Type: OIA Press Room

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) – Switchback at The Running Event (TRE), the showcase collection of outdoor businesses at TRE, wrapped up its fall event amidst the high energy and heavy retailer traffic of a record-setting gathering.

Successfully blending anchor brands and emerging leaders, Switchback at TRE delivered strong results for attendees and a boost of momentum as the outdoor industry began its countdown toward the debut standalone Switchback gathering, taking place June 16-18, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The level of awareness and conversation around Switchback Spring on the TRE show floor was exciting and inspiring,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback event director. “Many brands and retailers are looking forward to a gathering that will be good for their business, great for discovery and new relationships, and also provide a space for the broader outdoor industry to gather and learn.”

As a standalone event, Switchback Spring will be centered around foundational outdoor experiences including hike, camp, trail and outdoor lifestyle, presenting  a mix of soft goods, hard goods, accessories, and organizations. The event structure will share similarities with TRE’s proven formula, including a variety of educational programming and opportunities for connection and celebration, and limiting booth sizes to encourage focus.

Switchback Spring also recently announced Outdoor Industry Association as its Official Event Partner, amplifying the gathering’s appeal and reach to members and supporters of the outdoor sector’s premier trade group.

“We’ll be at Switchback Spring. As an industry, we’ve come full circle. There’s a fresh appetite to get back together and back to trade shows, as it’s an important part of who we are. Switchback will also be key for our business, an authenticator as we re-establish ourselves as a functional performance brand in the outdoors,” said Lee Cox, VP/GM of Deckers Emerging Brands, who was attending Switchback with Teva Footwear.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with retailers and friends in the industry at Switchback in June 2025. Everyone misses a gathering, and this TRE-format event in partnership with OIA should be really special. There’s a buzz here in discovering different brands and connecting with prospective retailers, and I’m looking forward to being a part of bringing that energy to the outdoor industry. And it’s only year one – I hope that we can continue to come together year after year and make it better for everyone,” said Josh Tedeschi, Arcteryx senior manager, US specialty sales.

“As an industry it is critical that we come together to advance our business and values,” said Susan Viscon, Chief Merchandising Officer and Path Ahead Ventures Executive Director at REI Co-op. “TRE has been a successful formula that allows for education, trade, and gatherings. We’re looking forward to seeing how this approach can work in the outdoor space.”

As a whole, TRE drew a record-setting 336 vendors to a show floor that grew by more than 15% over the previous year. More than 1,800 retailers, endurance event management professionals, and other industry members attended TRE, while over 220 media professionals were in attendance. In total, 4,872 individuals filled the Austin Convention Center for the 2024 event, which is a 20% increase in attendance compared to the 2023 edition.

Switchback at TRE featured a lengthy list of legacy names in the outdoor industry – including Patagonia, Scarpa, Deuter, KEEN, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Prana, Teva, Lowa, and Arc’Teryx – as well as dozens of brands coming to walk the event as they make plans for June. Switchback at TRE also drew a broad range of content creators, influencers, non-profit organizations, and an editorial press corps that enjoyed the high quality atmosphere.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a real trade show. Seeing all the energy and friendships here was fantastic, and definitely has me looking forward to June,” said Sam Moulton of Outside.

“Looking ahead to Nashville, I think I share the same hope and optimism as many folks I spoke with at the show: that the magic formula TRE has used to rise into the ‘it’ event on the calendar will foster a new spring/summer gathering that builds stronger community and gives voice to the stories that really matter. I am, in a word, stoked,” said Adam Ruggiero of Gear Junkie.

“My biggest takeaway from TRE 2024 was the energy. You could feel it both outside and inside the convention center as people were literally running to get into a show about running. I’m excited to see how the community that has been cultivated at this event expands to Switchback next June,” said Colin True of The Rock Fight podcast network.

In Nashville, Switchback Spring will support outdoor industry needs through the same four pillars of TRE:  learning, discovery, connection, and celebration. In addition to two days of an open exhibit hall, the gathering will provide a robust schedule of forward-looking conference programming and peer learning that will be applicable and valuable to multiple business levels and roles.

Switchback Spring will be hosted within a dedicated portion of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a spacious venue with 12 restaurants and an attached premium hotel. With all attendees staying and meeting in a single location, the focused environment will enable both private planned meetings as well as organic meetups and run-ins.

For more information about Switchback, please visit https://www.switchbackevent.com/switchback-spring/

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 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 (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.SwitchbackEvent.com.

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BOULDER, Colo.  (November 22, 2024) – Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole released the following statement celebrating the introduction of the “America the Beautiful Act” by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.). The bipartisan bill would reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and increase funding for public land management.

