Switchback Spring event data helps bring future into focus for growing industry gathering

August 27, 2025

PORTLAND, MAINE (August 27, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, this week released its 2025 Post-Event Report: a summary of attendee data and feedback that illustrates the business realities, expectations, and objectives met at last June’s debut event.

The report will be used by Switchback Spring organizers to bring the event’s numerous aspects to life for prospective future attendees and exhibitors, as well as to aid in the continued refinement and growth of the outdoor industry gathering.

“Whether from post-show data or the conversations we had in Nashville, we learned a lot from the debut event,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback director. “While yes, feedback was positive, we’re looking forward to creating even more value for retailers and exhibiting brands next year. To do that, we’ll continue listening to the outdoor community and being intentional with our plans for New Orleans.”

At the three day event in June, Switchback Spring drew 1,286 attendees from 41 states and nine countries, with exhibiting brands and organizations covering more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space. The event included 46 speakers and 26 education sessions, numerous social gatherings, and brought in widespread praise for its “great energy.”

According to the report, more than half of attending retailers represented one or two storefronts, and two thirds of attendees had either sole or joint buying power. Attendees ranked the quality of exhibitors at 4.5 out of 5, and more than 80% already plan to return to Switchback Spring in 2026.

“Switchback was the jumpstart that the outdoor industry needed. It was high time for the industry to come together again en masse at a national show,” said Brian Mildenstein of Fin & Feather (Iowa City, Iowa).

“We had a spectacular time at Switchback, will recommend to retailers for next year, and will be attending as many Switchback events as we can in the future,” said Cody Whelan of Treeline Outfitters (Portsmouth, New Hampshire).

Exhibiting brands reflected a desire for discovery, with 83% citing “increasing brand awareness” as their main goal for Switchback Spring. Over 70% met their goals of building industry connections, and more than two-thirds were satisfied with attendee quality.

“The first Switchback was a great experience for SCARPA. The attendance and energy at the show was great and absolutely exceeded my expectations. We are looking forward to seeing how it grows and develops in future seasons,” said Mark Mathews of SCARPA.

“Without a doubt, small and large brands alike showed up to Switchback Spring in its first year and set the table. They gave retailers a more navigable, innovative, collaborative, high quality, and diverse offering of top outdoor and lifestyle products than most other trade shows in recent years. The question becomes: will retailers, press, and sales reps show up to the table in future iterations of the show? From where we sit, they’d be silly not to,” said Georgia Grace Edwards of LIVSN x Gnara.

“This was an exciting opportunity for our heritage brand as we begin to scale. It gave us the chance to connect with like-minded retailers who share our values of care and quality. We were thrilled to introduce our products to a new demographic and loved seeing the positive response they received. In addition to connecting with buyers, we also met organizations we look forward to partnering with in the future. Beyond sales, this was a meaningful culture-building experience that affirmed the heart of what we do,” said Eva Deitch of SallyeAnder.

The second edition of Switchback Spring will be held in New Orleans June 16-18, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. To receive the latest updates about Switchback Spring, sign up for event news here.

ABOUT SWITCHBACK SPRING

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. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event with dedicated focus on the outdoor industry. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.