Show News

Shoreline at Surf Expo to Debut September 7-9, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – (June 1, 2023) – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, enhances the buying experience for both watersports and outfitter retailers with the debut of its new Shoreline offering during the September 7-9, 2023 edition.  Shoreline at Surf Expo will feature products dedicated to technical apparel, equipment and gear any enthusiast needs…

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Surf Expo September 2023 Expecting 775+ Exhibiting Brands in Orlando

  ORLANDO, Fla. – (April 26, 2023) – Surf Expo, the  premier  watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Sept. 7-9 in the South Concourse with a bigger selection of brands and resources for its retail buyer base. More than 775 exhibiting companies are expected to participate…

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Surf Expo January Records 21% Increase in Total Attendance

Orlando, Fla., January 17, 2023 – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, saw a robust 21% year-over-year gain in attendance for its January 2023 edition, hosting more than 8,500 industry professionals at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from January 4-6 for an incredible buying experience.  “The surf, coastal, and…

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Board Retailers Association: Retailer Gathering at Surf Expo January 2023

In 2003, two resourceful North Carolina surf shop legends Roy Turner and Mike Duncan came together to form the Board Retailers Association (BRA) as a 501C(6) non-profit organization with the Mission of consolidating the voices, experiences, and visions of board specialty retailers into a cohesive organization. They brought East Coast and West Coast Shops together…

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Surf Expo January Features Exciting Events and Exclusive Learning Lab Seminars

Orlando, Fla. (December 19, 2022) – Surf Expo, the world’s premier watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow, is planning another epic gathering at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, on January 4-6, 2023, featuring a robust schedule of instructional seminars and exciting events available exclusively to trade show attendees. “We’re elated to offer numerous…

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Surf Expo January Welcomes Impressive Roster of Hardgoods Brands

Orlando, Fla. (November 23, 2022) – Surf Expo, the world’s premier watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow, is preparing to host another blockbuster gathering at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on January 4-6, 2023.  The January event is known for its hardgoods offering, and the upcoming show does not disappoint. Surf Expo is…

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Surf Expo January Expands by 20%, Attracts Wide Range of Brands

Orlando, Fla. (November 7, 2022) – Surf Expo, the world’s premier watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow, is preparing to host another blockbuster gathering at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on January 4-6, 2023.  Surf Expo continues to bounce back post pandemic, with the January 2023 show forecast to expand by 20% compared…

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SEPTEMBER 2022 SURF EXPO RECORDS 16% ATTENDANCE INCREASE

Orlando, Fla. (September 19, 2022) – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, wrapped up its September 8-10, 2022 edition bringing together more than 7400 industry professionals in Orlando for optimum buying convenience. “With each edition of Surf Expo since the pandemic, we continue to see retailer attendance increasing, and this show was…

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Surf Expo Prepares for Blockbuster Show in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – (Sept. 6, 2022) – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, kicks off Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando with an exciting roster of brands, retail buyers, educational opportunities, and new events.   “We are thrilled with the extensive list of brands and retailers who are attending…

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World Champion Surfer and Author Shaun Tomson to Headline Surf Expo’s Packed Roster of Events

ORLANDO, Fla.– (August 29, 2022) – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, will host a jampacked roster of events at the upcoming show Sept. 8-10 in Orlando, Fla., including a keynote address by Shaun Tomson, a world champion surfer, author, entrepreneur, and acclaimed speaker. Tomson will discuss “Transformation After Disruption – The Code…

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Surf Expo Continues its Support of the Waterman’s Environmental Fundraiser

ORLANDO, Fla.– (August 25, 2022) – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, is proud to continue its support of the Waterman’s event, an industry gala and auction that raises money for the Surf Industry Members Association’s Environmental Fund. Waterman’s 2022 took place on Saturday, Aug. 13, at The Ranch in Laguna Beach with…

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Surf Expo Attracts a Diverse Group of Retail Buyers to September Show

  Surf Expo Attracts a Diverse Group of Retail Buyers to September Show ORLANDO, Fla. (August 15, 2022) – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, will feature an exciting roster of retail buyers at its upcoming show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Sept. 8-10. “Surf Expo thrives on…

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Surf Expo Launches new CONNECT Tool for Buyers and Brands

