Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, opened its doors for the first time at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Jun. 16-18. More than 280 retailers, 194 brands and dozens of industry and media organizations gathered for a three-day convening focused on ideas, shared opportunity and business conversations.
The schedule kicked off with a standalone Education Day, as speakers unveiled new data regarding the evolution of outdoor consumers, delivering insight into finding success in the face of business challenges while addressing critical need for advocacy in support of public lands and waters.
“While the specific topics of our guest speakers spanned a remarkably wide range during our Education Day, one overarching message tied together just about every presentation: the outdoor industry is stronger when it gathers together,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback’s director.
Switchback Spring’s morning keynote featured a conversation between Jim Weber (former Brooks CEO) and Melanie Strong (NEXT VENTURES founding partner), discussing how brands and retailers can sustain and thrive through challenging times, the importance of building a resilient organization, adapting to change and disruption and promoting strong leadership and strategic thinking.
“We’re excited to be a part of this important new gathering in the outdoor sector,” said Weber. “The energy and enthusiasm of the attendees has been fantastic.”
After a full day of presentations on topics including retail best practices, the latest trade tariff information, and trends in retail and consumer purchasing, Day One wrapped up with the release of new data regarding outdoor consumers from a study co-commissioned by Switchback Spring organizer Diversified and official event partner Outdoor Industry Association (OIA).
The afternoon keynote was entitled “Unlocking Outdoor Consumer Trends for Retailers.” Key findings from the report included data on a growing demographic of outdoor consumers that occupies the broad space between the most active “core” outdoorists and the more “casual” consumers. Additional insights included how future market success hinges on the ability to embrace a more inclusive, experience-driven and emotionally attuned approach to outdoor engagement; and how independent specialty retailers are well positioned to capitalize on these trends by using their strengths in community building. The complete findings from the report are available to all Switchback attendees and OIA members, here.
“The growing block of influential outdoor consumers between the fringes of core and casual is a community that needs to be reckoned with at retail. This is no longer a binary market of core vs. casual – but a multi-faceted and dynamic one,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA president. “The data is incredibly powerful by itself, but the conversations that it prompted immediately after the release were really the true benefit.”
The opening Education Day was capped off by a celebratory Welcome party, hosted by OIA and Merrell.
During Days Two and three, brands and organizations will present their spring 2026 lines and meet with retailers, media and industry thought leaders. Additional speakers and panels will be hosted on the show floor at the Trailheads Theater, while networking events and an offsite hike will create more opportunity for industry connection.
