Switchback Spring Opens Call for Education and Releases Initial List of Confirmed Exhibitors

October 28, 2025

PORTLAND, Maine (October 28, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – This week, Switchback opened its call for educational speakers and released its initial list of confirmed exhibitors for Switchback Spring to be held June 16-18, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program theme for next year’s event is “Equipping the Outdoor Industry for the Future,” and Switchback Spring is welcoming educational proposals that support, reflect, and accelerate this essential industry-wide goal.

“Equipping the Outdoor Industry for the Future embodies the vision of working together to grow and strengthen the industry through education, collaboration, and gathering,” said Caitlin Ewing, Switchback Conference Manager. “We’re looking for presenters with diverse voices and experiences to share their insights and perspectives with outdoor specialty retailers, brand professionals, and industry leaders.”

Last week, Switchback announced the deepening of its partnership with Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), who will be instrumental in developing the education program. Switchback and OIA will work together to create a lineup of speakers who illustrate and elevate outdoor industry opportunities, challenges, and shared goals.

Program focus areas are anticipated to include market trends and consumer insights, brand-retailer relationships, innovative business and marketing strategies, sustainability, business leadership, change management, outdoor culture and community building, and more.

In addition to having a platform at the industry’s leading event, speakers will receive a complimentary registration pass which includes access to all onsite networking events, education sessions, the exhibit hall, and opportunities to be included in promotional materials.

Individuals with fresh perspectives and industry knowledge who can share targeted, actionable insights with outdoor specialty professionals are encouraged to submit a session proposal here. The Call for Education closes Thursday, December 11, 2025. Accepted speakers will be notified in the early spring.

The initial list of confirmed exhibitors was also released this week by show organizers, and includes returning brands Altra, Arc’teryx, asics, Berghaus, Chaco, Cotopaxi, Darn Tough, Marmot Mountain, Merrell, Mountain Hardwear, Smartwool, The North Face, Toad & Co, and Xtrtuf. A growing number of first-time confirmed exhibitors will also be on hand, including Grand Trunk, Hikerkind, HydraPak, Rumpl, Salewa, Sea to Summit, and Stio. View the full list of confirmed brands to date at switchbackevent.com/spring-exhibitor-list.

“To have so many marquee and emerging brands confirmed this early is a strong statement from the industry about its support of Switchback Spring,” said Beth Gordon, New Business Development Director. “Year two of Switchback Spring is shaping up to be the can’t-miss industry event.”

For brands interested in exhibiting at Switchback Spring, please contact Beth Gordon at bgordon@Divcom.com.

For questions about the Call for Education or the submission process, please email education@switchbackevent.com.

Switchback Spring will be held June 16-18, 2026, in New Orleans, LA, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. For more information about Switchback, please visit switchbackevent.com/switchback-spring.

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. 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. 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.