Switchback Spring 2025 Post-Event Report

JUNE 16-18, 2025 NASHVILLE, TN GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

The education and business gathering for the outdoor industry

Switchback Spring 2025 Post-Event Report Take a look back at the debut Switchback Spring.

@switchbackevent

Produced by:

Switchback Spring 2025 Post-Event Report The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive look at Switchback Spring 2025, from attendee and exhibitor data to a recap of networking events and educational programming.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

Overview of Switchback Spring 2025

4

Quick Facts & Figures

5

Attendee Information

7

Exhibitor Information

8

Industry Insights & Education

10

Networking & Featured Areas

14

Trailheads

15

Partner Organizations

16

Media Coverage & Social Media Highlights

18

Save the Date: Switchback at The Running Event & Switchback Spring

Thank you to #SwitchbackSpring25 Summit Sponsors: All photos are courtesy of: Max Photography, Austin Data in this report is sourced from Switchback post-event surveys and registration data

2 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

Official Event Partner

OVERVIEW OF Switchback Spring 2025 THE DEBUT SWITCHBACK SPRING EVENT TOOK PLACE JUNE 16-18, 2025, IN NASHVILLE, TN. Designed with intention, Switchback Spring served as a gathering space for the outdoor industry community to conduct business, build relationships, learn, and get inspired—all to support and advance outdoor retailers, brands, media, non-profit organizations, and more.

As an inaugural event, there were no established traditions or formats to follow, allowing for innovative thinking and the opportunity to build an event that reflects today’s outdoor industry.

Following is a quick breakdown of what that looked like.

DAY ONE: MONDAY, JUNE 16 | EDUCATION SESSIONS & WELCOME PARTY The event kicked off with a full day of education, setting the tone for a dynamic and insightful gathering. Attendees filled seats at 26 education sessions led by 46 expert speakers, covering everything from data on today’s outdoor consumers to policy updates on tariffs and public lands.

Day One was capped off with a celebratory Welcome Party, hosted by Merrell and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), where brands and retailers gathered to swap stories and gear up for the next two days of the event.

DAY TWO: TUESDAY, JUNE 17 | EXHIBIT HALL DEBUT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION Featuring 194 exhibiting brands, the debut Switchback Spring show floor opened to hundreds of retailers, media professionals, non-profit organizations, and many other industry professionals. From pre-scheduled meetings to drop-bys, brands saw strong engagement across the board. Energy was high as attendees moved between booths and tuned in to additional learning opportunities, including a featured morning session and a variety of talks hosted at the Trailheads Theater. Community was also front and center, with crowds gathering for networking events throughout the evening, including an Exhibit Hall Happy Hour and The Rock Fight podcast, recorded live from the show floor.

DAY THREE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 | MORNING HIKE & CONTINUED DISCOVERY The final day opened with some fresh air during the Morning Hike - hosted by Merrell - at Shelby Bottoms Greenway, a local Nashville park. Later in the morning in the exhibit hall, momentum continued as attendees made more connections, placed orders, and explored product innovations in hiking, backpacking, camping, apparel, footwear, nutrition, and more. As the show wrapped up, it was clear that Switchback Spring created a space for ideas, business, partnerships, and connection.

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 3

Quick Facts & Figures *Switchback post-event surveys and registration data

1,286

Total attendees, exhibitors, and media

290

Specialty retailers

194

30

30,000+

26 46

Exhibiting companies

Sq ft. of exhibit space

Qualified media professionals

led by

Education sessions industry speakers

Leading and emerging brands represented hard-and-soft good categories, including: Footwear

Apparel

Hiking

Camping

Trail Running

Hydration

Nutrition

Accessories

Technology

First-Aid

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. 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. – CHRISTINA HENDERSON, SWITCHBACK DIRECTOR

IT WAS FANTASTIC. WE CONNECTED WITH BRANDS THAT WE’VE ONLY KNOWN VIRTUALLY IN THE PAST AND MADE SOME NEW RELATIONSHIPS AS WELL. A LOT OF 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. – CODY WHELAN, OWNER, TREELINE OUTFITTERS

4 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

Attendee Information

A closer look at Switchback Spring 2025 attendees 290 specialty retailers attended the

debut Switchback Spring, representing the following business types:

