Switchback, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, opened its doors last week to more than 300 retailers representing 1,300 retail doors in 40 states, 1262 attendees from 46 states and 16 countries, and 235 brands covering nearly 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, more than 40 working media, and 14 non-profit partners supporting access, advocacy, and conservation.
Strengthening business and community in the outdoor industry, Switchback Spring’s three day schedule began with a full slate of education sessions dedicated to specialty retailers (June 16), and continued with two days of retailer, brand, and media meetings (June 17 -18) hosted at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
With a colorful, world-class host city as a backdrop, a robust list of exhibiting outdoor brands and retailers, and a stacked agenda centered around learning, discovery, and networking, Switchback Spring was posiitioned to deliver on both short and long-term goals for the outdoor industry.
A highlight of Switchback’s first day was the release of Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) eagerly anticipated 2026 Participation Report, presented by Kelly Davis, OIA’s Director of Research. Key findings from the report include: outdoor recreation participation in the United States reached a record 183.2 million Americans in 2025; 59% of Americans ages 6 and older participated in outdoor recreation activities in 2025; and since 2019, participation has grown by nearly 30 million people.
“The conversations at Switchback reinforce what we’re seeing in the data – interest in outdoor recreation remains remarkably strong, but the industry’s next challenge is helping people turn occasional participation into lasting engagement,’ said Davis.
“As more Americans discover the outdoors, there is a significant opportunity for brands, retailers, and community organizations to create experiences that keep people coming back and deepen their connection to outdoor recreation.” Tuesday’s education program continued with 13 conference breakout sessions covering a range of topics from leadership and hiring to supply chain management and AI strategies for retailers and emerging brands.
“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,” said Ken Taylor, The North Face Vice President of Wholesale, Americas.
Switchback Spring’s first day came to a close with messages of inspiration and celebration. First, a screening and panel discussion of Best Day Ever, an award-winning short film about adaptive athletes and community-supported access to trails, brought all attendees together in the New Orleans Theater. Following the presentation, the day was capped off by a Welcome Party at nearby Generations Hall, hosted by Switchback, Merrell, and OIA.
“You can tell by the energy and the enthusiasm that the outdoor industry is clearly excited to be here in New Orleans,” said Sean Smith, Switchback event director.
Switchback Spring kicked off Wednesday morning with a grab-and-go style breakfast for all attendees followed by a featured presentation in the New Orleans Theater with adventure skier Griffin Post, Denise Anderson of The North Face, and Paul Hendricks of The Conservation Alliance (8:30 a.m.). The group discussed adventure, risk, and the shared responsibility of the outdoor industry to safeguard public lands and waters.
Throughout Wednesday, programming continued at the Trailheads Theater, concluding with the Switchback Partner Social: a celebration of partner organizations driving meaningful change across the outdoor industry.
Thursday began with a Morning Walk at Audubon Park, hosted by Merrell, followed by a full day of business meetings and discovery in the exhibit hall and another full schedule of sessions at the Trailheads Theater.
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. 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. 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.
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 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. Upcoming dates also include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 1-3, 2026; San Antonio, TX). To learn more about Switchback visit switchbackevent.com.
