Surf Expo expands reach at September show |
By Edited by Kristin Ely |
Buyers from over 60 countries expected in Orlando for the Sept. 5-7 event featuring more than 650 new and returning exhibitors.Surf Expo, the world’s premier watersports and beach lifestyle trade show, is returning with increased international participation to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. From Sept. 5-7, more than 650 exhibitors representing over 750 brands will gather to display the latest in watersports, beach, resort, swim, outdoor, and coastal life products across an expansive show floor. Surf Expo September 2024 will feature an impressive array of products and innovations from top brands in surf, shoreline, skate, paddle, boutique, resort, coastal gift, swimwear, and footwear categories. Attracting over 6,000 retail buyers from 60 countries, these attendees represent leading retailers and key accounts from the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, Central and South America and more. Notably, international retailers and distributors from countries like Mexico, Peru, Brazil, the Bahamas and Cayman Islands will be in attendance, reflecting the event’s expanded global reach and influence. “The international flavor of Surf Expo will be more noticeable than ever at our September 2024 event,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo Show Director. “Not only will this show bring together all the major brands along with new and emerging products that are setting the trends for next year, but also feature a larger number of global exhibitors and attendees. This surge in interest is driving strong attendance from international retailers who are looking to our market as the leader across the surf, beach, and resort product categories.” The growing number of international buyers and distributors attending Surf Expo includes: Black Sheep from Peru, Beach House and Dusty Roots from Mexico, KAH Lifestyle from Guatemala, Mango Surf & Skate and Pura Vida Ride From Costa Rica, Aton Sports from Brazil, Salamander Retail Group and Coconuts by De Palm from Aruba, Mirandski from Chile, Toda Moda and Kokomo from Puerto Rico, MOCEAN from Bermuda, Progressive Distributors and Red Sail Sports from the Cayman Islands, Viking Productions from the Bahamas and many more from across the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. With the increased interest in private label, athleisure, and sportswear, buyers are eager to discover fresh and innovative brands that will set their businesses apart in the coming year. The event will showcase a mix of industry giants and emerging brands, including major surf brands such as Hurley, Quiksilver, Body Glove, Rip Curl, O’Neill, Billabong, RVCA and Volcom alongside up-and-coming names like Seager, Former, Rivvia, Duvin, Free Fly, GOORIN and Aloha Collection. More brands in the lineup include IPD, Roark, Katin, Salty Crew, ...Lost, Jetty, VISSLA, Skullcandy, Dark Seas, Diff Eyewear, Birkenstock, PQ Swim, Rhythm, Chubbies, Howler Brothers, Rocket Dog, Spartina 449, Tommy Bahama, PrAna, Skechers, ORCA and GCI Outdoor. Plus, lots of new brands that are excited to share their products. Other registered buyers include top names like Sun Diego, LL Bean, Palace Entertainment, Six Flags, Dillard’s, Ritz-Carlton, PGA Resort, Val Surf, Glik’s, Hi-Tech Surf Sports, K-Coast, Rooster Bus, Burlington, SCHEELS, Hawaiian Island Creations, Quiet Storm, Jack’s, Coastal Edge, Surf Style Retail Mgmt., Aqua East, Swimwear Solutions, Town and Country, Marshall Retail Group, Swim Mart/Swim City and many other retail groups who are eager to explore the latest brands, products and trends in the watersports and coastal lifestyle market. Attendees can look forward to an action-packed schedule that includes daily fashion shows, Pickleball competitions, live demos, educational Learning Labs, and an industry party featuring Mini KISS. Additionally, there will be many opportunities for networking through happy hours, parties and industry breakfasts hosted by Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) and Board Retailers Association (BRA). More information is available at www.surfexpo.com. |