Switchback Event

The initial Switchback Spring educational program is here!? Developed in collaboration with Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the program was built around the goals, needs, and challenges facing the outdoor industry in 2025 and beyond. The sessions are designed to offer specialty retailers and industry members actionable insights relevant to their businesses and careers, covering topics like outdoor trends and consumer behaviors, business and marketing strategies, change management, conservation, lifestyle and fashion, and more. Read today's press release to learn more about Switchback Spring education: https://lnkd.in/e2pBUx9k

You’re invited to “Protecting Our Public Lands: Navigating Staffing Cuts and Policy Shifts” – a live webinar on April 9 at 4:00 PM ET. Join Outdoor Industry Association President Kent Ebersole and a panel of experts as they explore urgent challenges facing our public lands, including reductions to National Park Services and U.S. Forest Service staff, policy shifts, and what the outdoor industry can do to take action. Don’t miss this important conversation—register now: https://lnkd.in/ehs2EaZv

Keep exploring the Switchback Spring education program—built with retailers in mind! “Built to Flex: Smarter Strategies for Retail Planning, Buying, and Merchandising” will examine how outdoor retailers can make confident buying decisions with built-in flexibility—allowing them to protect profits, keep options open, and seize last-minute opportunities. The session will be led by Carrie Watson, Founder of Outside Looks, LLC. Check out other confirmed presentations: https://lnkd.in/eUF2-3N6

We're excited to share Switchback Spring 2025 partner organizations! These organizations represent a range of focal points including conservation, participation, education, leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and more. ? “We created Switchback as a gathering for the entire outdoor industry, and these organizations are critical in pushing us to think harder, act responsibly, and encourage progress,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback Director. ? In addition to Outdoor Industry Association (Official Event Partner), partners include 1% for the Planet, American Trail Running Association, Black Men Run - Turf, The Conservation Alliance, Founded Outdoors, The Futurist Project, Leave No Trace, LGBTQ Outdoors, The Nashville Food Project, Outdoor Diversity Alliance, Outdoor Foundation, and Running Industry Diversity Coalition. ? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e9he9qTM

The Switchback Spring education program will be built around the outdoor industry’s current goals, needs, and challenges - and we're excited to officially share a program preview: Presented by Outdoor Industry Association, "The Impact of Trade on Retail and How You Can Help Fight Back" will offer insights into the current tariff and trade policy landscape, what it means for outdoor retailers, and how to take action. Learn more and preview other confirmed education sessions:?https://lnkd.in/eUF2-3N6

I wanted to share some words I recently wrote about why gathering is important, especially now: Since registration opened for Switchback Spring, interest in the outdoor industry’s newest gathering has been strong. We’ve confirmed more than 130 exhibitors, are building a strong list of non-profit partner organizations, and are putting the finishing touches on an impactful education program. A primary draw to Switchback is our deliberate focus on supporting the business needs of the industry. In the last month, however, other reasons for gathering have clearly moved up the list.? Driven by the uncertainty around the future of public lands, the impact of tariffs, and other core concerns near the heart of outdoor businesses, momentum is growing among the outdoor industry to gather, face-to-face, and discuss these very real issues.? People are hungry to lean in and are looking for the right tools and the right places to do it. While creating a positive business environment has always been the primary goal of Switchback, we’re also striving to create a home for the outdoor industry to hold bigger conversations with broader impacts.? For many, the outdoor industry is more than just a field of business. It’s also a community, sometimes a family, and often even a culture that celebrates when things are at their best and rallies together when times get tough.?? At Switchback, we are eager to support the outdoor industry community in this moment. We recognize the gravity of these topics and their direct, critical importance to both outdoor business and culture. We also know that gathering the industry is a key step in the right direction, and we are embracing our role to provide that space and bring together a full spectrum of outdoor leaders, learners, and listeners.? The outdoor industry has hit an inflection point, facing unknown outcomes from an unpredictable political climate. It’s not the first big moment for the industry, and it won’t be the last. But throughout all those moments, gathering the community has been the first step toward real progress. I hope you can join us, and the outdoor industry community, this June in Nashville at Switchback Event.?

Curious about Switchback Spring? Join our free webinar tomorrow at 4:00 PM ET to get a sneak peek at what’s ahead! ? Learn about the event format, education themes, and onsite initiatives. ? Hear from an outdoor retailer & brand on why they’re attending. ? Get insights from Outdoor Industry Association President Kent Ebersole on the value of bringing the industry together. ? Ask your questions during a live Q&A! Can't make it live? Register anyway to receive the recording. ?? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/dT2ddb4n

One week from today, join us for "What to Expect at Switchback Spring"- a free webinar where you'll hear perspectives on the importance of uniting the outdoor industry, what retailers and brands can expect at the debut gathering, and OIA’s role as Switchback’s Official Event Partner.? ? Speakers include Switchback Event Director Christina Henderson, Outdoor Industry Association President Kent Ebersole, The North Face Sr. Director, Outdoor, Ken Taylor, and Fin & Feather General Manager and Owner Brian Mildenstein. ? Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/dT2ddb4n

We’re excited to invite you to "What to Expect at Switchback Spring" – a virtual conversation on March 5 at 4:00 PM ET designed to help you learn more about the debut outdoor industry gathering. Christina Henderson (Event Director, Switchback) and Kent Ebersole (President, Outdoor Industry Association) will share more about the importance of bringing the outdoor industry together, what retailers and brands can expect at the inaugural gathering, and OIA’s role as Switchback’s Official Event Partner. Participants will also hear from an outdoor specialty retail professional and brand representative about why they're planning to be in Nashville this June. Can't make it live? Register anyway, and we’ll send you the on-demand version: https://lnkd.in/dT2ddb4n