Top 5 Attending U.S. States: 1 Tennessee 2 New York

Outdoor Specialty Retailers

67%

15%

Run Specialty Retailers Independent Shoe Store

6%

12%

“Other” Retailers (Department, Fashion, Lifestyle, Resort/Travel, Eyewear, Off-Price)

3 Colorado 4 California 5 Texas

Top Attendee Job Titles: 1 Buyer 2 Owner 3 President

93% of attendees were U.S.-based,

with international representation from Austalia, Canada, Japan, and Puerto Rico

2 in 5 attendees have worked in the outdoor profession for over 16 years

More than 9 in 10 attendees noted

they were satisfied to very satisfied with the debut event

4 CEO

Attendees’ Top Reasons for Attending Spring 2025: 1

Discovering new products and innovations

2

Networking and building industry connections

3 Meeting with suppliers and vendors 4 Learning and education

Of those who participated in Day One education sessions, 97% noted they

were satisfied to very satisfied with the content

I DECIDED TO ATTEND THE SWITCHBACK SHOW THIS YEAR TO SEE NEW BRANDS AND CONNECT WITH BUYERS AND DEALERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A NATIONAL TRADE SHOW IN OVER FIVE YEARS, SO I AM EXCITED TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND SEE THE LATEST TRENDS. – CARMEN BLACKBURN, BUYER, SWAIN’S GENERAL STORE SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 5

Attendee Information Attending Retailers Included: Academy Sports & Outdoors

Black Dome Mountain Sports

Free People

Paragon Sports

Sun & Ski Sports

Altitude Sports

Camping World

Nat’s Outdoor Sports

Ridge & River

Tractor Supply Company

Backcountry

Eastern Mountain Sports

Oshman’s Japan

Slim Pickins Outfitters

REI

MORE FUN FACTS: Over 4 in 5

Over two-thirds

8 out of 10

Nearly 3 in 5

attendees plan to return to Switchback Spring 2026

attendees felt their objectives of networking and builiding industry conections were met

How attendees rated the Switchback Spring exhibitor mix

4.5 out of 5

of attendees said Switchback Spring was important to their business or organization

attending retailers represent 1-2 storefronts

Two-thirds

of attendees have either sole or joint buying power

Switchback Spring 2025 Attendee Comments: THE CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS DID A GREAT JOB SELECTING THE EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS AND TOPICS AS WELL AS LINING UP AN AMAZING SLATE OF EXHIBITORS. WELL DONE ALL THE WAY AROUND IN MAKING THIS A WORTHWHILE CONFERENCE FOR RETAILERS AND BRANDS IN THIS SPACE. IT WAS A GREAT EVENT, WITH A LOT OF ENERGY AND PEOPLE WERE VERY EAGER TO CONNECT AND FIND WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER. COOL TO SEE THE INDUSTRY COME TOGETHER IN A MEANINGFUL WAY, AND CREATE CONNECTIONS.

6 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

Exhibitor Information

A closer look at Switchback Spring 2025 exhibitors A Quick Look at 2025 Exhibitors:

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL 2025 EXHIBITORS

Altra

Liberty Mountain

Arc'teryx

Lifestraw

BOGS Footwear

Marmot Mountain

Cnoc Outdoors

Merrell

Cotopaxi

Mountain Hardwear

Chubbies

PyreLogs

Eagle Creek

RAINS

GCI Outdoor

Rossignol

Helinox USA

Sherpa Adventure Gear

Howler Brothers

Smartwool

Norrøna

Teton

OOFOS

Teva

Paka Apparel

The North Face

Picture Organic Clothing

TOPO DESIGNS

Pingora

UYN

Top 5 reasons for exhibiting

EXHIBITOR FUN FACTS:

Over 70%

of exhibitors met their objectives of building industry connections and relationships

83%

of exhibitors listed “increasing brand awareness” as their main goal for Switchback Spring 2025

Two-thirds of exhibitors were satisfied with the quality of attendees

9 in 10

exhibitors agreed that the organizers made it easy for them to exhibit at the event

WE OPENED A FEW ACCOUNTS AND HAVE ORDERS IN HAND, WHICH IS REALLY VALIDATING FOR OUR YOUNG BRAND. 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

1

Increasing awareness of brands, products, and services

2

Building industry connections and relationships

POTENTIAL THAT’S AHEAD FOR OUR COMPANY.

