Surf Expo, a leading watersports and coastal lifestyle trade show, has opened registration for its Jan. 8-10, 2025, event at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The January show follows what show organizers say was a successful September 2024 edition, which saw a 5% increase in retail buyer attendance and a 7% rise in overall qualified attendance.
“There was a level of optimism I haven’t felt in a while,” says Roy Turner, senior vice president and show director for Surf Expo. “Attendees were at the show doing what truly matters — discovering new products and making solid business deals. This reflects growing market confidence and signals even greater momentum ahead.”
Attendees of the upcoming event can look forward to a wide range of product categories, including surf, skate, paddle, shoreline, swimwear, boutique, resort, footwear, coastal gifts and souvenirs. This extensive variety continues to draw interest from independent retailers as well as major chains, according to Surf Expo.
“After attending September Surf Expo, we had a clear vision for the opportunities in the coming year,” says Tom Brown, owner of 17th Street Surf Shop, which has locations in Virginia and North Carolina. “Our meetings with both new and established brands helped us plan our key business strategies, and we look forward to building on that in January.”
Several major retailers have already confirmed their attendance for the January event, including REI, Urban Outfitters, L.L. Bean, Sandal Factory, Glik’s, Farias Surf & Sport, Hawaiian Island Creations, San Diego Zoo, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Coastal Edge, Heritage Surf & Sport, Starboard Cruises, Sun Diego, Hi Tech Surf Sports and Travel Traders. Buyers from across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America will attend.
The January 2025 event will also offer a blend of emerging and legacy brands as well as fresh new products, guaranteeing a comprehensive selection of merchandise for retailers.
“Surf Expo is an incredible opportunity to meet new vendors, discover innovative products and stay ahead of emerging trends,” says Pash Dawani, owner of Magens Bay Beach Club and Boutique on the Virgin Islands. “We are looking forward to the new possibilities that January’s event will bring for our business.”
The upcoming event will also feature a program of daily fashion shows, educational learning labs, networking events and a 2025 Florida Shape Off, a live surfboard shaping competition on the show floor. Register for the show online at www.surfexpo.com.