ORLANDO, FL– (August 2, 2022) –  Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle marketplace, is launching Surf Expo CONNECT in conjunction with its upcoming show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Sept. 8-10. Surf Expo CONNECT provides a seamless way for both buyers and exhibitors to create meaningful new business connections,…

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Surf Expo Attracts More Than 600 Exhibiting Brands to Upcoming September Show 

ORLANDO, Fla.– (July 26, 2022) Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns Sept. 8-10 to the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse in Orlando with a wide range of brands and a diverse floor plan. Over 600 exhibitors are participating this September with an 18% increase in square footage compared to the…

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Emerald Launches Powerful B2B E-commerce Platform

NEW YORK, NY (April 27, 2021) — Emerald Holding, Inc. today announced the introduction of the new Digital Market technology platform (“Digital Market”) from the Company’s Elastic Suite division. Digital Market creates a powerful, standardized, single-platform approach to B2B e-commerce by offering 365-day access to product sourcing and ordering across a broad range of brands….

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Surf Expo Extends Live Events With Year Round Interaction And Transaction Platform

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. — April 12, 2021 – Surf Expo announced today an exciting new addition to their marketplace- Surf Expo Digital Market. Since 1976, Surf Expo is the boardsport and beach lifestyle industries’ leading marketplace. The shows connect brands and retailers from across the globe to conduct business, learn, inspire, share and celebrate twice…

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Emerald kicks off 2021, successfully trades first in-person event of the year, Surf Expo Winter

NEW YORK, NY (February 8, 2021) – Emerald, owner of Surf Expo, celebrated another key milestone for the organization and expositions industry as a whole. Surf Expo, the largest and longest running watersports and beach lifestyle marketplace, successfully staged its winter event January 6-8, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. View More Highlights from the January…

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EMERALD ACQUIRES PLUMRIVER LLC TO EXPAND DIGITAL COMMERCE CAPABILITIES

NEW YORK, NY. (January 6, 2021) — Emerald Holding, Inc. (NYSE:EEX) (“Emerald” or the “Company”) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of PlumRiver LLC (“PlumRiver”), a leading international provider of software-as-a-service technology through its Elastic Suite solution. Elastic Suite’s platform streamlines the wholesale buying process for both brands and retail buyers, creating a…

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Surf Expo’s September 2020 In-Person Event is Going Virtual

Since 1976, Surf Expo has united the watersports and beach lifestyle community twice each year to provide an unmatched marketplace and opportunity to share our passion for the industries we serve. Driven by our responsibility to serve your best interests, we regret to announce that we are cancelling this year’s Surf Expo, which was scheduled…

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Surf Expo Announces New Staff Appointments

Surf Expo, the premier watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow, and Emerald Expositions announced today the promotion of Nikki Houston Duroe to Show Director of Surf Expo. Houston Duroe will continue to report to Roy Turner, Group SVP. The promotion to Surf Expo Show Director recognizes Houston Duroe’s significant sales and event management accomplishments, as well…

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Water Safety

Water Safety Resources

As we prepare for the spring and summer seasons ahead, Surf Expo wants to provide you with the all of the tools and resources you’ll need to keep you safe while on the water with the help of WSIA (Water Sports Industry Association) and ACA (American Canoe Association).

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Surf Expo Casts A Wide-Net with Bluewater This September

ORLANDO, Fla., April 22, 2018 — Surf Expo – known as the king tide in global watersports and coastal lifestyle trade shows – launched its Bluewater exhibitor category in January 2018, touting access to all things inshore, offshore, boating, and everything that has to do with coastal lifestyle. Media and buyers alike can now gain…

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Surf Expo kicks off the year with an exciting January show, delivering increased attendance and industry morale.

Surf Expo’s January 2018 show in Orlando opened with a strong pulse and optimism flowing through the aisles throughout the three-day show.  The show featured more than 1,000 exhibiting companies showcasing 1,400+ brands and lines. Roy Turner, SVP and Surf Expo Show Director commented, “We saw strong buyer attendance from all across the globe- from…

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Bluewater at Surf Expo

Surf Expo Riding the Success of New Bluewater Section into September 2018 Show

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – February 12, 2018 – After a launch at their recent January show, Surf Expo will be expanding the new Bluewater section in the upcoming September 6-8, 2018 show. Bluewater showcases inshore and offshore apparel and accessory companies. The January show was anchored by outdoor industry company leaders Yeti, Salt Life,…

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Pallot

Famed Waterman Flip Pallot Appearing at Surf Expo to Launch the New Bluewater Category

To mark the launch of Bluewater, their newest show category, Surf Expo announced today legendary waterman, outdoorsman and TV host Flip Pallot will be in attendance at the show to meet and greet attendees. Flip will be the featured guest at the Bluewater Happy Hour on Thursday, January 25, the show’s opening day. Flip is…

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Bluewater at Surf Expo

Surf Expo to Launch New Bluewater Category at January Show!

