switchback 
Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry, owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Held at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback takes place each fall in conjunction with The Running Event (TRE) and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with robust education, peer connection and business meetings, Switchback serves as a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates include Switchback at TRE (December 1–3, 2026; San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (May 22-24, 2027; New Orleans, LA).

Image courtesy Switchback