Outdoor sector’s premier trade group joins forces with twice-a-year gathering to build a comprehensive foundation for industry growth, connection, and learning
Read the letter from OIA President Kent Ebersole.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE & BOULDER, COLORADO – Switchback and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced a strategic partnership to strengthen the impact, effectiveness, and attendance of the twice-annual outdoor sector gathering.
As a key tool in supporting industry connections and growth, the year-round partnership will debut at the inaugural Switchback Spring in Nashville, Tennessee (June 16-18, 2025). It will also include support of Switchback’s late fall event, held in conjunction with The Running Event.
For both events, Switchback and OIA will work together to welcome specialty retailers, brands, organizations, and media with a vested interest in foundational outdoor experiences – time on the trail, at the campsite, and as part of the year-round outdoor lifestyle.
“This new partnership with Switchback underscores OIA’s commitment to driving the future business growth and overall health of the outdoor industry. We’re excited to join the Switchback team and collaborate on an event that will bring the industry together, which is critical for fostering innovation, driving business, strengthening industry culture, and ensuring long-term sustainability,” said Alison Hill, OIA Board Chair and CEO of Lifestraw.
“The number one request I hear from both long-time veterans of our industry and the rising next generation is ‘give us a great place to gather.’ The Switchback team has a proven track record of success, and we’re excited to collaborate with them on growing an event that can deliver multiple benefits to a wide range of outdoor industry members,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President.
As a partner, OIA will collaborate with Switchback at both the strategic and tactical level, enhancing the event with key learnings from leading outdoor industry data, legacy knowledge of essential and emerging issues, and deep connections throughout the outdoor industry community. At Switchback events, OIA will contribute to and recommend educational sessions and speakers, host special events, and support industry initiatives. OIA members will also receive discounted exhibitor rates at Switchback events beginning in 2025, in addition to the broad range of benefits already included in their annual memberships.
“OIA and Switchback are completely aligned on the importance of building a valuable and welcoming environment for the entire outdoor industry community and doing it with the support of quality industry partners. OIA has an inspirational commitment to this industry and the people who comprise it, and their deep working relationships with both brands and retailers is unparalleled,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback event director.
Switchback originally launched in fall of 2022 as a specialty outdoor showcase at The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show. Earlier this summer, the event organizers announced the addition of Switchback Spring, a new standalone gathering to be held each June during a key time in the spring/summer buying calendar.
Both Switchback at TRE and Switchback Spring are intentionally focused on foundational outdoor experiences, are hosted in central locations that are welcoming to all parts of the country, and are scheduled in the optimal timeframe for valuable buying conversations. Both events also welcome the attendance of multiple categories of outdoor industry members, including specialty retailers, brand leaders, traditional and new media, content creators, influencers, and organizations.
In addition to a robust exhibition space, Switchback’s event format is based on four pillars – learning, discovery, connection, and celebration – and each gathering provides a strong schedule of forward-looking conference programming and peer learning that is applicable and valuable to multiple business levels and positions.
Switchback’s format incorporates all facets of the show within a single dedicated space, including brand exhibition space, group meals, educational sessions, networking events, and attendee housing. The event will enable both private planned meetings as well as serendipitous run-ins with new industry connections and longtime friends.
Upcoming dates and locations for Switchback include Austin, Texas (Switchback at TRE, November 19-21, 2024); and Nashville, Tennessee (Switchback Spring, June 16-18, 2025).
To learn more visit www.SwitchbackEvent.com.
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ABOUT OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
OIA Media Contact:
Chris Denny, Denny Ink.
chris@dennyink.com.
ABOUT SWITCHBACK
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 at TRE (Nov. 19-21, 2024; Austin, TX), and Switchback Spring (Nashville, TN; June 16-18, 2025). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.SwitchbackEvent.com.
Letter from OIA President Kent Ebersole:
Dear OIA Members and Industry Partners,
OIA is proud to stand at the heart of the outdoor industry, delivering resources and opportunities that drive our businesses and communities forward. Industry gatherings are essential to our shared success, and we are committed to leading the way.
We have been actively engaged in broad discussions with many stakeholders about the future of industry gatherings. As a member-led collective, these conversations have been invaluable in shaping our vision for OIA’s role in convening the industry, and I want to take this opportunity to share our path forward.
Our commitment to serve as a catalyst for connection:
OIA Events: We will lead the industry with cornerstone events that create opportunities for collaboration, community, and action. Our sold-out inaugural sustainability Catalyst Conference this November provides the industry with an opportunity to innovate solutions for people, product, and the planet. We are in the planning phase for next spring’s Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C ., to use our outside voices to save outdoor companies money, fuel innovation, invest in recreation, expand outdoor access for all, and protect our environment.
Strategic Partnerships: With great enthusiasm, yesterday we announced our new partnership with Switchback to grow an event that can deliver multiple benefits to a wide range of outdoor industry members. OIA will also partner with other organizations where the industry and our members gather to deliver content that drives growth and opportunities for engagement through education sessions, existing OIA programs, and new initiatives.
OIA’s mission remains clear: We’re a passionate group of business leaders, sustainability experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to business growth and innovation while protecting—and growing access to—the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. Our team is excited about the opportunities ahead and is dedicated to leading our industry with the vision, resources, and commitment you have come to expect from us.
Join the Conversation: From the timing of events to the content they deliver, we aim to shape gatherings that bring value to all members and reflect the voices and needs of our entire community. We value your insights and encourage you to share your thoughts on our future direction. Click here to provide your feedback and help shape the future of our industry.
Together we are a force,
Kent Ebersole
President, Outdoor Industry Association
