Switchback Spring 2027 lands in New Orleans May 22-24.
Dates
22–24 May 2027
City / country
New Orleans, United States
Venue
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Time
daily exhibit-hall hours to be announced
Event overview
Switchback Spring 2027 is the outdoor industry's education and business gathering, held May 22-24 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
The third edition brings specialty retailers, brands and media together for three days of exhibits, retail-focused education and structured networking. It follows a 2026 edition that drew 1,262 attendees from 46 states and 16 countries.
TL;DR
Retail buyers and outdoor industry professionals get three focused days of education, exhibit-hall time and scheduled networking in one accessible city. The programme is built for specialty retailers at every level, from owners and buyers to store managers and marketing teams, and the smaller format makes it easier to meet brand founders and compare product lines.
Exhibiting puts outdoor brands in front of specialty retail buyers at the point when seasonal budgets are being committed. The show's education-first audience is deliberately curated for the outdoor trade, and three days in New Orleans keep travel and staffing costs lower than a long national convention. Contact info@switchbackevent.com for 2027 space.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
1900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Entrances & gates
Main Boulevard entrance
Use the main entrance on Convention Center Blvd and follow event signage.
Food options
Convention center concessions, Nearby Warehouse District restaurants
On-site diningParking: Surface and garage parking is available around the convention center campus; confirm the current lot and rate with the venue before travelling.
Gate: Enter through the main Boulevard entrance and follow Switchback signage to the Level 2 meeting and exhibit areas.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Trade Show Only: Retailer (2026 rate)
Specialty retailers only; 2026 published rate, 2027 pricing not yet posted.
All Access: Retailer (2026 rate)
Includes conference sessions, networking and exhibit hall; 2026 published rate.
Non-Exhibiting Company (2026 rate)
For non-exhibiting brand personnel and manufacturers; 2026 published rate.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a business photo ID and proof of outdoor-industry affiliation; badges are issued after registration is approved.
Ticket notes
2027 pass pricing had not been posted at the time of research. The published 2026 rates were $49 for a trade-show-only retailer pass, $129 for an all-access retailer pass and $1,499 for a non-exhibiting company pass; retailer registrations are reviewed before payment.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 1,262
Edition #: 2
Visitor countries: 16
This edition
2027
Visitors: 1,400
Exhibitors: 250
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The second annual Switchback Spring concluded in New Orleans with 1,262 attendees from 46 states and 16 countries over three days of business, education and networking. Organisers confirmed the third edition for May 22-24, 2027.
New this edition
May dates at the start of the buying calendar
The third edition moves from June to late May so retailers can commit budgets earlier in the wholesale cycle.
SourceImpact
The 2026 edition consolidated Switchback Spring as a national outdoor specialty gathering, with 1,262 attendees from 46 states and 16 countries. For a second-year show, that breadth gives exhibitors access to buyers from beyond the Gulf South and gives retailers a reason to travel for a compact three-day format.
Audience quality
The audience is deliberately trade-only: outdoor specialty retailers, brand teams, media and industry organisations. The organiser reviews retailer registrations, which helps keep the floor focused on qualified buyers rather than general-public traffic. Buyers typically arrive with seasonal assortment and supplier decisions to make.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on meeting the right specialty accounts rather than raw footfall. With roughly 1,300 attendees and a compact floor, exhibitors can plan a manageable number of high-intent meetings over three days. Budget for one 9 sqm booth, two staff and three nights, and set a follow-up target rather than relying on scanned-lead volume alone.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Switchback Spring gives outdoor specialty brands and retailers a compact national meeting point early in the buying cycle, with New Orleans offering lower travel friction than a large coastal convention.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Specialty retail consolidation
Independent outdoor retailers are consolidating and professionalising buying, so brands need fewer, higher-quality account conversations.
What it changes: A curated trade floor rewards exhibitors that arrive with clear margin, minimum-order and replenishment stories.
SourceTrail running and hiking crossover
Trail running continues to pull footwear, apparel and hydration buyers into the same assortment conversations as core hike.
What it changes: Brands that span trail and hike can meet more of a specialty buyer's open-to-buy in one appointment.
SourceEducation-led buying
Retailers are using show education on leadership, merchandising and marketing technology to justify travel and staff time.
What it changes: Exhibitors benefit when the programme gives buyers a second reason to attend and stay on the floor.
SourceSwitchback Spring anchors the spring buying season, with a fall Switchback edition at The Running Event and Outdoor Retailer bookending the year.
Switchback at The Running Event
San Antonio, United States
Fifth year of the co-located Switchback gathering at TRE.
websiteOutdoor Retailer Summer Market
Salt Lake City, United States
Dates are a circuit estimate; confirm with the organiser before booking.
websiteGrassroots Outdoor Alliance Connect
Knoxville, United States
Estimated autumn dates; this is a retailer-member buying event rather than an open trade show.
websiteSpring outdoor buying window
Late May to mid-June is the core window for spring/summer assortment decisions.
Fall running and outdoor window
November-December serves run specialty and next-season outdoor planning.
Autumn specialty buying window
Retailer-member buying events cluster in late autumn.
Circuit dates other than Switchback at TRE are planning estimates and should be confirmed.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Main gateway with direct service from most US hubs.
14 miles
to venue
20-30 minutes
by car
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Secondary option; limited service and longer ground transfer.