Bluewater will make its debut at the January 2018 Surf Expo.  Catering to inshore and offshore apparel and accessory companies, the new section will be anchored by veteran Surf Expo exhibitors Salt Life, Bimini Bay and Yeti. View full press release. Inspired by like-minded watersports brands, Bluewater connects to the waterman lifestyle that has always…

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Sharpen your skills with Surf Expo Professional Learning Labs.

Announcing the January 2018 line up of free seminars for Surf Expo Attendees. Learn from industry leaders and experts. Why Isn’t My Store Growing Like I Want It To? 5 Things Every Shop Owner Can Do to Enhance Online Visibility Building Loyalty Through Events: How to Design Events to Engage Newbies and Create Loyal Customers….

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East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame

East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame’s 2018 Class to be Inducted at Surf Expo on January 26.

The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Inductees were announced at Surf Expo in September. Friday, January 26 at 6pm. Room 320A The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation of the history and heritage of East Coast Surfing and to enshrine forever the people who have been…

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Roy Turner

Surf Expo’s Roy Turner inducted into the Wrightsville Beach Waterman Hall of Fame Class of 2017

October 9, 2017 – Wrightsville Beach Museum’s Waterman Hall of Fame Announcement of Class of 2017   The Wrightsville Beach Museum is proud to announce the museum’s Waterman Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Join us as we celebrate the importance of water culture within our community and the men and women who not only excel…

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Helping after the Hurricanes

As members of the Surf, Beach/Resort & Watersports Lifestyle community, most of us know fellow businesses that have been affected but the recent hurricanes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma as well as the victims of the earthquake in Mexico. We’ve compiled a…

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Demo Day

Surf Expo Paddle Life Demo Day – September 6, 2017 Highlights

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float collective

SIMA Marks the Float Collective Campaign Launch with a Special Event In Huntington Beach, CA.

Laguna Niguel, Calif. (June 1, 2017) – SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) announces the anticipated launch of The Float Collective, its new initiative centered on unifying the surf industry with the goal of giving back to those in need. Celebrating the spirit of surfing for humanity, the campaign brings together the industry’s leading brands, most…

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Surf Summit 20

Surf Expo Proudly Sponsors SIMA Surf Summit 20

Los Cabos Mexico May 17-20th The Surf Expo team will join top manufacturers and retailers to learn, share ideas, network and help shape the future of the surf industry. This year’s lineup of manufacturers includes Billabong, Electric, Jetty, JK Surfboards, Hawaiian Island Creations, Lost, Nixon, O’Neill, Oakley, Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Roark Revival, RVCA, Sanuk, SImbi,…

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Watersports Safety

Before you hit the water this summer prime up on the latest safety tips!

As the weather heats up, so does the activity in or near the water. Surf Expo has partnered with ACA and WSIA to make sure you have all of the tools you need to stay safe in the water, just in time for the summer! Kids Go Paddling WSIA Driver’s Etiquette: The Wake Zone SUP:…

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TSNN

Surf Expo Named Top 250 Trade Shows in 2016

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – March 20, 2017 – Trade Show News Network (TSNN) has announced Surf Expo among the Top 250 Trade Show for 2016. Each year, TSNN compiles a list of the Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States. Surf Expo earned spots 95 and 96 in this latest ranking for the January…

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buyer map

Buyer Pre-Registration for January 2017 tops 11,500 from over 5,000 retail companies!

More than 11,500 buyers have pre-registered already. View map of registered retail companies here.

