CARV Expo, a West Coast trade show for the action sports and outdoor lifestyle industry, has announced new exhibitors, a key team addition and expanded partnerships as it prepares to return to the San Diego Convention Center on May 14-15.
CARV’s inaugural show in June 2025 brought together more than 115 brands and 1,250 attendees for a weekend of order writing and industry connections. Show organizers say its second annual show will build on its initial foundation with a growing exhibitor lineup, deeper partnerships and a focus on getting the right buyers in the room.
New exhibitors reflect the show’s expanding reach across action sports, outdoor and coastal lifestyle. Some new vendors include OluKai, Salty Crew, Hydro Flask, goodr, Howler Brothers, Free Fly, Xtratuf, Sand Cloud, Former, Pyzel Surfboards, Vast and Mid Fin.
“CARV just feels right for Howler,” says Avery Strickland of Howler Brothers. “It’s a West Coast show with real energy where you run into like-minded retailers and brands. We make gear for people who’d rather be outside doing something than talking about it, and the folks showing up to CARV are exactly those people. We’re stoked to be there in May and looking forward to hanging with the community in San Diego.”
Emily Veldman of Klean Kanteen, which is based in California, says she is also excited for a newer West Coast surf trade show.
“We are looking forward to exhibiting at CARV this year to connect with new brands and retailers in the outdoor industry,” she says.
CARV Expo has also expanded its team with the addition of Jimmy Mendillo as key accounts manager to lead buyer outreach for 2026. Mendillo brings nearly a decade of experience with Reef, supporting retailers across the U.S., with additional work across brands like Oakley and Sharp Eye Surfboards. Mendillo will focus on building relationships with qualified buyers and ensure the right retailers attend the show.
“Jimmy came highly recommended from a number of rands and retailers,” says RedlineXpo CEO Evan Shoda. “He’s got a long track record of success in the trade show industry, and he’ll be focused on uncovering the right retailers to attend CARV.”
Show organizers are also expanding their attendee outreach for 2026 to include more outdoor, resort and hook-and-bullet retailers, broadening the range of retailers on the floor while staying true to the show’s action sports and coastal lifestyle roots.
CARV Expo will continue its partnerships with Surfer Magazine and the Board Retailers Association, reinforcing the show’s commitment to media, retail advocacy and industry support. New for 2026, CARV has partnered with San Diego Sports Innovators, the nonprofit organization that supports the sports and active lifestyle industry in San Diego. Both SDSI and Surfer Magazine awarded booth grants to emerging brands for this year’s show to help give new brands a platform alongside established names.
CARV is also partnering with Yuth magazine, an action sports publication focused on the next generation of surfers, skaters and creatives.
CARV Expo will kick off May 14-15 at the San Diego Convention Center. Registration information and more details are available at www.carvexpo.com.
