Surf Expo September to feature more than 600 exhibiting brands

New online Surf Expo Connect tool launches for buyers and vendors.

Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns Sept. 8-10 to the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse in Orlando with a wide range of brands and a diverse floor plan.

Over 600 exhibitors are participating this September with an 18% increase in square footage compared to the previous September show.

“We are thrilled to return to Orlando this summer with an extensive and impressive list of brands to help retailers fulfill all their buying needs,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo senior vice president and show director. “Coastal and beach related categories have been in high demand the past two years, and with our increased list of exhibitors, we look forward to introducing buyers to new brands as well as offering them a productive environment to connect with their existing brand partners.”

Brands exhibiting in the Watersports sections of Surf Expo include 4ocean, AVID Sportswear, Billabong, BN3TH, Body Glove, Brixton, Carve Designs, Carver Skateboards, Captain Fin, Dark Seas, Fair Harbor Clothing, Havaianas, HAYDENSHAPES SURFBOARDS, Hurley, IMSY, IPD International, Jetty, Katin,…LOST, Lotus and Luna, Manhattan Beachwear, O’Neill, Otis Eyewear, Party Pants, POP Board Co., Psycho Tuna, Pura Vida Bracelets, Quiksilver, Rastaclat, Reef Apparel, Rhythm, Rip Curl, Roark, ROXY, RSVLTS, Rusty, RVCA, Saint Maddox, Salty Crew, Sand Cloud, SEATEC OUTFITTERS, Simbi, Sisstrevolution, Sun Bum, Surfer Dudes, Tahe Outdoors, Teva, Thread, Vissla, Volcom and YETI.

In the Coastal Life categories, brands attending the show include Beach & Barn, Bogg Bag, Cape Shore, Dippin Daisys, ELAN, EXIST, Hang Loose, HUK, Kanga Coolers, Lakeshirts/Blue84, Impulse Souvenirs, LowTides Ocean Products, Old Guys Rule, Quintsoul Swimwear, Sperry, Steamboat Sticker, Sun ‘N’ Sand Accessories, Surface Sunscreen, The Life is Good Company, The Petting Zoo, Teva, Tommy Bahama, Tori Richard, Vionic, and Yesterdays Sportswear.

Surf Expo is also welcoming more than 150 new brands to the show including Bartolo Beachwear, Benson, Chasefire Outdoor, Duck Camp, Guy Fox California, Imago Portugal,iROCKER SUP, JBAY.ZONE, Johnny Fly, Lake Label, LaTAN Swim, Marine Layer, OneOne Swimwear, Phoozy, Puffin Coolers, Roostas, Seatec Outfitters, Sea & Grass, Stoners Life, Teema Towels & Blankets, The Wave Hut and Trippy Outdoor.

“We look forward to seeing the vibrant Surf Expo community come together to discover new products and make new connections as our industry continues its rapid growth thanks to more consumers embracing the active coastal lifestyle,” Turner said.

Surf Expo Connect is launching in conjunction with its upcoming show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Sept. 8-10.

Surf Expo Connect provides a seamless way for both buyers and exhibitors to create meaningful new business connections, make the most of face-to-face time, and reach new vendors and customers.

The free Connect with Brands tool allows buyers to research brands and products, create a “must-see” list, email with brands, and reserve one-on-one time with them using the calendar system to request an appointment.

The Connect with Buyers tool allows exhibitors to search registered buyers by location, title or product categories. Exhibitors can also see a list of attendees who have shown interest in their company, message buyers, view appointment requests and manage meetings in the calendar function.

Each exhibitor at Surf Expo qualifies for 30 free emails and 30 appointment requests to buyers, and can expand the plan if desired.

“We always strive to add new benefits and resources for the buyers and exhibitors that attend Surf Expo,” says Roy Turner, senior vice president and show director. “We believe the Connect application will be invaluable to both buyers and exhibitors for building new business relationships.”

Connect is available for registered buyers and exhibitors on the Surf Expo website at www.surfexpo.com.