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JambuKDs

Exhibitor Spotlight: JambuKD

With Water Ready™ technology and removable/washable insoles, JambuKD’s Spring ‘17 line is just what your little one needs for summertime. Focusing on the importance for children to get out and explore the world around them, we make a point to design stylish shoes with quick drying materials, comfort and traction in all environments. By designing…

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Just Bones Boardwear

Exhibitor Spotlight: Just Bones Boardwear™

Just Bones Boardwear™ revolutionizes boardshorts with a patented adjustable waist and performance fabrics, giving you maximum comfort and flexibility along with the perfect fit! Our boardshorts are available in sizes for boys, juniors, toddlers and men. At Miami Swim Week, Just Bones Boardwear™ debuted a sexy and sporty line of bikinis during its fashion show…

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Surf Park Summit September 7, 2016 in Orlando, FL.

Surf Expo welcomes Surf Park Summit 2 in September

San Juan Capistrano, CA – March 24, 2016 – Surf Expo is pleased to announce the co-location of Surf Park Summit 2 with Surf Expo’s September 2016 show. Surf Park Summit is the largest industry conference designed for surf park entrepreneurs, investors, developers and suppliers to accelerate the growth of surfing outside the ocean. The…

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State of surf logo

TransWorld Business State of Surf Report

Surf Expo is sponsoring the 2016 State of Surf report, by TransWorld Business.  The State of Surf report is an independent research project that combines industry data and insight from surfers. The goal is to make surfing better and help surf brands provide better products and services. After filling out the survey, you are entered to win a $200…

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Imprinted Sportswear Show logo

ISS Orlando co-locates with Surf Expo in September

IMPRINTED SPORTSWEAR SHOW Surf Expo September is once again co-locating with the Imprinted Sportswear Show, the leading tradeshow dedicated to the decorated apparel industry. See live demonstrations of apparel screen printing, embroidery and digital printing directly to the garment equipment and specialty products such as performance stretch inks and glitter threads. Ideal for stores who…

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Surf Expo Kayak and Canoe

Surf Expo Expands Watersports Categories for September

San Juan Capistrano, CA – February 9, 2016– Emerald Exposition’s Surf Expo today announced it will be adding kayaks, canoes and related gear and accessories to its September 8-10, 2016 Orlando-based event. This addition reinforces the show’s standing as the premiere watersports show in the United States. The addition of the kayak and canoe segment of…

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Ruffwear

Exhibitor Spotlight: Ruffwear

Ruffwear encourages everyone with a four-legged friend to get outdoors and find adventure – on a trail run, a day hike, or multi day back country expedition. Ruffwear is committed to preserving wild lands and waterways, providing important habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities. Ruffwear partners with The Conservation Alliance to give back to the…

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SUP ATX Stand Up Paddle Boards

Exhibitor Spotlight: SUP ATX

SUP ATX is credited with introducing and popularizing the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP) in lakes, rivers and surfing areas throughout the United States and around the world beginning in 2008. In its first year, SUP ATX established itself as the #1 Stand Up Paddle Board Maker Worldwide which it remains to this…

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Southern Living Cotton Collection

Exhibitor Spotlight: Southern Living Cotton Collection

Club Red, a 21-year leader in the licensed apparel industry, is pleased to announce the launch of our exclusive Southern Living Cotton Collection during Surf Expo, January 14th-16th in Orlando, FL in booth 2276. Officially endorsed by Southern Living Magazine, SLCC celebrates the artistry of the South by bringing hand-rendered artwork, to this southern-lifestyle-collection of…

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Bustin' Down the Door

Surf Expo Celebrates “Bustin’ Down the Door”

Atlanta, GA. – This year Surf Expo celebrates its 40th anniversary as the multi-billion dollar surfing industry’s largest and longest running tradeshow. The launch of the tradeshow in 1976 coincided with the establishment of pro surfing and a lifestyle that has captured the imagination of the world. To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Surf Expo in…

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The Neighborhood at Surf Expo

See Brands Exhibiting in The Neighborhood

  THE NEIGHBORHOOD AT SURF EXPO A COLLECTION OF LIKE-MINDED BRANDS ROOTED IN SURF, TRAVEL & ADVENTURE. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE SURF SECTION EXHIBITORS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD JANUARY 2016 Adidas Sport Eyewear 617 Amuse Society 1415 Astronomy Clothing/ Ocean Current 1209 Buccaneer Board Riders 1523 Captain Fin 918 Catch Surf 815 Converse, Inc….

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