“Record numbers of Americans are visiting our public lands each year, and we have a duty to the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts to ensure we leave these places better than we found them,” said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association. “OIA and its members applaud this bipartisan effort by Senators King, Daines, Cramer, and Warner to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and take care of the infrastructure backlog across our public lands. There is no better return on investment than protecting these places that Americans have treasured for generations.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 20, 2024

 

BOULDER, Colo. — The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) today released its latest economic data measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the U.S., totaling $1.2 trillion. This new data confirms the industry’s critical role in fostering economic growth, innovation, and job creation. 

“Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime enjoyed by over 57% of Americans; it’s a cornerstone of our nation’s economy,” said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). “OIA led the charge in urging the BEA to track this data, which continues to reveal the profound economic and societal value of human-powered outdoor pursuits. These activities fuel local economies, drive innovation, and create healthier, more connected communities. As the voice of the outdoor industry, OIA and its members are committed to advancing policies and investments that sustain this growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.”  

Why These Numbers Matter 

• The outdoor industry supports 5 million jobs across the country and accounts for 2.3% of GDP, a testament to its importance in both rural and urban communities. 

• With a record 175.8 million Americans enjoying the outdoors each year, outdoor recreation continues to engage a diverse and growing audience. 

• The economic might of the outdoor industry calls for collective action to advance industry priorities for the good of business, people, and planet.  

 This data reinforces the need for strategic investments in the outdoor industry. OIA is advancing a collaborative, bipartisan approach to strengthen the outdoor recreation economy and drive meaningful impact through the following priorities:  

• Advance a Balanced Trade Agenda: OIA is committed to advancing tariff reform, supporting U.S. manufacturing, and leveling the playing field for outdoor businesses. OIA will continue to advocate for the renewal of programs including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to reduce costs, create jobs, and fuel innovation in outdoor products.  

• Promote Conservation and Expand Access to the Outdoors for All: OIA supports policies that invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure and public lands, along with policies that ensure access to outdoor spaces for all nationwide.  

• Champion Climate and Sustainability Policies: To protect recreation spaces and promote sustainable innovation, OIA endorses climate policies that safeguard sensitive habitats, enhance public lands, and support clean infrastructure.  

OIA invites the industry to join President Kent Ebersole and its government affairs team on December 5 at 1 PM MT for a webinar to dive deeper into the BEA data and discuss the 119th Congress and industry policy priorities for 2025. Participants will gain insights and strategies to effectively engage policymakers and drive impactful policies shaping the future of trade, recreation, and sustainability. Register here.  

 

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 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. 

 

 

BOULDER, Colo.  (November 19, 2024) – Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole released the following statement regarding the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s markup of public land and forestry bills:

“The Outdoor Industry Association applauds the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s work to advance over 70 public land and forestry bills,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “Today’s markup demonstrates that protecting America’s public lands remains a bipartisan issue that can rise above partisan divides. We look forward to working with our champions in Congress to further these efforts, which are the foundation of the trillion-dollar outdoor economy.”

 

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 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.

 [BOULDER CO, November 5, 2024] – As a member-led collective and a catalyst for meaningful change in the outdoor industry, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is committed to ensuring that the outdoor recreation economy—supporting 7.6 million American jobs and contributing $1.1 trillion in consumer spending—continues to thrive in partnership with the newly elected administration and Congress.  

OIA stands ready to work with the Trump Administration and Congress to advance policies that drive growth, protect public lands, and increase access to outdoor spaces for all communities. We thank the Biden Administration and outgoing Congress for their partnership over the last four years.  

Together with our members, OIA will mobilize its advocacy networks to champion policies that promote sustainable manufacturing and support a balanced trade agenda that safeguards U.S. jobs and fuels innovation. 

Through a collaborative and bipartisan approach, OIA will: 

• Advance a Balanced Trade Agenda: OIA is committed to advancing tariff reform, supporting U.S. manufacturing, and leveling the playing field for outdoor businesses. OIA will continue to advocate for the renewal of programs including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to reduce costs, create jobs, and fuel innovation in outdoor products. 

• Promote Conservation and Access and Expand Access to the Outdoors for All: OIA supports policies that invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure and public lands, along with policies that ensure access to outdoor spaces nationwide. 

• Champion Climate and Sustainability Policies: To protect recreation spaces and promote sustainable innovation, OIA endorses climate policies that safeguard sensitive habitats, enhance public lands, and support clean infrastructure. 

Upcoming Webinar on Post-Election Landscape
OIA invites the industry to join President Kent Ebersole and its government affairs team on December 5 for a webinar discussing the 119th Congress and industry policy priorities for 2025. Participants will gain insights and strategies to effectively engage policymakers and drive impactful policies shaping the future of trade, recreation, and sustainability. Register here. 

 

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 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.