After a well-received debut as a standalone show last summer in Nashville, Switchback is moving to New Orleans for 2026.
Having grown from a dedicated section inside The Running Event, the outdoor trade show is poised for growth in its second year. More than 400 retailers are expected to attend, up from 290 in 2025, while the number of brands confirmed has risen from 194 to 228 at press time.
Now leading the charge is Sean Smith, who was named as the event director for Switchback in January after serving as Outdoor Retailer’s show director for two-and-a-half years. He replaces Christina Henderson, who previously held the title for both Switchback and TRE before being promoted to vice president of the Endurance Portfolio at parent company Diversified.
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“The big takeaway from the first [show] was that it was really clear the industry wants a national gathering that had been missing,” Smith told Footwear News. “The key brands showed up for it, and everybody was like: Man, this feels good. We do need this and we do need to meet in person.”
Positive feedback from year one is driving an even bigger emphasis on educational programming. For instance, on Tuesday, it has increased the number of breakout sessions, with five options now in the 1:30-2:15 p.m. slot, while the two afternoon segments have four apiece.
To make sure more retailers can benefit from these sessions, and the rest of the show, Switchback has also expanded its scholarship program.
As part of its relocation, Smith estimates Switchback is working with 40 to 50 percent more space in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. But booth sizes will once again be limited to
20-by-20 feet with no double-deckers allowed, to provide a more even playing field and encourage more creativity per square foot.
As for socialization opportunities, Smith said scheduled morning meals, a coffee break and parties will offer less-structured interactions, and the New Orleans locale should have no shortage of opportunities for extracurriculars.
“[It reminds] everybody that discovery and connections are the whole reason to come to a b2b event,” Smith said. “It’s not just about the buying and selling of goods.”