BUYER REGISTRATION & RESOURCES
Surf Expo is a trade only event open exclusively to qualified retail buyers and media, it is not open to the public. Join us in Orlando each January and September to discover the latest in apparel, hardgoods and coastal lifestyle products and accessories from the top and emerging industry brands.
Registration Fees
- FREE for qualified buyers before August 21, 2025
- Beginning 8/21 and onsite there will be a $25 registration fee.
First Time Stores/Buyers:
You’ll need to set up your store, then yourself and/or other buyers who wish to attend. Please submit any 2 of the following credentials to be considered for approval:
What you’ll need to set up your STORE (submit any 2)
- Copy of a Retail Business License or Certificate of Resale (this is not your Employer Identification Number. An EIN will not be accepted as proof of a Retail Business.
- Two (2) recent invoices for products/merchandise similar to that exhibited at Surf Expo, placed within the last six (6) months.
- Storefront or Buying Office address – please do not use a P.O. Box (we cannot approve based on a post office box or home address and this could delay approval).
- Website available (valid and in working order, not “parked” or “under construction”) for online retailers.
- An invitation (e-mail or written letter) from a current Exhibitor at Surf Expo.
- Letter of Intent from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a new Retail business.
What you’ll need to register FIRST TIME BUYERS (submit any 2)
- After your company is set up you can register your buyers
- Employee verification letter on company letterhead from owner or manager stating job status
- Copy of company credit card with both employee’s and company’s name (black-out card number)
- Copy of company insurance with employee name
- Note: business cards do not prove employment and will not be accepted
Returning Stores/Buyers
If you are a Veteran/Returning Buyer who has attended Surf Expo in the past you will still need to register for each show. You do not need to resubmit your documentation if you have attended the show in the past few years. If you wish to bring additional buyers, who have not previously attended Surf Expo, documentation or credentials will be required for them. If your most-recent Surf Expo attended was prior to 2022, you might be asked to submit documentation.
Onsite Registration Fees and Badge Pickup
A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) will be required to register at the show, as well as pick up badges.
- Retail Buyers (who register onsite): $25 each
- Buyers’ Guest/Team Rider Fee: $25, maximum of 4 total. These can only be added onsite during the show.
- Missing Badge Fee Onsite: $50
Surf Expo’s housing partner, Eventsphere offers exclusive discounted rates near the Orange County Convention Center, making it easy to find affordable and convenient accommodations. Rooms are limited—book early to lock in your rate!
Note: The September 2025 event will be in the SOUTH CONCOURSE. Book Your Room >
Flights: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is serviced by numerous domestic and international carriers, offering a variety of flight options to suit different preferences and budgets making getting here easy—and often less expensive than you think. For the most current and comprehensive list of airlines and destinations, you can visit the official Orlando International Airport website at flymco.com
- Book early or choose off-peak hours for the best prices.
- Use fare comparison and deal-tracking tools to find the most budget-friendly options: Google Flights, Hopper, Skyscanner, Kayak
Airport Parking: Book your airport parking at your departure airport with CheapAirportParking enter the discount code SURF to receive a $10 discount.
I-RIDE Trolley – A budget-friendly option for getting around the International Drive area, with stops near hotels, dining, and the convention center. Unlimited ride passes available for budget-friendly rates. Both the red and green lines will get you to the convention center. More information HERE >
View ways to save on hotels, travel, and dining HERE >
This free matchmaking tool, found in the Surf Expo show app allows exhibitors and attendees to chat and request appointments.
Note: To get started, you must be registered for the show to use CONNECT. To log-in use the email address provided for registration and your registration confirmation number (found on your confirmation email).
Pre-Show:
*Be sure to reply to companies that have shown interest or that have requested appointments with you.
- Search registered buyers and brands by location and product categories.
- Search recommended matches based on preferences.
- Refer to the My Interested List for attendees that you’d like to follow up with.
- See who is interested in your company.
At the Show:
LEAD CAPTURE/BADGE SCAN
The Lead Capture/Badge Scan is a free tool available in the Surf Expo show app.
Advanced features include:
- Touchless badge scanning of any exhibitor or attendee at Surf Expo.
- Gather contact information from badges, rank your contact, add notes.
- Access and download contact data from the web portal/desktop.
- Instantly track team activity in one place.
After the Show – Exporting Leads – Leads can be exported in the web portal. Lists can only be exported in the web portal, not via the mobile app.
For more information and setup guides view here>
Registration FAQs
Interested in learning more about attending Surf Expo as a Buyer? Click here>
View our list of frequently asked questions relating to registering for Surf Expo as a buyer.
Minor Policy
Surf Expo is a professional, trade-only, event where providing the best and safest environment for our attendees to display and shop product lines is our priority. Minors (children under the age of 16) are only allowed to attend Surf Expo under the following specific circumstances:
- Exception #1: Minors Buyers who are attending with approved shop owners, and are assisting in the buying process, may be registered by checking “Minor Buyer” under “Job” during the registration process for the retail company. This can only be done after the accompanying adult has been registered.
- Exception #2: Minor Exhibitors who are attending with a contracted Exhibiting Manufacturer may be registered by the Company Contact using “Minor Exhibitor” as the “Job” type when registering their booth staff. Please note the Minor Exhibitor will be counted against the overall total badge allotment (7 badges issued for each 10×10 space contracted) and should be reserved for a manufacturer displaying product/ items where over 50% are promoted to the children’s or youth market.
- Exception #3: Infants under the age of one year may attend with a nursing mother. A nursing infant will be approved onsite with the accompanying, approved parent/ guardian at the Registration/ Badge Pick-up Counter, and provided a Guest badge.
Minors will only be issued a badge if there is an approved accompanying parent/guardian with them. Minors are not permitted to walk the show floor alone. Any unaccompanied minors will be escorted from the show by Security or Show Management and the parent/guardian will be contacted. Please do not request a badge for a minor child that does not match one of the three parameters above. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Buyer Relations Team at: [email protected]
Emerald reserves the right to accept, reject or prohibit registration for or attendance at its events at any time for any reason.
To review Surf Expo’s Badge Terms & Conditions, please click here>
Questions about Surf Expo? The Buyer Relations team is here to help!
Brooke Smith
Buyer Relations Manager
Coastal Life
Swim, Boutique, Resort, Footwear, Gift & Decor, Souvenir
678-781-7963
Email Me
Jimmy Mendillo
Buyer Relations Manager
Watersports
Surf, Paddle, Shoreline, Skate
803-598-4135
Email Me