3

Finding new distributors, partners, and retailers

– BETH STEELE, OUTDOOR SALES DIRECTOR, MIMIKAI

4

Meeting and selling to current customers

5

Connecting with media

Top 3 bonus features exhibitors enjoyed at Switchback: 1

Exhibit Hall Happy Hours

2

Welcome Party

3

Event App

93% of exhibitors were U.S. based, with others traveling from Austria, Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom

50% of exhibitors were decision makers and 25% were sales representatives

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 7

Industry Education Education is key to progress, which is why outdoor retailers and brands found a thoughtful lineup of sessions and expert speakers at Switchback Spring.

The 2025 education program was built around the outdoor industry’s current goals, needs, and challenges.

Designed in close collaboration with OIA, the program covered outdoor trends and consumer behaviors, innovative business and marketing strategies, public lands advocacy, change management, and more.

Attendees left Switchback with ready-to-implement ideas and strategies for their business and career.

Official Event Partner

Conference Sessions

Led by a mix of industry experts, conference sessions took place in a classroom setting throughout Day One of the event.

Featured sessions were held in a large ballroom, while more intimate breakout sessions took place in smaller rooms.

Day One: June 16 Keynote: A Conversation with Jim Weber: Leading with Agility and Purpose Jim Weber, Former CEO, Brooks Melanie “Mel” Strong, Founding Partner, NEXT VENTURES

Turn New Participation Data Into Retail Growth Kelly Davis, Director of Research, OIA

Reduce Your Hassles, Improve Your Operations, Increase Your Profits David Jones, Founder/President, The Excellence Advisory,

Strengthening Retailer-Vendor Relations in Today’s Business Climate Mark Sullivan (Moderator), Partnerships & Development Director, Switchback Jessica Alder, Vice President of Sales, Merrell Jon Frederick, Group Marketing Director, Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd Brian Mildenstein, Owner, Fin & Feather Kerri Olson, Outdoor Apparel Senior Buyer, Piragis Northwoods Company

Cash Flow Strategies You Can Implement Right Now Dan Jablons, President, Retail Smart Guys

Building Successful Wholesale Relationships with Emerging Brands Katie Doherty (Moderator), Co-Founder, Founded Outdoors Eoin Comerford, Principal, Outsize Consulting Jen Loofbourrow, Founder/Owner, Alpine Fit Mike Mojica, Founder/CEO, Outdoor Element Lloyd Vogel, Co-Founder/CEO, Garage Grown Gear

Community and Authenticity in the History of Outdoor Retail Rachel Gross, Assistant Professor of HIstory, University of Colorado Denver

The Impact of Trade on Retail – and How You Can Help Fight Back Jaclyn Levy, Senior Director, Advocacy & Government Affairs, OIA

On the Horizon: What’s Next for Outdoor Jeanine Pesce, Founder/Creative Director, RANGE

Built to Flex: Smarter Strategies for Retail Planning, Buying, and Merchandising Carrie Watson, Founder, Outside Looks

Unlocking Outdoor Consumer Trends for Retailers Kelly Davis, Director of Research, OIA

Day Two: June 17 Switch(back) Your Focus to the Customer, not the Market: How to Re-Engage Your Customer—with Intention and an Evidence-Based Retail Approach Dan Mann, Founder/President, The Mann Group

Day Three: June 18 The Business Imperative of Protecting Public Lands: Why Conservation is Critical to the Outdoor Industry’s Future Adam Cramer, Executive Director/CEO, Outdoor Alliance Kent Ebersole, President, OIA Paul Hendricks, Executive Director, The Conservation Alliance

8 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

Indicates a Featured Session that was open to all badge holders

Keynote A Conversation with Jim Weber: Leading with Agility and Purpose A packed room gained valuable insights during the keynote, including tips for strong leadership, managing change and disruption, and building an organization that can sustain and thrive through challenges.

Jim Weber shared the formula that re-founded and transformed Brooks from a business on the brink of bankruptcy into a $1.4B global powerhouse and industry leader able to stand tall against world class brands. From leading with purpose and driving innovation to cultivating customer obsessions and building more trusting workplace cultures, Weber revealed the key decisions that fueled Brooks’ success.

