Switchback Spring 2027
Switchback Spring is the springtime edition of Switchback, described as the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry community, held in the spring and again in the fall alongside The Running Event (TRE). The gathering brings outdoor specialty retailers, brands, media, and industry organizations together for three days of education, business, and connection built to support and advance the outdoor industry. The event is aimed at outdoor specialty professionals working across both hard- and soft-goods categories, including footwear, apparel, hiking, camping, trail running, hydration, nutrition, accessories, technology, and first aid. Attendees are mostly US-based outdoor specialty retailers, with common job titles such as Store Owner, Store Manager, Buyer, Marketing Director, Merchandiser, Sales Manager, and Editor. The show is open only to members of the outdoor industry and not to the general public. Switchback stands out for its education-first approach, offering dozens of actionable sessions for executives, owners, managers, buyers, and associates, combined with a central, accessible location and an intimate, community-focused feel. Attendees gain hours of exhibit-hall time to discover products and connect with vendors, plus curated networking events, receptions, and off-site adventures.