Portland, MAINE (October 22, 2025) – Supporting the goal of a unifying national gathering that elevates all sectors of the outdoor community, Diversified, the owner and operator of Switchback, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) are deepening their relationship.
While the original strategic partnership announced in fall 2024 was designed to strengthen the impact, effectiveness, and attendance of the twice-annual Switchback gathering, the expanded relationship has a broader industry-wide goal.
"This partnership confirms that attending Switchback is an investment in the future of the outdoor industry,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “Our board and membership are eager for a cornerstone national event that delivers value across all sectors and is held bi-annually at optimal times in spring and fall to meet the needs of the industry's go-to-market process.”
“We’ve been seeking a show partner driven by the right values, and we've found that in Diversified. They see the big, long-term picture for our industry. They know it’ll take great care to ensure our ambition of convening twice per year, serving the greater industry whilst not stepping on the toes of existing trade events. Though it’s not perfect yet, we are aiming to align with those that steer trade to find something that is not only tenable but moves our industry forward,” said Troy Sicotte, Mountain Hardwear president and OIA Strategic Initiatives Chair.
Additional current OIA board members include representatives from Altra and VF, Columbia, Compose{d}, Good Times Supply, Leatherman Tool Group, LifeStraw, LL Bean, Merrell, Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, REI, Rumpl, Sanitas Sales Group, Slim Pickins Outfitters, Toad&Co, and Youngone Corporation. OIA membership also includes other cornerstone and emerging brands, multi-door and single-door retailers, sales reps, and numerous other industry affiliates.
Under the terms of the revamped relationship, OIA will support Diversified in shaping the future of Switchback through expanded influence on the selection of future dates and venues; on educational and non-profit association elements; on the development and promotion of key data initiatives; and in building direct connections with OIA membership through enhanced communications and visibility at OIA-hosted events.
“The enthusiasm and energy around Switchback Spring last June accelerated a lot of positive discussions, and led to us both realizing the need for a deeper, stronger partnership,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, Switchback. “OIA’s early endorsement of Switchback was incredibly valuable for the debut event, and their expanded role will be a key component in shaping and growing Switchback to best support and grow the overall outdoor industry.”
Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event (Switchback at TRE) and each June as a standalone event (Switchback Spring).
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.
Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX); and Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2026; New Orleans, LA).
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.
About Switchback
Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified, 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 (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.