We’re excited to be a part of this important new gathering in the outdoor sector. The energy and enthusiasm of the attendees has been fantastic.

– JIM WEBER, FORMER CEO, BROOKS

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 8

Industry Insights & Education Trailheads Theater Located in the exhibit hall, the Trailheads Theater was an engaging education space open to all. Attendees accessed impactful insights from a variety of presenters, which included partner organizations, brand and retail leaders, and other industry experts.

Day Two: June 17

Day Three: June 18

Maximizing Apparel Sales Through Smart Merchandising

Fueling Growth: Funding Strategies for Emerging Outdoor Brands

Holly Weise, Founder/Visual Visionary, 3 Dots Design

Inclusion Insights: Busting 4 Size Inclusion Myths to Boost Revenue and Market Share Andrea Kelly, Founder/CEO, Make Plus Equal

Accelerating Impact with 1% for the Planet Kiera Murphy, Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager, 1% for the Planet

The Outdoor Consumer Today: Who They Are, How They Get Outside, and How to Reach Them Kelly Davis, Director of Research, OIA

The Value of Corporate Advocacy: Protecting Lands and Waters

Enhao Li (Moderator), Co-Founder, Founded Outdoors Steve Westover, Managing Partner, Digsbury Ventures Georgia Grace Edwards, Founder/CEO, Gnara Alexis Dulan, Investor, Capitalize VC Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, Founder/CEO, LIVSN Designs

The Importance of Honoring Black History and Culture in Public Lands Jocelyn Imani, Senior Director, Black History & Culture, Trust for Public Land

Industry Partnerships to Expand Youth Outdoor Participation Lesford Duncan, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation Kent Ebersole, President, OIA

Paul Hendricks (Moderator), Executive Director, The Conservation Alliance

Attracting the Eco-Conscious Consumer

Mark Deming, Chief Marketing Officer, Northwest River Supplies, Inc. (NRS)

Jessica Bensley, Product Director, TEVA

Celia Camargo, Director of Community & Purpose, GU Energy Labs Erik Lambert, Founder/CEO, Bonfire Collective

The Augmented Outdoors: Culture, Technology, and Nature

Dean Ronzoni, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Leave No Trace Jake Lyons, Sales and Operations Lead, Send Bars Jen Moreau, Founder/Co-Owner, The Landmark Project

Building a Mission-Driven Business: Defining, Communicating, and Living Your Purpose Jenna Klein Jonsson, Managing Partner, Blaze Partners

Harry Bainbridge, Head of Strategy, Highsnobiety

Darren Brown, Head of Marketing, OOFOS

The Journey Behind the Brand: Why Origin Stories Matter

Yasmina Mokraoui, Vice President of Wholesale, Life is Good

Dan Kihanya (Moderator), Director, REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures Sara Chen, Founder/CEO, Pangoo Apparel

Michael Houston, Co-Founder, Shower Pouch Mike Mojica, Founder/CEO, Outdoor Element

Emily Kwesell, Co-Founder, Treeline Outfitters

The Outdoor Recreation Archive: Preserving the History of the Outdoor Industry Clint Pumphrey, Outdoor Recreation Archive Curator, Utah State University

Chase Anderson, Industry Relations Manager, Utah State University

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 9

Networking & Activities At Switchback, connection is key. From the Welcome Party and Morning Hike to interactive experiences like Speaker Office Hours, the goal was to create an environment that supported growth and conversation. Explore how attendees, exhibitors, media, and more came together - and had some fun at Switchback Spring.

Welcome Party

Hosted by:

Day One concluded with the Welcome Party, hosted by Merrell and OIA. Open to all, industry members gathered to swap stories and connect with friends new and old. Attendees had ample opportunities to catch up while enjoying food, drinks, live music, industry bingo, and a crowd-favorite activity—riverboat rides inside the Gaylord Opryland!

Speaker Office Hours Attendees continued their learnings by participating in office hours with four Switchback speakers. These meetings aimed to provide candid advice and actionable insights tailored to individuals’ unique challenges and questions. Participating speakers included: Carrie Watson

Dan Mann

David Jones

Holly Wiese

Founder, Outside Looks

Founder / President, The Excellence Advisory

Founder / President, The Mann Group

Founder / Visual Visionary, 3 Dots Design

Exhibit Hall Happy Hour Attendees celebrated the first-ever Switchback exhibit hall with the Exhibit Hall Happy Hour, held on the show floor. Snacks and drinks were provided as retailers mingled with exhibitors, media, partner organizations, and other industry members.

