The upcoming Surf Expo show in Orlando in September will include two other adjacent gatherings for the first time.
GLM, the company that owns Surf Expo, recently purchased the tradeshow and conference component of Internet Retailer.
The Boardroom, which celebrates the modern day surfboard industry, will also run during Surf Expo and be open to both the public and Surf Expo attendees.
Surf Expo’s Roy Turner and The Boardroom’s Scott Bass explained some of thinking behind the new offerings at Surf Expo.
IR Focus at Surf Expo
Trade shows really reflect the business environment, Roy said, and since the internet has changed the whole business process, the Surf Expo team thought it would be a good fit for retailers attending the show.
Internet Retailer showcases exhibitors that offer a wide range of services including building websites, SEO strategies, email marketing, and logistic services.
“It’s a phenomenal turnkey loop, where every component of selling online is represented and explored. On top of that, there is a whole educational curriculum that goes along with it,” he said.
Surf Expo will bring a condensed version of this called IR Focus to the show in September and it will be located on the Surf Expo floor.
In addition to offering a chance to meet potential service providers, Surf Expo is also offering four, half-day workshops on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 to help attendees increase their internet retailing knowledge.
Speakers from companies such as Swell.com, Crocs, Perry Ellis International, Sport Chalet and Life is Good will tackle a variety of internet retailing topics.
The seminars are only open to Surf Expo attendees, and there is a fee. See the schedule here.
The Boardroom at Surf Expo
This will be The Boardroom’s first foray to the East Coast. The open-to-the-public show has been popular on the West Coast. The event includes live shaping, films, music, art, culture, photography and more.
The Boardroom showcases surfboard design and innovation and co-locating the show at Surf Expo gives exhibitors an opportunity to reach buyers at Surf Expo in addition to the thousands of passionate consumers who typically attend.
“My clients always tell me that (The Boardroom) is the best show ever, except that they’d love it if some (retail) buyers came to the show,” Scott said. “This helps makes that bridge happen.”
The show will be adjacent to Surf Expo, and Surf Expo attendees can gain access with their badges. The public, which will have to pay to enter, will have a separate entrance.
Surf Expo runs Sept. 6-8, and a Board Demo Day is September 5. The Boardroom at Surf Expo is Sept. 7-8.
