Outdoor industry event Switchback Spring concluded its second-annual event last week having hosted more than 1,200 attendees from 46 states and 16 countries for three days of business and learning in New Orleans.
Switchback Spring once again opened with a full day of retail education sessions. Beginning on Tuesday (June 16), the education program included an unveiling of insights from the 2026 Outdoor Industry Association participation report as well as a feature showing of the short film “Best Day Ever,” which drew a standing ovation for its messages of inspiration and action.  Starting the day Wednesday (June 17), adventurer and skier Griffin Post led a timely conversation about public lands alongside Paul Hendricks from The Conservation Alliance and Denise Anderson of The North Face.
On the second and third day of Switchback Spring (June 17-18), the event’s focus moved to the exhibit hall, which was home to 235 brands covering 40,000 square feet. Education continued on the show floor at the Trailheads Theater, where Switchback partner organizations and other industry experts hosted panels and presentations.
“The outdoor industry’s big energy, big ideas and big personalities were on full display here in New Orleans,” said Sean Smith, Switchback event director. “It’s a remarkable thing to see an event in only its second year draw this kind of interest and support from the surrounding community.”
Following the conclusion of last week’s gathering, organizers announced that Switchback Spring will return to New Orleans next year on May 22-24, 2027. The choice of location and timing was made with the input and cooperation of event partner Outdoor Industry Association and was chosen in part to shift the show dates to the beginning of the wholesale buying calendar.
“A sequel in New Orleans is another positive step for this national outdoor industry gathering. We are wholly behind Switchback’s long term commitment to bringing the outdoor industry community together, and we’re excited to gather once again next spring,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association.
“We see May as being a really positive timeframe for us. By being that early in the buying season, it opens the door for shining a little more of a spotlight on product launches and being a little more impactful in the conversations we’re having with our retailers,” said Jonathan Degenhardt, Scarpa co-CEO.
“The earlier the show dates, the better,” added Julie Menard, Cotopaxi Vice President of Sales, Wholesale. “By late May, samples are no problem, sales meetings are already done for almost everybody, and a strong national show will create excitement before all the regionals. And when you have a summer show before school gets out, travel is definitely cheaper and easier.”
