Diversified USA is focused on driving growth at Switchback, and the person responsible for building on its long-term vision is Sean Smith, its new event director.
Smith succeeds Christina Henderson, the previous director who was promoted to vice president, Endurance Portfolio, at Diversified. In her new role, she will oversee strategy for both Switchback and The Running Event (TRE). Smith will work closely with Henderson to drive growth as well as work with the businesses and organizations that attend and exhibit at Switchback’s national event.
Smith brings more than two decades of experience to his new role, and has a proven track record of trade event leadership. For the past three years, he served as Outdoor Retailer’s show director. A lifelong surfer and cyclist, Smith also spent 20 years with the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association where he was executive director beginning in 2001.
“Sean is the right choice at the right time, bringing a combination of community-building experience and a deep understanding of the outdoor industry,” Henderson said.
“For more than a year, the outdoor community has felt the momentum of Switchback building. You could see it happening through the impressive lineup of committed brand partners, as well as the invaluable endorsement of Outdoor Industry Association,” Smith said. “What really sealed the deal for me joining Switchback world was the opportunity to work with this team.”
Switchback, which grew out of TRE, holds two events each year for the outdoor industry. The next event is Switchback Spring in New Orleans, La., on June 16-18, 2026. The agenda includes a full day of educational programming, followed by two days at the exhibit hall for retailers, brands and industry professionals.
Unlike the spring standalone show, the fall event takes place in conjunction with TRE, slated for Dec. 1-3 in San Antonio, Tex.
The outdoor sector has undergone notable changes as its post-pandemic boom fades.
Last year started with an retail reset with REI moving to close its Soho flagship and Orvis stating that it planned to close stores. And with consumers changing how they are looking at wellness and staying fit, the sector has had to adapt as well.
Outdoor Retailer is set to return to the Minneapolis Convention Center from Aug. 19-21 with a reimagined trade show. The trade show’s parent, Emerald Holding Inc., is reviewing potential strategic options following the receipt of interested buyers. And the European Outdoor Group will see its international trade show return next year from May 17-18 in Riva del Garda in Italy as part of its new initiative called European Outdoor Week.
Through the trade show changes, it was Switchback that was able to become a more prominent player, debuting as a standalone event in Nashville last June to strong reviews.
