Surf Expo announced the debut of their newest show category, Bluewater, at the upcoming Surf Expo January 25 to 27, 2018.
Bluewater will cater to inshore and offshore apparel and accessory companies and will be anchored by legacy exhibiting companies Salt Life, Bimini Bay and Yeti.
Larry Laska, Salt Life’s director of marketing, said, “We are excited to return to Surf Expo and to be in the new Bluewater section. Bluewater is the ultimate destination for those who ‘live the Salt Life’ to see the latest innovations in saltwater apparel and gear.”
Inspired by like-minded watersports brands, the Bluewater section connects to the waterman lifestyle that has always been a part of Surf Expo’s DNA. Featured products will range from performance and lifestyle apparel, accessories, outerwear, footwear, sportswear, t-shirts, sunglasses and much more. The new section will have a Bluewater lounge and will feature a flats skiff by Hell’s Bay Boatworks.
Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner noted, “For years Surf Expo has been a top trade event for brands rooted in the inshore and offshore apparel market including AFTCO, Sperry, Columbia, Avid, Pelagic and Mojo. Recent show trends have seen a new group of brands and retailers emerge, especially in performance apparel. Creating this standalone category will address the growing market needs and provide our retail buyers with more opportunity. Bluewater is a perfect complement to our show’s existing sections.”
Greg Hall, Owner of Island Outfitters New England, added, “At the show we start in a key section, write orders, then walk to find complementary products. Surf Expo has always put an emphasis on making the show floor easy for buyers to navigate by grouping similar products together. Bluewater will be a perfect addition for us and other “outfitter” type retailers.”
Bluewater will be centrally located on Surf Expo’s show floor bordered by the Paddle, Surf and Resort categories offering crossover opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.
Surf Expo is largest and longest running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle tradeshow in the world. Produced annually in January and September the show draws buyers from specialty stores, major chains, resorts, cruise lines and beach rental companies across the U.S., the Caribbean, Central and South America and around the world. The next Surf Expo is January 25-27, 2018 in Orlando, FL. Surf Expo is a trade-only event. Surf Expo is owned by Emerald Expositions.
Photo courtesy Surf Expo
