‘Switchback Spring’ Outdoor Trade Show Readying to Debut – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, is gearing up for its Nashville debut this June 16-18, with a sold out exhibition floor, specialty retailers representing 35 states, and a three-day slate of top-tier education sessions.
Hosted at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the gathering features a format new to the outdoor industry. The first day, Monday, June 16, is a standalone education day featuring seminars, keynotes, and the Welcome Party hosted by Merrell and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). The following two days move to the show floor for discovery, business meetings, and additional learning opportunities (Tuesday-Wednesday, June 17-18).
While the hybrid format of education and business meetings is a new approach compared to past outdoor industry gatherings, the goals are familiar – gathering in a central location to work, learn, connect, and celebrate side by side with friends and colleagues.
“Switchback Spring was built with the intention to be a welcoming national gathering for both legacy and emerging retailers and brands. To create a productive space for everyone, whether they’re a veteran CEO or an aspiring buyer, we’ve kept an open mind and listened to the outdoor industry’s wants and needs. And as we look to the future, we’re committed to more listening, learning, and evolving,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback director.
Switchback Spring’s sold-out show floor includes more than 190 exhibitors spanning 31,000 square feet; a Product Showcase featuring the latest outdoor items; the Retail Innovation Lab, an interactive space showcasing versatile and inspirational merchandising concepts; Trailheads Theater, an on-floor stage which will be home to 14 education sessions; and The Campground, a hands-on multi-brand tent display.
Attending retailers will travel from a range of locations – Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Montana, Pennsylvania, Washington and others – and represent a broad variety of retail business types including single-door specialty, multi-door specialty, and national retail chains. A sampling of attending retailers includes Ridge & River (Toledo, Ohio), Gearhead Outfitters (Bentonville, Arkansas), Mountain High Outfitters (Birmingham, Alabama), Grand Teton Lodge Company (Moran, Wyoming), Appalachian Running Company (Carlisle, Pennsylvania) and REI (Sumner, Washington) and Bass Pro Shops (Springfield, Missouri).
“I decided to attend the Switchback show this year to see new brands and connect with buyers and dealers from around the country. I have not been to a national trade show in over five years, so I am excited to meet new people and see the latest trends,” said Carmen Blackburn, buyer for Swain’s General Store (Port Angeles, Washington).
“I am excited it is in Nashville being from the Southeast and having a location in the market,” said Chris Groom of Mountain High Outfitters (Birmingham, Alabama).
Developed in close collaboration with official event partner OIA, Switchback Spring’s three-day education program will engage and educate a wide range of attendees. Highlights from the education program include a keynote conversation with former Brooks CEO Jim Weber and business innovator Melanie Strong; exclusive findings from the 2025 OIA Outdoor Participation Trends Report; and an advocacy-focused panel with OIA president Kent Ebersole, Outdoor Alliance CEO Adam Cramer, and Conservation Alliance executive director Paul Hendricks sharing the stage.
“The outdoor industry is at a crossroads. Many businesses are navigating uncertainty and rapid change, and they shouldn’t have to face it alone. Coming together to tackle tough challenges, whether on the trail or in business, has always defined this community. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward at Switchback Spring as we learn and grow together,” said Ebersole.
Switchback’s education sessions, networking events, and exhibition space will all be hosted within a dedicated portion of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a spacious yet comfortable setting with 12 restaurants and an attached premium hotel. With all attendees staying and meeting in a single location, the focused and efficient environment will enable both private planned meetings as well as serendipitous run-ins.
In addition to its walking proximity to the Grand Ole Opry – a historic country music venue – the Gaylord Opryland is also a neighbor to the Cumberland River, the 935-acre Shelby Bottoms nature preserve – site of the Merrell Morning Hike on Wednesday, June 18 – and a Nashville greenway trailhead that is part of the city’s network of 180 miles of non-motorized pathways. Five Tennessee State Parks and three lakes can also be accessed within a short drive.
To learn more about everything ahead at the debut Switchback Spring, explore the recently-released Event Guide.
To register for Switchback Spring, click here.
ABOUT SWITCHBACK SPRING
Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified Communications, 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 Spring (Nashville, TN; June 16-18, 2025) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX).
To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin ([email protected]) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.
