WHY ATTEND SURF EXPO?

Surf Expo is the largest and longest running watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow.

Since 1976, retailers from around the globe have relied on Surf Expo as their must attend marketplace for discovering the newest brands, products and trends. This is where connections are made and business gets done.

Registration for January is OPEN!

A Complete Buying Experience- Featuring thousands of products ranging from surf and skate hard goods and branded apparel, to boutique and resort wear, swim fashions and footwear as well as souvenir and coastal gifts.
New Brands/New Products – We know you are looking for fresh products for your shelves. It’s proven that Surf Expo is the place to find new and trending brands and products.
One Show, Easy To Shop, All Under One Roof – Surf Expo features multiple categories of products all under one roof. We make it easy for buyers to find what they are looking for, as well as maximize their time at the show. The floor is organized by product category.
Our Connect with Brands tool allows Buyers to email and request appointments with Exhibitors that have taken booth space at Surf Expo. Buyers can research Exhibitors and products, start important conversations and schedule meetings using this invaluable new tool! To learn more click here.

Interact With Key Decision Makers – Get valuable face-time with manufacturers’ senior management that you won’t see at a local rep show.
A Proven Marketplace – More than half of Surf Expo buyers have attended at least 4 consecutive shows/markets and come from all over the globe because they trust that they will find the best of beach lifestyle, resort and watersports at each show.
Learn From The Experts – Pick up retail knowledge that can impact your business and stay competitive in today’s marketplace with Surf Expo’s highly-rated Learning Labs. These seminars given by industry leaders and experts take place throughout the show floor each day and are free for all attendees.
Network & Interact with the industry at special events: Happy Hours and special events held in Buyer Lounges on the show floor, receptions at the end of a long day with music, networking and beer!
Orlando is a cost-effective destination with affordable flights, hotels and restaurants and lots of area attractions. See our available partner discounts.

WATERSPORTS features Surf, Paddle, Shoreline and Skate categories.

Surf– Surf is the category that launched Surf Expo, the surfing industry’s oldest and largest trade show. Features apparel, sunglasses & sun protection products, boardshorts, juniors apparel, footwear, fins and hardgood accessories. Stop by the Neighborhood to grab a cup of java and see the greatest collection of like-minded brands rooted in surf, travel and adventure located within the Surf section.
Shoreline – The waterman lifestyle combines boating, fishing, wake surfing, paddling and tubing along with passion for adventure and exploration on land through hiking, camping and climbing. Shoreline at Surf Expo is the hub for brands that specialize in inshore and offshore apparel and accessory products; sportswear, technical apparel and gear, footwear, outerwear and watersports hardgoods as well as games and accessories enthusiasts need to transition from a day on the water to stretching out on land. Shoreline is centrally located on Surf Expo’s show floor adjacent to the Surf and Boutique categories, offering crossover opportunities for buyers and sellers alike! Learn more about Shoreline at Surf Expo.
Skate – Skate at Surf Expo includes completes, long and shortboard decks, cruisers and trainers, trucks, wheels, protective gear and accessories, along with apparel.

COASTAL LIFE has the largest collection of Swimwear, Boutique, Resort, Footwear, Coastal Gift and Souvenir products under one roof.

Boutique and Swim – Surf Expo offers better resort wear and swimwear that include coastal lines of sundresses, high-end apparel, swimwear and fashion accessories. You’ll find the largest collection of swim lines for women, men and children.
Footwear –Featuring a diverse range of footwear for the beach, shore, boat, sidewalk, boardwalk and beyond.
Resort – Offering everything a vacationing consumer wants. It’s the most comprehensive collection in the resort trade show industry including tees and shorts, casual shirts, dresses, sarongs and batiks, jewelry, towels & footwear, plus souvenirs, mementos and customizable/imprinted merchandise.
Coastal Gift – This is a collection of home decor, plush, beach games and toys, drinkware, holiday, collectibles and everything in between. There are premium gift items with a coastal flair. This is the perfect category for adding depth and dimension to your inventory selections.

“At Surf Expo you spend time talking to like-minded people from all parts of the retail sector and all areas of the world, while sharing insight into what we all see in the marketplace. If you don’t interact with industry types, hang out, listen, chat and share ideas, how can you move forward and stay competitive?”

Jim Archibald – Owner, Archie’s Surf Shop

“Many thanks to your crew that put on an energetic Surf Expo every year! We were able to pick up about 10 new lines for our stores in Hyannis, MA and Cape Coral, FL”.

David & Sheila Stagman, Islands Cape Coral, Fl

“I found a good mix of surf, boutique, swim, and novelty brands. I was also happy to connect with my peers and the management teams of brands that we sell at Surf Diva Surf Shop.”

Coco Tihanyi, President and Co-owner of Surf Diva Inc.

“Since my first expo in 1990, I've seen how it consistently fosters a unique blend of professional development and community engagement. Surf Expo is a testament to how we can integrate work, play, and celebration into a cohesive community experience.”

D Nachnani, President, Coastal Edge

“We had a great show and were excited about the new lines we picked up We were able to order for the entire season. I’m putting so much positive input out there about the show!

Kathleen Engstrom, Montauk T-shirts

“As first-time attendees we didn't know what to expect beyond a strong recommendation to attend from a supplier. The show was exactly what we needed to take our new shop to the next level with the merchandise and the brands we wanted to stock.”

Chris & Chrissie McCotter, Lake Anna Outfitters, Virginia

“The energy of the brands present and the optimism of the organizers were particularly stimulating. It is a strong reminder that Surf culture is alive and well in Europe, a crucial aspect to emphasize to our American partners.”

Christophe Seiller, EuroSIMA Cluster Manager

“We were thoroughly impressed by the quality of exhibitors and the overall atmosphere. Being able to meet with and start placing orders with vendors is invaluable to us. We were able to make contacts for basically everything we needed for the upcoming season. We look forward to attending future expos, and this will be part of our buying structure for our marina stores.”

Josalyn Claussen, Blue Harbor Management, TX

“Surf Expo has a unique perspective not available at other shows. I was able to find several new vendors that I had not seen before, and I placed orders with them.”

Sheila Wewers, Associate Director of Retail Operations – Como Friends

“Surf Expo was extremely productive for the company. I met a new supplier for products we had been looking for a long time.”

Yovanni De Brito e Cunha, Galley Bay Resort & Palm Island Grenadines

See highlights from January 2024

Questions about Surf Expo? The Buyer Relations Team is here to help!

Surf Expo is a Trade Only event, to see if you qualify to attend click here >. If you are ready to register, please click here>

Emerald reserves the right to accept, reject or prohibit registration for or attendance at its events at any time for any reason.

Steven “Fish” Fisher

Buyer Relations Director

Action Sports
678-781-7975
Email Me

Brooke Smith

Buyer Relations Manager

Coastal Life
Swim, Boutique, Resort, Footwear, Coastal Gift, Souvenir
678-781-7963
Email Me

Jimmy Mendillo

Buyer Relations Manager

Watersports
Surf, Paddle, Shoreline, Skate
803-598-4135
Email Me

To review Surf Expo’s Badge Terms & Conditions, please click here>