Surf Expo September goes virtual

Citing the ongoing pandemic, show will launch virtual Surf Expo Connect, Sept. 16-18, 2020.

Surf Expo, the largest and longest running board sports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show, has announced it plans to cancel its in-person show in September and replace it with a virtual event.

The in-person show was scheduled for Sept. 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The new virtual event, designed to connect brands with retailers and media, is Sept. 16-18.

In an announcement sent to exhibitors and attendees, Roy Turner, Surf Expo senior vice president, said, “Recent developments have made it impossible to bring our community together safety and successfully.”

He cited the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

• the latest government data, measures, and guidelines on the phased reopening plans in the U.S.;
• current restrictions on congregating and large gatherings imposed by states and other government and public health authorities;
• the inability of Surf Expo’s international community to travel to the show due to travel restrictions and bans; and
• the various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees affecting attendees and participating companies.

“The health and safety of our customers, partners and employees remains of paramount concern to us,” he said. “Though we are so disappointed we won’t see you all in person this summer, our team remains committed to offering new ways to keep the industry connected. We have had extensive discussions with many of you and it’s clear that connections need to be made and business still needs to be conducted.”

Details on Surf Expo Connect will be coming soon. Information on the Surf Expo website, www.surfexpo.com, states that the virtual space will allow “our communities to connect, conduct business, network and learn. This online space allows for a reimagined sales and buying season to support your business needs, and help retailers and brands stay connected this summer.”

Exhibitors will host the industry in a virtual booth showcasing product lines and news on their own customizable pages. Retailers and media will be able to search and discover what brands have available across all seasons — current, at-once inventory, upcoming for fall/winter and new for spring/summer 2021. Registration is expected to open soon.

This is the second year in a row that the September Surf Expo has moved to an online format. The in-person show was cancelled in 2019 due to the threat of Hurricane Dorian.

Turner says Surf Expo is anticipating a return to in-person events at the January 2021 show. “We look forward to uniting our community at our next full-scale, live and in-person show scheduled for January 6-8, 2021. We are working with the venue and planning ahead to ensure we host a productive, safe and healthy event for our customers.”