Trailheads

This November 19-21, 2024, outdoor industry members will gather in Austin, TX, for the annual Switchback at The Running Event. Then, on June 16-18, 2025, the outdoor industry will meet again for the inaugural Switchback Spring education and business gathering in Nashville, TN. People planning to attend these events might wonder what’s behind the “Switchback” name. 

Many of us who have explored mountain trails can appreciate how switchbacks make life easier. Cutting sharply from one direction to the other, these turns in the trail allow a gradual climb or descent that avoids steep grades. When we take switchbacks, we’re following a smarter, more strategic route.  

An Easier Path Forward 

The name Switchback is inspired by the idea of making life easier for outdoor specialty retailers and positioning them for success. Switchback Spring is strategically being held in Nashville, a central location, to ensure retailers can travel to it relatively easily and affordably compared to many other destinations in the country. The June trade show dates are also convenient for dealers, as this is the time of year that they make many of their buying decisions.  

Attendees will appreciate the show’s favorable layout. The exhibition space, educational sessions, and networking events are all located in the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The venue also includes an attached premium hotel and 12 restaurants.  

While the Switchback name symbolizes convenience, it also represents the idea of moving in a new direction. To succeed, companies must sometimes alter their course and explore new paths. Switchback emphasizes learning and discovery and includes a strong slate of forward-looking educational sessions. For example, one session might examine the future of the footwear market, while another session could cover the use of AI for customer service and marketing.  

As retailers explore avenues for growth and emerging technologies, they need strong partnerships with manufacturers, reps, and other industry colleagues. Throughout Switchback Spring, attendees will enjoy ample opportunities to meet with peers and develop new beneficial relationships. In the morning, lunchtime, and afternoon, there are dedicated times for networking, and the open floor plan encourages people to mingle as they make their way through the show aisles. With a focus on building connections and community, the inaugural Switchback Spring offers ample opportunities for outdoor retailers.   

Switchback Origins 

While Switchback will debut as a stand-alone show in June 2025, its origin dates to 2022, when it launched as part of The Running Event (TRE), the premier conference and trade show for running specialty retailers.  

The Switchback section of TRE serves the outdoor specialty market, enabling traditional gear shops to benefit from the surging run category. Outdoor retailers enjoy convenient access to a wide range of run-related manufacturers. Plus, educational programs help outdoor dealers sell trail-running products more effectively. The success of Switchback at TRE led to the launch of Switchback Spring, which offers a new and innovative stand-alone trade show for the outdoor industry.  

From its beginnings at TRE, Switchback has placed retailers on the path to success. With the launch of the new spring show, Switchback continues to live up to its name.