New brands, new ideas, new connections – Switchback elevates discovery opportunities with dedicated space and highlighted events

May 11, 2026

Discovery is built into Switchback’s structure as well as its overall philosophy, from helping buyers connect with new brands to setting aside essential time for industry networking

(MAY 11, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – At the upcoming Switchback Spring in New Orleans (June 16-18, 2026), discovery will take center stage in a dedicated section for young companies, state sponsored booths featuring the next generation of gearmakers, targeted education sessions focusing on the value of emerging brands, and tailored social events.

In addition to a robust list of exhibiting outdoor brands that will be seen throughout the show floor, discovery opportunities have been built into Switchback’s structure as well as its overall philosophy,

from helping buyers connect with new brands to setting aside essential time for industry networking.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for retailers to find that new brand or product that brings ‘surprise and delight’ to their customers. We also want to facilitate moments of discovery for every Switchback Spring attendee by introducing them to cool new ideas and giving them plenty of opportunities to make business connections,” said Sean Smith, Switchback Spring event director.

On the show floor, retail discovery opportunities will be a central element of the “Pathfinders” section – a curated collection of retail-ready young brands was developed in partnership with Founded Outdoors, a national platform and learning network for more than 650 emerging businesses, and Garage Grown Gear, an ultralight backpacking hub dedicated to supporting the growth of small and cottage brands. Pathfinder brands include Allover (#304), Alpine Fit (#312), Bert Shoes (#308), Coastal Range Equipment (#309), Farm to Summit (#305), FKT Gear (#313), Gear Envie (#303), Hikerkind (#300), Hyperlite Mountain Gear (#301), Loon’r (#203), Outpatch (#310), Pika Outdoors (#307), RecPak (#311), Sol Sister Sport (#309), Swoop (#211), Symbiosis Gear (#306), WildBatch (#302).

“For us, it’s about supporting our brands in their early growth cycle. Part of that growth

is finding new wholesale and retail partners, and Switchback is a national platform where buyers are looking for new and interesting things,” said Lloyd Vogel, CEO and co-founder of Garage Grown Gear.

Founded Outdoors and Garage Grown Gear will each host education sessions centered around the needs of of specialty brands and retailers, including “The Role of Ecommerce in Outdoor Specialty Retail” (Tuesday, June 16, 1:30 PM, Breakout room 266, hosted by Garage Grown Gear) and “How Emerging Outdoor Brands and Retailers Win Together” (Wednesday, June 17, 11:00 AM, Trailheads Theater, hosted by Founded Outdoors).

“It’s a huge boost to retail discovery to have a section of the Switchback floor dedicated to newer companies. Many emerging brands don’t have the marketing or sales budgets to make a huge splash on their own, yet so often these brands are offering the most innovative products in the outdoor market,” said Katie Doherty of Founded Outdoors.

Retail discovery will also be elevated in the Switchback State Showcases, a string of booths hosted by the outdoor business alliances of Maine (#221), Michigan (#200), Oregon (#121) and Vermont (#120). In these State Showcases, each booth will feature multiple rising regional brands, elevating their designs and ideas to the national stage, often for the first time. The showcases were developed in partnership with the State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN), a national coalition of 24 state outdoor business alliances, which will also hold a membership convening at Switchback Spring.

“Switchback State Showcases are an incredible opportunity for the next generation of brands to make connections with retailers, with the industry, and with each other,” said Jonathan Jarosz, co-founder of Land of Outsiders, Michigan’s outdoor business alliance.

Social discovery – reconnecting with old friends and making new ones – will be the central theme of the Welcome Reception (Generations Hall, Tuesday, June 16, 6-7:30 PM), which is open to all event badge holders and features a New Orleans brass band, complimentary food, drinks, and a DJ.

Idea discovery will be the central theme of the Switchback Spring Partner Social (Trailheads Theater, Wednesday, June 17, 4:45-5:30 PM). At the Partner Social, event attendees will meet the advocates, educators, conservationists, entrepreneurs, and community builders who are expanding the idea of “who” belongs in the outdoors and how we can show up for the places we love, together. Switchback Spring partners include 1% for the Planet, American Trail Running Association, Big City Mountaineers, Black Men Run/TURF, The Conservation Alliance, Founded Outdoors, Hispanic Access Foundation, LGBTQ Outdoors, Leave No Trace, Outdoor Diversity Alliance, Outdoor Foundation, Outdoor Industry Association, Outdoor Market Alliance, Running Industry Diversity Coalition and the State Outdoor Business Alliance.

“We’re so fortunate in the outdoor community to have so many passionate organizations who are dedicated to our space. While our companies make the best outdoor gear in the world, it’s the people who make the outdoor industry truly great,” added Smith.

To learn more about Switchback Spring and the event’s broad range of discovery opportunities, please visit www.switchbackevent.com.

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 Spring (June 16–18, 2026; New Orleans, LA) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 1–3, 2026; San Antonio, TX). To learn more, contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.

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