Trade shows around the world continue to look for ways to redefine themselves or strengthen their presence in the order market, which is increasingly dominated by digital or exclusive events. The latest example is Florida’s Surf Expo, a three-day action sports trade show in Orlando produced by Emerald X, the company also responsible for Outdoor Retailer. The first edition of the Surf Expo was held in 1976, and since then, it has become an influential business gathering twice a year in January and September. On average, the show says it has over 2,000 exhibition booths and 30,000 trade visitors.
In a press release, the show writes about the concept expansion, called “Shoreline”: “Shoreline at Surf Expo evolves the waterman’s lifestyle from coastal shoreline activities into camping, hiking, climbing and more.” Or in other words, “[Shoreline] enhances the buying experience for both watersports and outfitter retailers with the debut of its new […] offering during the September 7-9, 2023 edition.”
What does that mean? Shoreline at Surf Expo will feature products dedicated to technical apparel, equipment and gear “enthusiasts need to transition from a day on the water to stretching out on land.” The focus will be primarily on products from fishing, boating, wakeboarding, technical apparel, outerwear, camping, watersports hardgoods as well as “essential gear and accessories.” The show emphasizes that the new offering complements existing product categories “by targeting the business associated with outdoor amenities and recreation found in lake towns across the country.”
Shoreline will also create a seamless connection with Surf Expo’s existing Bluewater category, which already showcases inshore and offshore apparel and accessory products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, T-shirts, sunglasses and more.
The first exhibitors under the expanded concept (Shoreline & Bluewater) already exhibiting in September are: Ronix Wake/Radar Skis, Columbia OCS, Mang, Hest, Bimini Bay Outfitters, Burnside Sierra Pacific Apparel, Elakai, Fahlo, Hest, Kracken Adventure Bikes, Intracoastal Waterway, Kanga Coolers, Lowtides Ocean Product, Line + Cleat, Pirani, Preston 1947 by Ebinger Brothers, Promo & More, Sunski, Sunburn Drink, The Grateful Diver, Rocky Brands’ Xtratuf, Welly Bottle and Zep-Pro. Plus, the exhibitors from the traditional Surf Expo segments of Surf, Paddle, Skate, Swim, Boutique, Resort, Coastal Gift and Footwear.
More info at surfexpo.com.