A special thank you to participating brands for hosting gatherings at their booths:

Hosted by:

Morning Hike Attendees kicked off Day Three with fresh air during the Morning Hike at one of Nashville’s local parks, Shelby Bottoms Greenway. Hosted by Merrell, attendees hit the trails in some of the brand’s newest footwear. Once at the park, participants joined a group run or took a leisurely walk to soak in the wildflowers and enjoy scenic views of the greenway.

10 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

Networking & Activities Last Call In The Hall Last Call in the Hall wrapped up Switchback Spring on a high note. Attendees celebrated the conclusion of the debut Switchback Spring with snacks, drinks, and good vibes.

Switchback Library Available throughout the event at various Switchback Library locations, a variety of books were free to take home: Rachel Gross: Shopping All the Way to the Woods: How the Outdoor Industry Sold Nature to America Outdoor Recreation Archive: The Outdoor Archive: The Ultimate Collection of Adventure & Sporting Graphics, Illustrations and Gear Jim Weber: Running With Purpose: How Brooks Outpaces Goliath Competitors to Lead the Pack Dan Mann: Leading Change: How to Achieve Superior Results with Gentle Pressure Relentlessly Applied | ORBiT: The Art and Science of Influence Marcus Woolf: Hiking Huntsville Vol. 1: A Guide to 80 Trails on Monte Sano Mountain, Huntsville Mountain | Green Mountain and Hiking Huntsville Vol. 2: A Guide to More Than 70 Trails and Greenways in the Huntsville Metro Area

CLICK HERE

TO LISTEN NOW: THE ROCK FIGHT LIVE AT SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025!

Live Recording of The Rock Fight A live recording of The Rock Fight took place during the Exhibit Hall Happy Hour. Host Colin True and co-hosts Eoin Comerford, Shawnté Salabert, and Producer Dave welcomed guests to discuss event highlights, including Christina Henderson, Switchback Director, Kent Ebersole, OIA President, Troy Sicotte, Mountain Hardwear President, and Jason Theinel, Cumberland Transit General Manager.

Attendee Bags

#SwitchbackSpring25 Pins

Switchback retail attendees received a bag filled with products and giveaways from participating brands! Check out the featured photo for a peek at what was included—and thank you to the following brands who participated:

Attendees got creative and decorated their bags, lanyards and more with custom Switchback pins.

I

Switchback

2025

THE

Outdoors

Year One

WILL HIKE FO

R BEER

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 11

Exhibit Hall: Featured Areas Not only was the Switchback exhibit hall packed with brands, it was also home to a variety of featured areas that sparked business, discovery, and inspiration.

Retail Innovation Lab Created by 3 Dots Design, a leading retail merchandising firm, the Retail Innovation Lab was an interactive space in the exhibit hall. The Lab showcased versatile displays that encouraged retailers to present merchandise in unique and engaging ways.

Products ranged from apparel and socks to camping gear, footwear, displays, and eyewear.

Participating brands included:

Product Spotlight The Product Spotlight was exactly that—a display of the latest products from outdoor brands. Attendees had the opportunity to stop by and check out the latest gear before visiting each brand’s booth to learn more about their new offerings.

Participating brands included:

12 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

Mannequins provided by:

Exhibit Hall: Featured Areas The Campground The Campground featured a hands-on tent display in the exhibit hall, allowing retailers to explore the newest tents from various brands. Participants could examine the tents' full functionality, size, and materials, mirroring real-life usage.

Participating brands included:

The Outdoor Recreation Archive Switchback was excited to showcase the Outdoor Recreation Archive—an organization with a mission to document the history of people, products, and brands in the outdoor industry. Through unpublished documents, published materials, and audio/visual materials, attendees had the chance to interact with archival materials throughout the event. The Outdoor Recreation Archive includes: • 8,000 outdoor clothing and gear catalogs representing 1,000 brands dating from 1900-present • 8,000 outdoor industry recreation magazines across 300 titles dating from 1907-present • 32 collections of documents, photographs, sketches, and other unique materials from gear innovators, brand founders, and other outdoor industry employees

Trailheads Theater The Trailheads Theater was a fan favorite and exhibit hall highlight, featuring education sessions and panels featuring industry experts and pioneers. Presenters shared valuable data, led timely discussions, and fostered community engagement during engaging 30-minute sessions. Check page 9 for the full Trailheads Theater lineup.

