NASHVILLE – The outdoor industry gathered in force at Switchback 2025, a new standalone trade show that drew nearly 1,300 attendees and won enthusiastic reviews from brands and retailers seeking closer ties and fresh business opportunities.
Held over three days in Nashville, Switchback featured more than 30,000 square feet of exhibition space, showcasing 194 brands and attracting 290 retailers from 41 U.S. states and nine countries. The event, which grew out of The Running Event, combined product previews with educational panels focused on tariffs, sustainability, vendor-retailer relationships, and consumer trends.
Industry leaders praised the show’s compact format. “This is exactly what the industry needs,” said Jessica Adler, vice president of sales at Merrell. “It’s great to have a national show that energizes everyone about the future.”
Teva’s vice president and general manager, Lee Cox, said the event struck the right balance. “Sometimes trade shows become more about marketing than selling. For us, this is a selling tool,” he said.
Panels highlighted challenges facing specialty retailers, particularly around minimum advertised pricing policies and direct-to-consumer competition. Meanwhile, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) urged businesses to engage with lawmakers as tariff uncertainties cloud long-term planning.
Switchback will return alongside The Running Event in December in San Antonio, with a second standalone edition slated for June 2026 in New Orleans.
