Outdoor brands look forward to Switchback Spring with common goals of retail exposure and industry connection

April 14, 2026

NEW ORLEANS (April 14, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – With less than two months before the doors open to Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, a robust list of exhibiting outdoor brands is voicing aligned goals for the upcoming gathering in New Orleans (June 16-18, 2026).

For brands big and small, the expectations for Switchback Spring strike a notable balance between achieving specific sales goals, building broader brand exposure, and strengthening peer connections for the long-term benefit of the outdoor industry.

“While every brand coming to Switchback has their own goals for the event, the common thread is that in addition to retail sales connections, they see their presence as a direct investment in a positive future for the industry,” said Sean Smith, Switchback event director.

Currently, more than 200 brands are registered for the event, covering 37,600 square feet of exhibition space and already surpassing last year’s total space by over 30%. Registered exhibitors include outdoor industry cornerstones, well known challenger brands, and retail-ready emerging companies looking to take the next step.

Early retailer registration is also contributing to brand commitments, as buyer numbers are already 38% ahead of where they were one year ago. Retailers represent all key sales regions, led by Pacific (25%), Midwest (18%), Rocky Mountain (18%), South (15%), Southwest (10%) and New England (9%).

• “Our core goals at Switchback are simple: show up for an evolving outdoor industry, offer current and prospective partners a clear snapshot of the Fjällräven brand, and discover new ways we as a brand can contribute to a collective and collaborative future in the outdoors,”

– Chris Tennal, Fjallraven

• “Outside” for us is bigger now. It’s still rooted in performance, but it’s showing up in how people actually live… hike, trail, everyday movement, and lifestyle. We want to connect that story clearly, strengthen our existing partnerships, and open the door to new ones that help us reach a broader consumer.”

– Jessica Adler, Merrell

• “Our goal at Switchback is to connect with community and showcase the next best outdoor brand. Community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re here to show up, connect, and inspire, bringing people together through a shared passion for the outdoors and rad gear.”

– Shane Wallace, Berghaus

• “We’re hoping to engage with a mix of regional/local retail chains as well as athletes, journalists, and content creators we can potentially partner with to help us build our brand and raise awareness as we launch Coastal Range Equipment into retail.”

– John Peretti, Coastal Range Equipment

Brands have also expressed excitement for the broad industry tent that Switchback is building, which includes social gatherings and a robust education schedule featuring sessions on essential topics like conservation, sustainability and adaptive outdoor activities.

• “We see Switchback as a moment to be in conversation with the industry. This means sharing perspective, learning from others, and continuing to shape what a more design-forward yet technical, women-first outdoor space can look like. Switchback brings together people who are actively shaping where the industry is going, and we’re especially excited to meet those who want to build something long-term.”

– Ellexa Thomas, Halfdays

• “We want to support the effort and build momentum around a comprehensive industry gathering. We need to rebuild the outdoor industry community that was mostly lost in these last several years since the pandemic.”

– Gordon Seabury, Toad & Co

• “We owe it to the industry to show up and attend shows, adding to the energy and the opportunity to get together, elevating smaller less known brands, and helping to create the critical mass and high quality attendance that raises all brands. A great show gets us together to share the experience and enjoy the company of others who love this industry as much as we do.”

– Nathan Dopp, Fjallraven

To register, book hotels, or learn more about Switchback Spring, 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.