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 13

Subscribe to Trailheads, published by Switchback, is an online resource featuring content that speaks directly to the needs, goals, and concerns of outdoor specialty retailers, brands, and organizations.

Built on a foundation of education, connection, and business, Trailheads features content focused on merchandising, inventory management, outdoor trends, brand updates, and more. The publication shares best practices from innovative retailers and provides tips to help stores incorporate new, creative ideas and products.

Check out Trailheads' Switchback Spring Coverage: Switchback Spring Debuts Research Showing More Diverse and Casual Outdoor Participants

Switchback Spring Delivers Diverse Education Sessions, Covering Retail Operations, Industry Trends and Leadership Skills

Make Plus Equal Enables Outdoor Companies to offer Plus-Sized Apparel

4 Merchandising Tips for Specialty Retailers

14 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

CLICK HERE

TO SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE AND GET THE LATEST TRAILHEADS ARTICLES

Partner Organizations Partnerships and collaboration are essential to the success of the outdoor industry, as well as Switchback. Trusted for their expertise, experience, and leadership, Switchback partner organizations helped guide initiatives, education, and more at the debut gathering.

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a member-based collective and passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting–and growing access to–the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.

Official Event Partner

In 2024, Switchback and OIA formed a strategic, year-round partnership—a key tool in supporting industry connections and growth at the event and beyond. Switchback and OIA will continue to collaborate in welcoming specialty retailers, brands, organizations, and media with a vested interest in foundational outdoor experiences.

CLICK HERE

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

The outdoor industry is at a crossroads. Many businesses are navigating uncertainty and rapid change, and they shouldn’t have to face it alone. Coming together to tackle tough challenges, whether on the trail or in business, has always defined this community. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward at Switchback Spring as we learn and grow together.

– KENT EBERSOLE, PRESIDENT, OIA

THANK YOU to our 2025 PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS These organizations represented a wide range of outdoor focus areas, including conservation, participation, education, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 15

Media Coverage Switchback Spring 2025 welcomed media professionals from the following publications, podcasts, and channels: DUN Magazine, other outdoor pubs

Feisty Media

Footwear News

Kentucky Monthly Magazine

Outside Magazine

Roadhouse Marketing

SGB Media

Terradrift

The Aspen Times, Aspen CO

The Parks Podcast

Trailheads, Produced by Switchback

Wirecutter

FatManLittleTrail LLC

Field Magazine

GearJunkie

Outside Inc.

Overland Journal / Expedition Portal

Rock Fight

Tennessee Valley Outsider

Terrain Magazine

The Flyfish Journal

The Trek

WGSN

WIRED

Click on the media articles below to read more:

16 • SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT

Social Media Higlights Thank you to everyone who used the event hashtag #SwitchbackSpring25!

Check it out on social platforms (@SWITCHBACKEVENT) to catch what you missed.

SWITCHBACK SPRING 2025 POST REPORT • 17

SAVE the DATE

for upcoming Switchback events

Switchback at The Running Event 2025 LEARN MORE December 2-4, 2025 San Antonio, TX Henry B. González Convention Center

ABOUT SWITCHBACK AT TRE 2025

Back for Year Four, Switchback at The Running Event (TRE) 2025 will be a one-stop opportunity to access top run and outdoor brands under one roof, connect with industry peers, and gain valuable, actionable education to advance your business.

Switchback Spring 2026 June 16-18, 2026 New Orleans, LA Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

The second annual Switchback Spring will be held in New Orleans June 16-18, 2026. The venue will offer flexibility for innovative ideas, new initiatives, and vibrant energy.

Interested in Exhibiting?

GET IN TOUCH!

Beth Gordon

New Business, Development Director bgordon@divcom.com 949-293-1378

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWITCHBACK SPRING 2026

Interested in Attending?

Emma Galeckas

Attendee Relations Coordinator egaleckas@divcom.com 207-842-5607