Surf Expo, a leading marketplace for watersports, coastal and outdoor lifestyle brands, has added two new managers to its team, appointing Abraham Paskowitz as its senior buyer relations manager and Matt Yates as its sponsorship and new client sales manager.
Paskowitz comes to Surf Expo with decades of industry experience and deep-rooted connections across the surf and skate retail landscape. The son of surfing icon Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz, Abraham has been immersed in surf culture since childhood and began his professional career at 18 representing brands like Astrodeck.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join Surf Expo as senior buyer relations manager,” says Paskowitz. “Having been born into a legacy of surfing, my career and deep-rooted connection to this industry began at a young age.”
Throughout his career, Paskowitz has cultivated relationships spanning core surf shops to multi-chain retailers, with a focus centered on supporting family-owned surf and skate shops.
“Joining Surf Expo allows me to leverage my lifelong relationships to give back to the industry that has shaped my professional life,” Paskowitz explains. “I believe that lasting success is built on strong relationships, unwavering commitment and a deep understanding of the unique needs of buyers, retailers and distributors.”
Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director and an Emerald senior vice president, says the addition of Paskowitz comes at a pivotal moment for the organization.
“I am excited to add Abraham to our team,” he says. “His enthusiasm and love for the culture of surfing are a perfect fit for our ethos. For years, I have had the pleasure of working beside Abraham, but never directly with him, and I look forward to having him bring his knowledge, respect and passion to our Surf Expo family.”
Turner adds that buyer relations will be critical for Surf Expo as the organization looks to the future. “Buyer relations are key as Surf Expo moves forward into its next 50 years, connecting with the next generation of buyers and brands.”
Yates has also joined Surf Expo as sponsorship and new client sales manager, which the company describes as a role designed to expand opportunities for show exhibitors and other companies across the coastal lifestyle, surf, gift and active outdoor space.
Yates comes to Surf Expo with more than two decades of experience in media, in-person events and digital marketing. In his role with Surf Expo, he will oversee new client relations and sponsorship opportunities, focusing on building meaningful connections and creating programs that elevate brand visibility. He will continue his work supporting Shop Eat Surf Outdoor media sales as well.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Surf Expo team while continuing my work with Shop Eat Surf Outdoor,” says Yates. “Both platforms give me the chance to help brands and service providers connect with the right customers and tell their story in meaningful ways.”
Turner says Yates’ arrival aligns with the show’s milestone year and future projects as well.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the Surf Expo team as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary this year,” he says. “His unique sales background makes him the perfect fit as we look to add exciting sponsorship and media opportunities for our exhibitors and attendees.”
