CARV Expo attendance up for second show

Skate, footwear, eyewear and beach accessories were among the show’s fastest-growing categories.

CARV Expo (California Action Retailer + Venture), a West Coast action sports trade show and industry gathering, wrapped up its second edition at the San Diego Convention Center on May 15, with attendance up 13% year over year. The exhibitor floor also grew 37% over its 2025 debut.

Most buyers who attended the show make or influence purchasing decisions, and more than half manage over $500,000 in annual buying. Many surf and skate retailers showed up, alongside apparel, footwear, specialty, resort and outdoor crossover stores. Buyers came from 23 states in all, plus some international buyers from Mexico, Curacao and the Bahamas.

“One of my favorite takeaways from CARV was all the high fives, hugs, laughs and meaningful conversations — both standing in the aisles and sitting down with pens in hand, doing business,” said Josh Rifkin, partner and co-founder of CARV Expo. “The message we’re hearing from brands, retailers and industry leaders is consistent: We're on the right track. Most reported 50-100% more appointments.”

Red Bull hosted a Best Trick Jam outside the exhibit hall at the end of the first day of the event.

CARV Expo

The show moved business on both sides of the aisle: Most buyers (83%) discovered new products, 97% wrote orders at the show or left planning to do so and three out of four exhibitors connected with buyers they had never worked with before.

“CARV stepped things up for year two. More accounts, more brands and more foot traffic,” said Aaron Griffiths of Rusty USA.

Amy Johnson of T&C Surf, said the show proved to be helpful for her stores. “CARV brought together the right people in the right environment. We left with stronger relationships, new opportunities, and excitement for what’s ahead,” she said.

The show featured over 160 brands on the floor, spanning from heritage names like Quiksilver, Hurley, Volcom and Rusty to popular and emerging brands across various categories such as surf, skate, eyewear, outdoor brands, apparel and beach. Some beach brands at the show included Booē, Sand Cloud, Aloha Collection, Fahlo and Thread.

Red Bull capped Day 1 with its Best Trick Jam on the plaza just outside the exhibit hall, where local skate shops’ team riders competed for cash prizes — an outdoor session to cap the day.

Skate, footwear, eyewear and beach accessories were among the show’s fastest-growing categories, which CARV plans to continue leaning into as the show grows. The team also plans to focus on growing surf hardgoods, outdoor/adventure and private label options.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support and feedback from both sides of the industry, and we’re committed to continuing to listen,” Rifkin said. “Our goal isn’t growth at all costs—it’s purposeful growth. We believe that slow is pro, and we’ll continue to carefully curate the experience while thoughtfully expanding categories and verticals that add value to the community.”

CARV Expo will return May 13-14, 2027, to the San Diego Convention Center. Exhibitor booth reservations are now open at www.carvexpo.com.