Surf Expo, the world’s premier watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow, got underway January 4 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, with a stellar roster of exhibitors, retailers, and events.
“We look forward to welcoming everybody to Surf Expo in a few short days,” said Surf Expo Show Director and SVP Roy Turner. “We believe our brand and retail partners will be thrilled with the wide variety of exhibitors and attendees who are registered to attend the show.”
With the recent addition of Oakey and Costa Del Mar to the exhibitor list, Surf Expo will host an especially robust offering of sunglass brands this week, including Electric, Dragon, Bajio, Smith, O’Neill, Hobie, OTIS, I-SEA, DIFF and many more.
Several up-and-coming surf bands will also exhibit at Surf Expo for the first time including surf apparel brands Former and Rivvia Projects, and surfboard maker Misfit Shapes M/SF/T.
Buyers looking for brands that make eco-conscious products will have many options to choose from, including 4Ocean, GOT BAG, Hulya Swim, Martha and Jetty, among others.
Other notable brands coming to the show include Birkenstock, Keen Footwear, Hey Dude, Vissla, Salty Crew, Katin, BN3TH, Brixton, Dickies, Firewire Surfboards, Sharp Eye Surfboards, Xcel Wetsuits, Pura Vida, Havaianas, Sperry, Sun Bum, AFTCO, and many more.
In addition to the extensive range of exhibitors, the list of retailers who are attending continues to grow, and includes buyers from influential surf, souvenir, cruise, gift, theme park, resort, and airport shops. Surf Expo will also welcome several key department store buyers to the January event.
Retailers attending include Flip Flop Shops, Quiet Storm, Hansen Surfboards, La Gran Via/The Room, Heritage Surf & Sport, Farias Surf & Sport, Warm Winds, Cinnamon Rainbows, Hi-Tech Surf Sports, Hawaiian Island Creations, Jack’s Surfboards, Sun Diego, WRV, 17th Street, Coastal Edge, McKevlin’s Surf Shop, Outer Banks Boarding Company, Rooster Bus, K-Coast, Viking Tree, Outside Hilton Head, Force 5 Watersports, Moon, Palmetto Moon, Dillard’s Department Stores, Bealls, Paradies Lagardère Travel Retail, Travel Traders, Palladium Hotel Group, TJX Companies, Ross Stores, Starboard Cruise Service, Norwegian Cruise Line and Walt Disney Theme Park Merchandise, among others.
In addition to various happy hours and educational seminars, the showcase event for the January show is The Florida Shape Off at Surf Expo that will honor of Bill “Holmesy” Holmes. The shape off is an annual surfboard shaping contest and exhibition that promotes the craft of by-hand surfboard shaping. The total prize purse for this year’s Florida Shape Off is $3,500, with the overall winner netting $2,000 in addition to a Surf Expo booth at an upcoming show.
For more information about exhibitors, events, and other show details, visit surfexpo.com.
Read Next: More Surf Expo Coverage
About Surf Expo
Surf Expo is the largest and longest running watersports, beach and resort lifestyle tradeshow in the world. Produced twice annually in January and September, Surf Expo draws buyers from stores across the U.S., the Caribbean, Central and South America and around the world. The show historically features hundreds of apparel and hardgoods brands and a full lineup of special events, education opportunities and awards ceremonies. Surf Expo is a trade-only event. Visit surfexpo.com for more information about the upcoming show January 4-6, 2023, in Orlando, Fla.
About Emerald
Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit emeraldx.com.
