More than 6,000 international and domestic buyers are expected to meet established and emerging brands at Surf Expo in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center from September 5-7.
The show will feature more than 650 exhibitors representing more than 750 brands representing the best of the watersports and coastal living industries including surfing, paddling, skating, wakeboarding, swimming, resort, footwear and gifts.
“Not only does this show bring together all the major brands and new and emerging products that will set the trends for next year, but it will also feature many exhibitors and visitors from all over the world,” said Roy Turner, Show Director and SVP of Surf Expo.
“This increased interest is leading to a strong influx of international retailers who view our market as a leader in the surf, beach and resort product categories.”
In addition to well-known retail chains, a long list of buyers from the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond are registered. International buyers and retailers so far this year include: Black Sheep from Peru, Beach House and Dusty Roots from Mexico, KAH Lifestyle from Guatemala, Mango Surf & Skate and Pura Vida Ride from Costa Rica, Aton Sports from Brazil, Salamander Retail Group and Coconuts by De Palm from Aruba, Mirandski from Chile, Toda Moda and Kokomo from Puerto Rico, MOCEAN from Bermuda, Progressive Distributors and Red Sail Sports from the Cayman Islands and Viking Productions from the Bahamas.
Big names like Sun Diego, LL Bean, Palace Entertainment, Six Flags, Dillard’s, Ritz-Carlton, PGA Resort, Val Surf, Glik’s, Hi-Tech Surf Sports, K-Coast, Rooster Bus, Burlington, SCHEELS, Hawaiian Island Creations, Quiet Storm, Jack’s, Coastal Edge, Surf Style Retail Mgmt., Aqua East, Swimwear Solutions, Town and Country, Marshall Retail Group, Swim Mart/Swim City and many more have also signed up for this year’s show.
Established brands and newcomers
Exhibitors at September’s Surf Expo will feature a mix of up-and-coming brands and established names.
Well-known names such as Hurley, Quiksilver, Body Glove, Rip Curl, O’Neill, Billabong, RVCA and Volcom will be represented, and up-and-coming names such as Seager, Former, Rivvia, Duvin, Free Fly, GOORIN and Aloha Collection will also be exhibiting.
Other brands in the range include IPD, Roark, Katin, Salty Crew, …Lost, Jetty, VISSLA, Skullcandy, Dark Seas, Diff Eyewear, Birkenstock, PQ Swim, Rhythm, Chubbies, Howler Brothers, Rocket Dog, Spartina 449, Tommy Bahama, PrAna, Skechers, ORCA and GCI Outdoor.
Education, Happy Hours and Mini KISS is back
Fashion shows and educational sessions are planned throughout the three-day event. New buyers can learn how to best navigate Surf Expo on the day from Steven “Fish” Fisher, Director of Buyer Relations. Learn about the Surf Therapy movement from author Cash Lambert, how to make money with the Retail Smart Guys, and join a retailer panel moderated by BRA Chairman and Modern Skate & Surf’s George Leichtweis.
In addition to happy hours hosted by Flip Flop Shops, Skullcandy, Red Dragon and more, KISS cover band Mini KISS is back at Surf Expo 20 years after its Surf Expo debut at Thursday night’s industry party.
There is still time to register for this year’s event, Turner said.
“If you are in the beach business, this is a must-attend event.”