75 miles
to venue
75-90 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 140–190 / night
Walkable to the venue; book early because May is a busy convention month.
sourceUSD 220–290 / night
Larger rooms and easy access to both the venue and French Quarter dining.
sourceUSD 350–600 / night
Full-service stays within a short ride or 20-minute walk of the convention center.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare / taxi
Rideshare pickup is on the airport upper level; allow 20-30 minutes off-peak.
RTA streetcar / bus
Cheap and frequent; use a Jazzy Pass for multiple rides.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA | $185.00 | Varies; apply well before travel | |
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Eligible citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa.
A carnet can simplify temporary import of display goods; confirm with US Customs and Border Protection before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
Late May in New Orleans is warm and humid, with highs near 85°F (29°C) and lows near 70°F (21°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan indoor transfers and carry rain protection.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Venue Wi-Fi is available in public areas; exhibitors should order dedicated internet if live demos are essential.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress for heat and walking
Business casual with breathable fabrics works for the show floor; the venue and nearby hotels involve substantial walking.
Tipping and local etiquette
Tip 18-20% at restaurants and $2-5 per bag for hotel staff. New Orleans hospitality is conversational; allow time for greetings.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International)
Book 6-10 weeks out for late May; Sunday arrivals fill downtown hotels.
Book flightsMost European and several other nationalities can travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA; others need a B-1 visitor visa.
Estimated cost: $21 ESTA or $185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 can take weeks
Apply before booking non-refundable travel and carry an event invitation if asked at entry.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rideshare or taxi, 20-30 minutes, about $36-50.
Hotel → venue: Most Warehouse District and CBD hotels are a 5-20 minute walk.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate at MSY and downtown; use the designated pickup zones.
Public transit: RTA bus and streetcar service connects Canal Street, the CBD and the convention center for $1.25 per ride.
Parking: Convention center garages and nearby surface lots charge event rates; confirm with the venue.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
Seasonality: Humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; hurricane season begins in June.
Packing: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket and a portable battery.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (Sunday, May 23, 2027)
The middle day usually combines a full education block with the busiest exhibit-hall window; arrival day is shorter and the final day thins out.
Confirm registration category and approval — Retailer badges are reviewed; resolve credential questions early.
Book hotel and flights — Late May is busy; aim for a refundable rate near the Warehouse District.
Build a target brand list and meeting requests — Use the exhibitor list and schedule meetings before the floor opens.
Download the agenda and mark priority sessions — Balance education blocks with exhibit-hall time.
Pack badge ID, business cards and a charged phone — Check weather and plan a rain-safe transfer to the venue.
Registration and badge collection
Level 2 main entranceOpening education session
New Orleans TheaterExhibit-hall supplier meetings
Exhibit hallNetworking reception
Show-floor loungeFrench Quarter walk
Culture and Food
1.5 miles / 30-minute walk
Historic architecture, live music and classic New Orleans restaurants.
Garden District and Magazine Street
Neighbourhood and Shopping
3 miles / 15-minute rideshare
Independent boutiques, cafes and antebellum streetscapes.
Show-floor happy hour
Event social
Organiser-hosted drinks and introductions on the exhibit floor.
Warehouse District cocktail bars
Evening networking
Walkable from the venue for small-group dinners and follow-ups.
Outdoor specialty buying cycles reward speed: brands that follow up while the retailer is still building the assortment have a better chance of being included.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 350–550 / m²
Raw space
USD 250–400 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative US outdoor trade-show rates; the 2027 exhibitor manual had not been published.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
USD 3150–4950 / per booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 220–290 / per night
flight
both · domestic return
USD 250–450 / per person
per_diem
both · meals
USD 60–90 / per day
visa
both · ESTA
USD 21 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | USD 3150–4950 / per booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 220–290 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | both | domestic return | USD 250–450 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | meals | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | both | ESTA | USD 21 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions will point you to visit, exhibit or skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your travel and booth budget?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have open-to-buy and a short list of brands to meet.
Best for
Retail buyers and merchandisers sourcing outdoor product
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks
Risks
Limited floor time if meetings are not pre-booked
Late-May hotel rates
exhibit
You have a 2027 line ready and can staff all three days.
Best for
Outdoor brands seeking specialty retail accounts
Min. budget
$12,000.00
Timeline
3-6 months
Risks
Booth and freight costs
Lead follow-up capacity
skip
You cannot meet the trade-only registration criteria or have no outdoor assortment.
Best for
General public or buyers outside the outdoor trade
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a focused national account opportunity
Book with
Outdoor Industry Association
Official event partner and national trade body for the outdoor recreation industry.
Named by the organiser as Official Event Partner.
New Orleans & Company
The city destination marketing organisation for visitor and convention information.
Public destination resource, not a named show sponsor.
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Riverfront convention center hosting the exhibit hall and education sessions.
Confirmed venue; commercial partnership not implied.
Louisiana Office of Tourism
State tourism office for travel planning and regional itineraries.
Public tourism resource, not a named show sponsor.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ESTA guidance.
Filter for Warehouse District and free cancellation.
Compare MSY fares and book a refundable option early.
Use the handler named in the 2027 exhibitor manual once published.
Travel and exhibitor liability cover; read the policy exclusions.
Book French Quarter and Garden District tours with free cancellation.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture app; confirm compatibility with the show badge.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
1
Publishers
4
Date checked
Switchback / Diversified Communications
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
