Surf Expo connected buyers and exhibitors

With social media and online sales tools never more important, Surf Expo took the significant step of offering free wifi Internet to all attendees, allowing exhibitors to drive buyers to their booths through Twitter and Facebook, and in some cases enter orders real-time into backend fulfillment systems.

Chris Esherick, a first-time exhibitor from Your Needs Company, said Surf Expo also offered valuable international connections. "The show was good for new Caribbean, Jamaica, Antigua, and Netherland Antilles and a few European accounts," he says. "I really enjoyed the vibe of the show and all the show management. You really made us feel welcome and a part of the show."

Special events continued to play an important role at Surf Expo, whether through daily fashion shows, educational seminars like the day-long Board Retailers Association Survivor Series or Surf Expo's on floor special events.

Perhaps nowhere was that better displayed than at Surf Expo's wakeboarding demonstration. Powered by the new Sesitec 2.0 cable system and sponsored by Transworld Wakeboarding magazine, the 75,000 gallon pool offered showgoers a front-row view of this vibrant sport. Surf Expo also offered the wake market a variety of afterhours events including the annual Wake Awards.

With the standup paddle market poised to drive the surf culture to beaches, lakes, and rivers across the world, buyers remain fascinated with this burgeoning category. Surf Expo's SUP Demo Pool, once again hosted by Robert "Wingnut" Weaver and sponsored by Dakine, saw a consistent stream of both first-timers and veterans trying out boards and paddles and networking throughout the three days.

Vans and Skullcandy backed the Wheels of Fortune “Man Am Invitational” skate contest produced by Kona Skatepark’s Martin Ramos. The contest, held in our custom Team Pain skate park, dished out thousands of dollars to some of the industry’s best skaters who usually fly just under the radar.

Quiksilver’s premiere of Scratching the Surface left the show floor stage with standing room only. Rip Curl, Rhythm, Lost and many other brands also threw their own successful events during the weekend.

The Surf Expo community will reconvene January 6-8, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. Don't miss this leading event. Plan to attend now. For more information and for constantly updated industry news and information, log on to surfexpo.com.

About Surf Expo

With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Surf Expo is the largest and longest-running trade show for the board/beach/fashion industry (34 years). Surf Expo is held in January and September in Orlando, Florida, and draws buyers from specialty stores across the U.S., the Caribbean, Central and South America and around the world. Surf Expo is endorsed by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA); the Board Retailers Association (BRA), and the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA).